A toy drive for Orange County foster children begins Nov. 20 at Fashion Island's Concierge Suite.
CASA of Orange County, a nonprofit whose name stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is collecting new, unwrapped toys at the suite in Atrium Court through Dec. 18, according to Fashion Island's event page. The gifts go to children in the county's foster care system.
Approximately 3,000 children and young adults fall under the jurisdiction of Orange County's Dependency Court, according to CASA OC. Children in long-term foster care often move between group homes and foster homes, which can disrupt school enrollment and extracurricular activities.
Children paired with a CASA volunteer graduate high school at a 96% rate, compared with a 58% rate for foster youth overall, according to the organization. CASA volunteers commit to at least two years with a young person in the system.
The Fashion Island drive is among six holiday collection efforts in the region profiled by Orange Coast magazine.
Donors who want to help older foster youth have a separate option at Fashion Island. The Lincoln Experience Center has partnered with The Give Back Pack to collect items for teenagers in foster care through Nov. 28. Most-needed items include gift cards to Target, Taco Bell and Habit Burger, along with cozy socks, journals, jewelry and beanies, according to Visit Newport Beach.
Upcoming in Newport Beach
- CASA toy drive at Fashion Island: Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Concierge Suite in Atrium Court, Nov. 20 through Dec. 18. Details at casaoc.org.
- Foster teen donation drive at Lincoln Experience Center: Accepting gift cards, socks, journals and other teen items through Nov. 28.
