The mission of LCC's Heart 2 Heart outreach program is to provide relief to women in crisis, in hope of permanently altering their lives for the better. Since 2007, LakeCountyCares has assembled and delivered more than 1,050 personal hygiene kits for women in the care of the following agencies: A Safe Place, the Lake County Haven, Holy Family Food Pantry, Women's Residential Services, NICASA , PADS, House of Peace and Zacharias Center. This year's event took place on Friday, February 3 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Gorton Community Center. Volunteers assembled "Valentine's Spa Bags" from donated items, and made handmade valentines to include with each bag.
Click here to see an event invitation. SPECIAL THANKS to the six local girl scouts from Troop 40980 who earned their
silver award by taking on the administration of this progam, as well as all Lake Forest Bank locations who served as drop-off sites for toiletry donations through the end of January. Items collected included: soap, body/hand/face lotion, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, q-tips, cotton balls, nail polish, nail polish remover, cosmetic samples, slippers, etc.
History
On February 11, 2011 women of all ages gathered at Gorton Community Center for this special evening of outreach. From 7:00-10:00 p.m. guests assembled spa kits, wrote home-made valentine's, and experienced the satisfaction of knowing that other women in need would receive essential toiletries, as well as some much-need pampering, on Valentine's Day. More than 90 women attended the event and over 300 volunteers participated in the collection of more than 6,000 toiletry items. Special thanks to Lake Buff Middle Schooler, Colin Guido, for running a toiletries drive for his confirmation project!
Responses from Recipient Agencies:
Thank you for the wonderful Valentine's Day spa bags. The thoughtfulness and generosity of organizations like yours makes a huge difference in the quality of life for the clients of the Lake County Haven. Your support assists us in empowering homeless women and children to achieve permanent independent living. Cindy H., Executive Director Lake County Haven
On behalf of Nicasa and the women at our Women's Services program, thank you very much for your generous donation of 60 Valentines Gift Bags filled with shampoo, soap, lotion and other goodies. These gifts were very appreciated by the women in the program and boosted their self-esteem and confidence. Bruce N., Chief Executive Officer, Nicasa
Want to volunteer? Call Lake County Cares at 847 234 8876 or contact us and reference Heart 2 Heart.
