Issue 167 - January 2026
NEWS: WORTHY
California JPIA Staff Support Local Youth Through Holiday Service Projects
After hearing about local elementary school students who were in need of basic necessities, Authority staff decided to volunteer their time and resources to make no-sew blankets. With staff donations, Facilities Manager Chris Yanonis purchased the materials required to make the blankets. Staff got together at the Authority campus during lunch and produced about 30 blankets. The students and administrators at the school truly appreciated the Authority’s donations.
“When I learned about students at the Beswick School who were struggling, the idea of supplying those children with blankets just made sense,” said McBride. “Blankets are something the kids can take home with them to feel comfortable and warm during the winter months. Making the blankets was also a great team-building activity that helped staff get into the holiday spirit.”
The Orangewood Foundation, based in Santa Ana, provides personal care supplies, groceries, transitional housing, life skills workshops, and employment opportunities to almost 2,000 local young people each year. The California JPIA collected non-perishable food items, such as soup, vegetables, and pasta, to donate to community members served by the Foundation.
“At the Authority, we really look forward to this food drive each year. It’s a simple but meaningful way for us to support foster youth and young adults who are on their own,” said Morrison. “Many don’t have the built-in support of a family, so we’re glad we can pitch in and help lighten the load a bit.”
For more information about the Orangewood Foundation, please visit orangewoodfoundation.org. No-sew blanket video tutorials are available online.
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