Underwear
We did an underwear drive in the Spring of 2009 and we are proud to announce that 3,198 pairs of underwear were collected. Great work everyone!!!
THE SITUATION: Did you know that the Folsom Cordova Unified School District has a program to assist homeless students? Did you know that last year they served 680 kids within the district? It is hard to grasp that so many local kids are struggling with something as basic as a stable place to live. It’s the truth though and so we recently asked the District Liaison for Homeless Services how we could help out. She told us that having new underwear is a felt need among students. So it makes good sense for us to do an underwear drive to help bless local students who are documented as “homeless”. Our goal is to see our community at large gather 680 pairs of new underwear by May 8, 2009.
WHAT IS A HOMELESS STUDENT? “Homeless” is defined as “an individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate residence.” The kids that the school district serves are living in unstable places like motels, in homes without a parent or legal guardian, in tents, in cars, on the streets, in RVs in a parking lot, in homes without power or water, etc… These are kids who reside within FCUSD territory within the cities of Rancho Cordova and Folsom.
We are optimistic about this project and encouraged by residents from many neighborhoods and local organizations who are pitching in to make a difference in the lives of local students. We are grateful also for the various neighborhood leaders who are collaborating to make this project successful. Thank you in advance for your partnership and generosity.
Contact us with any questions, but make sure to read the FAQ section first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of underwear should I get?
We are collecting for Elementary, Middle & High School students.
How many pairs of underwear are you aiming to collect?
680.
If I participate, how many pairs of underwear do I have to donate?
There is not a minimum amount at all. We are very grateful for small amounts as well as larger donations. We will be appreciative of whatever you contribute and your gift will be valuable for local students.
What type of underwear should I buy?
Only new undergarments in sealed packages will be accepted. Elementary boys and girls: sizes 4-10 (standard underwear), full briefs for older elementary, as well as middle school and high school students: boys generally prefer boxers and could use a range of sizes from boys 10-12 through mens XL; Girls generally prefer a modest bikini brief (side seams are commonly 3-4 inches). The older girls generally prefer a side seam of about 3″ or so. Thongs are inappropriate for this project; Older elementary, middle school and high school girls would appreciate underwear from girls 12 to a range of teen sizes.
Should I buy new or used underwear?
New and in a wrapper or package. We will not accept used.
Why is new underwear helpful?
New underwear will bless students who are documented as “homeless” in our school district, give a sense of dignity that something so basic like underwear is not missing or in low supply in dresser drawers, and assist student’s families in being able to save money by not having to buy some new underwear. The obvious thing we love is that kids (the 680) will have a greater supply of underwear to choose from – and that is what cheers our hearts.
Why underwear? And can I donate other stuff?
Our focus is only underwear right now because we were told by the District Liaison for Homeless Services from FCUSD that underwear would be a great emphasis. In addition, a group of us decided at the Project 680 Community Forum in March 2009 that we would focus on underwear. Since we were specifically told that kids need underwear, we feel confident in this project. We are not accepting any other donations at this time. If you have something else you are interested in promoting, we say go for it. For now, thanks for dropping off underwear only. However, the District Liaison for Homeless Services says that they do accept Payless Shoe Source gift cards year round so that they can provide shoes to those in need (we don’t mind collecting gift cards on their behalf or connecting you with them).
Who is behind this effort?
People like you. Also, various neighborhood leaders throughout Rancho Cordova and Folsom and local organizations / businesses have volunteered to tap into their networks, be a drop-off location, or tell others about this project. This project is being spearheaded by the Project 680 team, which is comprised of an array of folks from the community in Folsom and Rancho Cordova as well as local organizations. This effort belongs to all of us. Thank you to various neighborhoods, residents, a Girl Scout troup in Folsom, neighborhood associations, local organizations and local businesses who are stepping up to help lead this effort.
Do I have to be a resident in Rancho Cordova or Folsom to get involved?
Not at all. This is really a collective effort and we welcome all locals and non-locals to get involved – even if you are on the outskirts of FCUSD territory or nearby cities.
When will you know how many pairs of underwear have been collected?
On May 8 from 7-8pm we are going to be doing a counting party at 2301 Dawes Street Rancho Cordova CA 95670. We will count everything and separate them into their respective sizes. Come and help us count and celebrate with us. If you are not able to make it, don’t worry. We’ll post the final count on May 8th online. After the final count, we will hand over all underwear to the District Liaison for Homeless Services so that her office can distribute them to local students in need (the 680).
Where can I drop them off?
We have various drop-off locations throughout the city of Rancho Cordova as well as communities close to Rancho Cordova. You can go to any of the following households. If residents are not home, please drop underwear off in a “drop box” on the porch. You are welcome to knock on the door to present your donation or you can remain anonymous in your giving by simply dropping the underwear in the box at the front door. If you would like to collect new underwear at your work or another location, that would be great. Thank you for your kind donation.
Cordova Gardens Area: Penrose Household
Cordova Meadows Area: Bellamy Household
Cordova Neighborhood Church: Church Office
Cordova Senior Center: Sacramento
Folsom: Girl Scout Troop 24 c/o the Scott Family
Mather: Ford Household
Rancho Cordova: Burnash Household
Rancho Cordova City Hall: 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova
RC Neighborhood Center: 10665 Coloma Road, Suite 100, Rancho Cordova
Sunriver Neighborhood: Gossard Household
Sunriver Neighborhood: Cooley Household
White Rock Area: Jeppesen Household
White Rock Area: Wiese Household
White Rock Area: Tartaglia Household
Can I get a tax receipt for the donation?
Not from us. Sorry. We are a volunteer organization without non-profit status.
What are some creative ways to raise funds in this current economic downturn?
Maybe sell something small on Craigslist and then use your profit to buy a pack of underwear at Wal-mart. Email people in your circles and ask them to consider participating in this effort. Talk with your household and kids especially about creative ways to come up with a few dollars to make a purchase. Let your kids run with ideas on how to help other kids. Give up coffee for a few days and then use that money for underwear. As a family or household, decide together about how to get creative.
The FCUSD really looks after homeless students?
Yes. The District Liaison for Homeless Services is a paid position within the FCUSD and there is also another full-time position in the office. Additionally there are two part-time positions to help with the effort. Serving homeless students is a very real need for the District (and many other districts) in both Rancho Cordova and Folsom and is really about “leaving no child behind.” This emphasis in the District is funded by Title I money through State & Federal programs.
Can our organization or business pledge to raise a certain amount of underwear?
Sure. That would be great. Just let us know.
How can I help?
Beyond donating underwear, one of the most important things you can do is to let people in your circles of influence know about this effort. Tell your neighbors, family, people at work, friends, and church members. Send out an email with the following link: www.project680.org
Link to us
You can send people to this web page by linking to us from your site or blog. Make sure to use the site at www.project680.org or directly at www.project680.org/underwear
Who can I contact for more information?
You can call Ryan Lundquist at 916-595-3735 or email him at info@project680.org. Please include the subject line “Project 680″ in the email so you are not deleted as SPAM.
We look forward to partnering together.
Contact Ryan at 916-595-3735 or info@project680.org for more information. Join the Project 680 Facebook Page or follow on Twitter @Project680.
