project680.org

The Folsom Cordova Unified School District Liaison for Homeless Services has informed Project 680 of a big need for new underwear for homeless students in the FCUSD. Therefore, Project 680 will be holding an underwear drive through May 19, 2012. We are asking for NEW (not used) underwear in all sizes and appropriate styles for boys and girls in grades K-12.

Our goal is to collect 680 packages of underwear so that each student documented as “homeless” in the FCUSD will be able to basically have one week’s worth of new underwear. Ultimately, a package will consist of 5+ pairs of underwear, so we’ll be aiming to collect 3,000 pairs of new underwear. Please see our FAQ below for details and how to get involved.

We’ll also be doing an “Undies Ride” on May 19, 2012. This will be a fun community bike ride on the last day of the Underwear Drive. The goal is to come together to have one final push to collect undies and have some fun together as a team. See below for details.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of homeless students in our community. Not only will new underwear meet a very relevant and practical need, but it will also speak volumes to students about how the community is looking out for them. Please consider getting involved. Thank you so much for your support. Download a flyer HERE (pdf).

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

1) Underwear Goal: Pick an underwear goal with your family, household, the office, church or a group of friends. Pick a number of underwear that you’d like to collect with a group of people (maybe 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100) and then go for it. There are certainly some creative options for generating donations or even raising money too. We’d love to hear what you’re thinking, so let us know if you’d like. Kids often come up with really good ideas too.

2) Be a “Drop-off” Location: We are looking for a dozen or so drop-off locations in the general area. These could be households, businesses, churches or organizations. Being a “drop-off” is a great opportunity to be available for the community and to network. Tell your contacts what you are doing so they can partner with you.

3) Come to the “Undies Ride”: Come to our community bike ride on May 19, 2012 (Saturday) at 9am. This “Undies Ride” will be the last day to get your underwear in, so drop ‘em off and bring your bike to the free parking lot at Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova (just outside of the main entrance at 2197 Chase Drive Rancho Cordova CA 95670). We’ll have two rides available. One will be a beginner ride and the other will go from Rancho Cordova to Folsom at Bicycles Plus (26 miles total roundtrip). This is a family-friendly event and a great excuse to get some exercise as well as mingle with fellow Project 680 supporters. Maybe you could put together a team from the office, church, your neighborhood or a group of friends.

4) Make a Video: Make a video to help tell people about the Project 680 Underwear Drive. Tell people what you’re doing, how to get involved, or put a creative idea into motion. Post the video on our Facebook page or email us about it.

5) Undies Logo: We are looking for an underwear logo. Any graphic designers out there want to help us make a stellar logo to advertise this drive? We’d like to see a couple “Project 680 supporter” graphics too so locals can put them on blogs and websites.

6) Volunteer on May 19th: We’ll need some logistical help on May 19, 2012 at our community bike ride. Let us know if you can help with things like set-up, sign-in, clean-up, collecting underwear, etc…

7) Other Ideas: We definitely welcome your creative ideas. How can we do this together? What’s in your heart? How you can use your talents, passions and abilities for the sake of the undies drive?

Tell all your friends about the underwear drive. Email, post on your blog, share on Facebook, tweet on Twitter…

NOTE: Checks can be made payable to “Cordova Community Council” with “Project 680″ in the memo section for anyone wanting to make a tax-deductible financial donation.

Drop-Off Locations (TBA): 

Contact Ryan at 916-595-335, email us at info@project680.org, follow us on Twitter @Project680 and join us for conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/project680.

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?
Well, we’re aiming for 680 packages of a week’s worth of underwear so we can give one package to each homeless student. Basically, this means we’ll be aiming to collect about 3,000 pairs of underwear.

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 XXL; 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. Since we were specifically told that kids need underwear, we feel confident in this project. We do accept financial donations as well as Payless Shoe Source gift cards throughout the year to support the yearly shoe drive.

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 local residents and local organizations. This effort belongs to all of us. The Cordova Community Council is our 501(c)(3) sponsor, so donor receipts are provided upon request (and provided every time money is donated). Project 680 is managed by a board of community members that consists of Ryan Lundquist, Jennifer Tartaglia, Melody Mayer, Shannan Loveless, Jimin Sing, Charlene Hunt & Sheryl Longsworth.

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 19 after our community bike ride we will begin counting. We may have the final tally that afternoon or it may be Monday May 21. We’ll let everyone know right away.

Where can I drop them off?
We have various drop-off locations throughout the local area. “Drop-off” locations are listed above and you can drop your donations by any of the locations mentioned. 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.

Drop-Off Locations: 
Andelin household: 1972 Tyndrum Ln.  Folsom CA 95630
Denny’s: 2474 Sunrise Boulevard  Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Fairfield Inn & Suites: 10745 Gold Center Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Lewkowitz household: 9278 Louis street, elk grove ca 95624
Rancho Cordova City Hall: 2729 Prospect Park Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Williams household: 4257 Emmons Circle, Mather 95655
Zak Ford household: 4252 Mustic Way, Mather

Can I get a tax receipt for the donation?
Yes. Just ask us and we’ll get something to you.

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 a local store. 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/undies2012

Who can I contact for more information?
Contact Ryan at 916-595-335, email us at info@project680.org, follow us on Twitter @Project680 and join us for conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/project680. Please include the subject line “Project 680? in the email so you are not deleted as SPAM.

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love” Mother Theresa