What was it in May that brought out the worst in some of us?
We as a group are offering our county and children endless hours of patience, kindness, generosity and love…yet a few of these same wonderful people don’t show that same kindness at our distribution day.

One member nearly fell from being pushed so that another member could get what they wanted, and was nearly trampled at the front door by members pushing in front of her. I’m sure none of us wants that to happen, and the picture this paints certainly is NOT us! Please let’s all work together to show each other what a great job we are all doing and how much we appreciate each other. And if you see something that is not fair or overly aggressive – please call attention to it.

For those of you that don’t know, the 1st Saturday distribution and the whole center has been dramatically improved in the last few years, but there is always room to make it better. I already have a few suggestions, and welcome more, but I’m thinking that we have a great system…it just takes all of us following the directions, being considerate of those around us, and choosing our items in the allotted time to make it fair and organized for everyone.

And PLEASE don’t be mad at me for making everyone follow the rules…that’s my job!

Past Event
Orange County Hiking and Backpacking Club
A few families joined in on a nice beach stroll in early May and had a really great time! Thank you OCHBC!

Present Event
Tickets to the Muzeo! If you are a member of the Auxiliary we have tickets for MUZEO in Anaheim. Tickets may be used from now to September- 2 exhibits 1) How to Make a Monster and
2) Bizarre Beasts Past and Present

Please email me with your family name and how many tickets you would like. Include a sentence or two about your family and how the Auxiliary helps you or has helped you in some way and why you think fostering is important and why you think it ‘takes a village’ to raise these kids. If you can, will you please include how long you have fostered and how many children have had the privilege of passing through your home? Not a requirement, but I would love to share some of your stories with persons who might want to support us.

Foster Care Auxiliary and COTA
The following is from: Dave Brisbin, Children of The Americas

Foster Care Auxiliary and COTA

Foster Care Auxiliary in Anaheim, CA exists to enhance the lives of all Orange County foster children by helping to support and retain Orange County licensed foster families and those who are providing a permanent home for minors from the Orange County foster care system. It's a proactive group of foster parents, social workers, and community members who work together to provide high quality care to dependent children, and support to foster parents. Part of their own support comes from their thrift store in Anaheim, and it was from that store that they donated a great deal of hygiene care materials to COTA for our kids. We were able to pick up toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, soap, and all sorts of important materials that have been distributed to our kids both in northern and central Baja. For more on the Auxiliary, visit their web site www.FosterCareAux.com

Camp To Belong

is a national organization whose motto is to give siblings the right to reunite. This organization is spreading throughout the US and beyond where sibling connections are enhanced at camp. This camp is specifically for children in foster care who have siblings they cannot currently live with. The Eddie Nash Foundation has partnered with Foster Care Auxiliary and we will be bringing Camp To Belong to Orange County this July! Visit www.camptobelongoc.org to find out more! If you would like a camper application or information about Orangewood Children’s Trust Fund Grant’s which can provide costs for this camp, please contact us.

Time is running out – spaces are limited!