Beginning in July, Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services will host 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 our county occurs year around, 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 & 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 our shelters. Our vision is to shift the conversation, and the culture, and truly transition our community from surviving to thriving.
Throughout the past few years, “We’ve been extremely fortunate to have the support of our community. Their generous holiday spirit provides families with joy during our winter ‘Adopt a Family’ program, and their continued donations provides 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,” say Jennifer Jones, CEO of Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services.
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 & toddler, and apparel. The complete list can be found at www.WomensCenterYFS.org, and donations will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 620 N. San Joaquin Street in Stockton. Donors or any community member with questions can call (209) 941-2611.