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.