Despite reopenings happening across the state, COVID-19 continues to ravage communities, impacting the homeless population and people of color the most. While many businesses are starting to reopen, millions are still out of work and new cases continue to slowly tick up.
In response, the Pasadena Jaycees have launched Operation Strong, the group’s COVID-19 relief project.
Along with community partners like Friends in Deed and Project Pasadena, the Pasadena Jaycees will provide assistance and aid to the San Gabriel Valley community through the creation and distribution of over 1,500 hygiene kits. The kits will be distributed the first week of August, focusing on homeless individuals, but kits will also be made available to anyone in need, through partnerships with food pantries and homeless shelters. Additionally, the Jaycees will provide a volunteer workforce to assist other local organizations in any efforts they put forth to support those who are struggling to survive this outbreak.
Pasadena Jaycees Community Director Cynthia Avalos noted: “The Pasadena Jaycees has a long history of community service projects that we have drawn upon to spearhead Operation Strong. As a trusted partner in the Pasadena community for over 90 years, we aim to leverage the efforts of our members, friends, and allies-at-large to aid the most vulnerable in our society at an unprecedented time of fear and uncertainty…Operation Strong represents an opportunity for youth volunteer leaders to tackle the most pressing public safety issue of our time. We encourage any support that the greater community can provide at this critical time.”
The Pasadena Jaycees are currently seeking both volunteers and monetary donations. Anyone interested in participating in the project should contact Ms. Avalos at covid19@pasadenajaycees.org. Those looking to donate funds can also reach out via email or join the Jaycees for their first fundraiser for the project, a virtual magic show on Tuesday, June 30 from 8-9 p.m. Tickets are available at bit.ly/jayceesmagic. Half of all proceeds will go to Operation Strong.
