Church donates toiletries to Oceanside children's refuge

The three Fallbrook wards and Spanish branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are part of the Vista Stake Relief Society have been busy! Fawn Packer, the Stake Relief Society President, wanted a service project all the women in the Stake could participate in. All summer each Ward Relief Society has gathered donations of shampoo and conditioners, combs, brushes, soap, lotions, toothpaste and toothbrushes to put in hand-sewn humanitarian bags. These bags will be donated to Casa de Amparo.

Casa de Amparo, or “House of Refuge” for abused children, is located in Oceanside. They offer care and counseling for children from birth to 17 years and help 170 to 200 children annually.

The humanitarian bags were organized for different needs and age groups. Bags for 13- to 18-year-old girls might include nail polish and scented lotions. Kits for 6- to 12-year-old girls might have hair clips and colored pencils. The bags for young men included hair gel and deodorant, and the children’s bags included bath toys, colored Band-Aids and stuffed animals. Each Ward accepted their assignment of collecting donations all summer long and sewing 20 or more bags with the hope that the Vista Stake Relief Society could donate 200 finished kits by September 23.

Fawn Packer hopes the project will “encourage and create a continued connection with the shelter and that there will be ongoing donations throughout the year.”