The Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club is collecting socks, sleeping bags, and blankets on behalf of Dreams for Change, a non-profit organization committed to supporting homeless families and individuals in need. Help us meet our goal of 160 blankets/sleeping bags!
Under the leadership and resilience of Dr. Teresa Smith, Dreams for Change has been creating a path of financial stability and housing stability for homeless San Diegans for the past 14 years. The non-profit helps individuals reach stability through the completion of their three pathways. These pathways are defined as the following: support to remove barriers, employment and education, and income stabilization. 
Dreams for Change supports participants through their safe parking program, Dream cuisine food trucks, and one-on-one case management. They also provide educational classes on resume building, interview practice, and budgeting skills. These classes and programs give participants the opportunity to learn healthy financial practices and set financial goals while also learning new skills that can set them apart in the job market.
The socks and sleeping bags charity drive specifically supports individuals who are a part of the Safe Parking Program. The safe parking program eliminates the worry and stress that comes with having to sleep in a car in an unsafe area. The program gives individuals and families living in their cars a safe place to spend the night. Donating socks and sleeping bags will provide warmth, comfort, and a sense of security as they confront the challenge of sleeping in their car.
This holiday season, choose to make a difference in the San Diego community by joining the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake in donating socks and sleeping bags to the Dreams for Change organization. Together, we can make the dream where everyone finds a safe place to rest a reality.
Details of the Collection Drive are listed below:
- Items needed: Socks and Sleeping Bags
- Collection Dates: October 14 to December 9, 2023
- Beneficiary: Dreams for Change/Safe Parking Program
Please note that we are also creating care packages for the housing insecure. The items we need are:
1. Travel-size toothbrush
2. Travel size hair comb
3. Chapsticks
4. Travel-size Men deodorant
5. Travel size deodorant Women
6. Waterbottles
7. Breakfast bars, Granola any kind
8. Travel-size hand wipes
9. Chocolate 🍫
10. Chips
If you're interested in donating or have questions, please reach out to our wonderful team:
- Miriam Gonzalez:
619-259-9810
- Stephanie Ramos:
619-851-2984
- Anthony Millican:
anthonymillican84ej@gmail.com