The Girl Up Club at Santiago has organized a donation drive to the Orange County Rescue Mission Center that promises to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. From May 6th to May 24th, Santiago High School Girl Up is collaborating with Unity to campaign a Women’s Necessities and Barbie Doll Drive in the hope of providing resources that will enable girls and women to pursue their dreams unhindered by the barriers of poverty and inequality.

The Orange County Rescue Mission Shelter  is a “faith-based, life-transformation program designed for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.” For those wanting to participate, the items that the Girl Up team is advocating to donate range from feminine products, clean clothes, socks, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, and other hygiene products to toys for young girls, specifically Barbie dolls, such as Barbie represents empowered women that are versatile in their abilities. 

Click here for more information on what to donate.

Why Should You Donate?

Unfortunately, shelter organizations face understaffing and underfunding issues. Thus, donating necessary items to these local shelters is essential to cultivate a safe, supportive, encouraging, and comforting environment for those experiencing homelessness. Support of these organizations reduces vulnerability and builds resilience for these individuals in need, as homeless shelters can lead individuals to self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. Aligned with Santiago Girl Up’s current campaign, according to the UN, it is more difficult for women to escape poverty because women are given fewer economic opportunities and have less access to jobs. They find that 10% of women around the world are “trapped in a cycle of extreme poverty, living on less than USD 2.15 a day.” 

Officers of the Girl Up club further explain why one should participate in this donation drive:

Brenda Tran, the current secretary of Santiago Girl Up, elaborates, “People should participate in this donation drive because many homeless women don’t have food or clean clothes, and a small donation can help them with their basic everyday needs.” She then discusses its influence on the community, “Participating in the Girl Up donation drive benefits not only women in shelters but also the broader community because people are more aware of the great impacts it can have. It is nice to help and connect with your community.” She transitions into expressing the hopes she has for this donation drive, “I hope that this donation drive will raise awareness about the challenges faced by women in difficult situations as it aligns with our core values, and it can spread the mission of Girl Up to support and encourage underprivileged women.” Finally, Brenda explains some of the items they are collecting and their importance for women in shelters, “In addition to clothes and supplies, we’re collecting Barbie Dolls because it advocates for women empowerment, especially to less fortunate young girls not to feel discouraged because they can be whoever they choose despite their living situations.”

Simone Smith, the current Public Relations officer, begins by elaborating on why people should participate, “People should donate to this drive because it’s a great opportunity to do good and help people, especially girls, who are in need,” she proceeds to explain the impact of one’s donation, “Donating to this shelter benefits the women in the shelter by providing them the products and items they need, while also showing them kindness and support. It inspires others to donate and creates a closer connection between everyone in the community.” Then, she expresses her hopes for this drive to raise awareness about the challenges women face in difficult situations: “I hope this drive can demonstrate to people how many others struggle and the reasons behind these struggles. Some women have so little and try so hard to better their lives. Creating change in the world for women can prevent such struggles and help people get out of a bad life.”

If you are interested in participating in this drive, here is a flyer with all the summarized information:

For further information or questions, please get in touch with @santiagogirlup on Instagram or email [email protected].

Donations go to Room H105.

Remember, no act of kindness is too small to make a difference. Together, we have the power to change the world.