For the past 29 years, South County Outreach (originally Saddleback Community Outreach), has been a leader in the fight to end hunger and homelessness in Orange County. We believe that helping people help themselves is the most effective way to build a self-sustaining community. Through the implementation of programs like our Transitional Housing Program, which puts a roof over the heads of 17 households every year, along with our Food Pantry, which distributes over 800,000 lbs of food and keeps nearly 2,500 children fed each year, South County Outreach is doing what we do best—housing hope and ending hunger, together.
In fact, volunteers are an enormous part of our success; we have over a thousand unique volunteers donate their time for us throughout the year, along with 200 regularly scheduled weekly volunteers. Even though our name may have changed, we still rally behind the strength of community. Together, we can make an impact.
There are numerous ways to get involved with South County Outreach! From volunteer work to attending one of our events, there is sure to be a way for you to take action with our organization. Here are a few ways that you can make an impact!
1. Volunteer
Volunteerism is critical to the success of South County Outreach. Our volunteers play a major role interacting with clients, sorting food and stocking shelves in the food pantry, driving trucks and picking up donations, handling retail responsibilities at Upscale Resale Thrift Store, and even more! There are so many benefits to volunteer work, like meeting new friends, learning new skills, and making an impact.
2. Donate
Contributions of any size are greatly valued at South County Outreach. Just $50 can feed one local senior for a week–each year, we feed 795 seniors in Orange County! We accept donations of all different kinds including monetary, food, time, and auto. All are simple ways to make a difference in the success of our organization. Monetary donations are tax-deductible, and your support directly helps struggling families, so donate now!
3. Host a Food Drive
Food Drive Fridays are a popular fundraiser for businesses, schools, faith-based associations, and other organizations! Food drives are a great way to rally your friends and family to help out a great cause. Non-perishable goods are much needed for those struggling in our community, and are simple to organize! Registering your event with an online platform is an easy way to notify your organization of a fundraiser and make a splash in Orange County! South County Outreach is here to help– we will provide you with collection barrels and schedule pick ups and drop offs. Check out our communications tools and sign up your organization online!
4. Shop Upscale Resale
To further support our organization, we operate a local thrift store– Upscale Resale! It’s a fun (and fashionable) way to get involved with South County Outreach; you can shop, donate, or volunteer. Through the sale of unique and gently used household items, designer clothing and shoes, as well as toys and games, we can generate greater funds to contribute to our mission. If you’re looking to donate, check out our 10 most needed items. For those looking to shop, we offer great deals on gently used and vintage items, and offer themed specials each month!
Help us prevent hunger and homelessness and hunger in Orange County. It’s a big job, but together, we can make a difference.
