Women’s Center-Youth and Family Services is currently hosting its fifth annual Christmas in July. Women’s Center-Youth and Family Services is San Joaquin County’s sole provider of free, confidential shelter and services specifically designed to meet the needs of homeless and runaway youth and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. This drive brings awareness to the fact that violence in the county occurs year-round, and it encourages the community to support those most vulnerable populations by making monetary or in-kind donations throughout the month of July.
Annually, Women’s Center-Youth and Family Services serves nearly 20,000 individuals through its direct services and community outreach, including more than 700 victims and their children who stay in local shelters.
“We’ve been extremely fortunate to have the support of our community,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of Women’s Center-Youth and Family Services, of the Christmas in July effort over the past few years.
“Their generous holiday spirit provides families with joy during our winter ‘Adopt a Family’ program, and their continued donations provide hundreds of victims and their children with gently used clothing. Christmas in July lets the community – our greatest supporters – enjoy the holiday spirt in the summer months too,” Jones added.
The Christmas in July drive outlines specific programmatic needs for clients through eight categories: school supplies, electronics, health and beauty, hygiene products, bathroom essentials, household essentials, baby and toddler, and apparel. The complete list can be found at www.WomensCenterYFS.org, and donations will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 620 N. San Joaquin St. in Stockton. Donors or any community member with questions can call (209) 941-2611.
Established in 1976, Women’s Center-YFS has 10 locations throughout San Joaquin County, including four homeless youth and domestic violence shelters, and serves 20,000 individuals annually. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Women’s Center-YFS relies on donations from the local community to supplement programmatic contracts and grants in order to continue providing the highest quality of services to those in need.
