Stanbridge College Delivers Warmth to Mercy House Cold Weather Shelter for Orange County Homeless
Stanbridge College community service initiative recently partnered with Mercy House sending volunteers and donations to the OC Emergency Cold Weather Shelters and transitional housing programs.

IRVINE, CA, January 25, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stanbridge College recently partnered with Mercy House to support them in the fight against homelessness. Last weekend, 400 homeless people woke up to the support of Stanbridge College REACH student and staff volunteers assisting at the Mercy House Orange County Cold Weather Emergency Shelter program. Volunteers at both Santa Ana and Fullerton shelter locations helped the people at the shelter by collecting their sleeping mats and blankets, passing out morning coffee and donated snacks and collecting trash outside of the shelter. Stanbridge College also donated over 50 blankets to the Regina House transitional housing shelter in Santa Ana.

According to Katrina Payton, volunteer and Stanbridge College staff member, "Volunteering at the Mercy House shelter was an eye-opening experience. It reminded me that there are a lot of ways that we can help people right here in our local community. I am excited to continue my volunteer work at the next Stanbridge REACH event for the homeless."

The shelters are located at the National Guard Armories in Santa Ana and Fullerton and provide the homeless with a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep during the winter months. The program is a part of Mercy House's mission to end homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services.

Stanbridge College encourages its students to participate in community service through its REACH Beyond the Classroom Service Learning and Civic Engagement initiative. Stanbridge College's REACH initiative provides students with opportunities to give back to their local Orange County and global community while earning credit towards coursework in a structured environment. In the past, Stanbridge REACH has focused on helping homeless and low-income families by serving meals at local soup kitchens and shelters including Lighthouse Ministries, Mary's Kitchen and Someone Cares Soup Kitchen. Stanbridge also supports the students of Project Hope School and has participated in events for homeless veterans with Veterans First OC. Learn more about REACH at www.stanbridge.edu/reach.

Press Release Contact Information:

Victoria Sauer
Stanbridge College
Media and Communications Officer
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Irvine, CA
USA 92612
Voice: 949-794-9090
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