United Way’s Women in Philanthropy collects hundreds of items for emancipating foster youth
May 11, 2010 — United Way’s Women in Philanthropy gathered last
week for its annual spring collection of towels, toiletries and
luggage for emancipating foster youth, part of Sacramento
County’s emancipation basket program. Women in Philanthropy
collected a record 350 towel sets, hundreds of toiletry items and
more than 40 luggage sets.
“These are items we all take for granted, but they can make a
huge difference in quality of life for foster youth who are
getting ready to leave the system and live on their own,” said
Lisa Watts, Women in Philanthropy chair.
Women in Philanthropy members provide financial donations to
United Way, which in turn help prepare foster youth for adulthood
by encouraging higher educational goals, providing mentors and
more. Women in Philanthropy members also donate time and talents
to conduct life-skills workshops for foster youth and gather
gifts for holiday stockings.
United Way California Capital Region is an independent local
affiliate of United Way of America and works with nonprofit
partners to create lasting results on local community issues
through local United Way focus areas: Education (helping children
and youth reach their potential), Income (promoting financial
stability and independence) and Health (improving people’s
health). Governed by a local board of volunteer directors, United
Way partners with more than 700 employers in Amador, El Dorado,
Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties to raise money through
workplace giving campaigns for United Way focus areas and
nonprofit partners. For more information, visit
www.yourlocalunitedway.org.