Island Time Shoe Drive for LA Youth Network
March 2018
SERVICE DESCRIPTION
For our March event, resisterhoodLA hosted a spring break-themed Shoe Drive party to benefit Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN)!
To attend, guests donated $15 towards our Shoe Fund OR a pair of shoes! (Shoes must be NEW, sneakers or athletic shoes, women’s size 6 and up, men’s size 8 and up) Guests enjoyed complimentary snacks, cocktails courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka, games courtesy of Joymode, a Q&A with representatives from LAYN
EVENT RECAP
The very first time that I volunteered was to clean up after a parade in my hometown. The blistering July sun melted dum-dum pops to the hot asphalt, and the only thought running through my head was, "someone should be paid to do this." Needless to say, giving back wasn't something that I always admired and pursued. I never thought that I could be the type of person who gave back to my community yearly, yet alone monthly.
My last year with ResisterhoodLA has not only taught me that volunteering is necessary and easy, but that it can also be fun. This was exactly my goal with organizing the March 2018 event. Choosing to work with Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) was an easy decision, as my main goal for picking an organization to work with was to locate a youth homeless shelter that is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Not only does LAYN assist homeless and foster youth in LA but they are a safe place for LGBTQ+ people.
After speaking with Raynetta and Kriss from LAYN about what their needs are, we settled on hosting an Island Time Shoe Drive to raise money and collect foot ware. This was a huge task to take on, but we were very fortunate to receive donations of games from Joymode, Vodka from Tito's Handmade Vodka, and the space to host the event from The Flower Studio, Studio City. Mary and I worked together to make a simple but impactful itinerary that included lots of activities, food and a great setting for our volunteers to get to know each other a little better. With all the elements in place, we were all set to have a fun fundraiser.
On March 18th, the ResisterhoodLA team gathered and transformed the space into a tropical getaway with light snacks, tropical drinks, temporary tattoos, letters of encouragement, and wonderful games. My favorite moment from the day was a Q&A with Kriss and Raynetta from LAYN, during which we learned about the services LAYN provides, their mission, and how we can continue to give back. Guests were required to donate a pair of shoes or money to attend, and overall we collected 43 pairs of shoes, 100 pairs of socks, and $1483.
I am very grateful for all of the help from LAYN and the ResisterhoodLA team for making this event happen. I never thought that I could feel so much love in a room at once, and after seeing the assistance that we could provide for foster and homeless youth in LA I couldn't just feel it, I could see it.
Contributed by Jeff Maloney, March event organizer.
ABOUT LOS ANGELES YOUTH NETWORK
The Los Angeles Youth Network’s mission is to empower abused, neglected and homeless adolescents to become self-sufficient.
For youth whose histories of trauma have driven them to the streets or placed them in the foster care system, LAYN is there to help and empower them. We provide the support that often has alluded them. Beyond the basics of shelter, food, and clothing, we give our youth the tools and mindset they need to imagine positive futures. We inspire each youth to realize their academic potential, to identify their career aspirations, and advocate for themselves. The young people we serve are our most important partners.
As our most important partners, we place them at the center of what we do. Since our founding in 1985, we have proven the value of a comprehensive model of care that places youth at the center of direct service. Our actions and our evolution have illustrated our vision: that every youth deserves permanency – a safe, stable home and a connection to others who will support their needs, advocate for their future, and help them negotiate the challenges of daily life.