Back-to-school drive for homeless kids underway

Irvine dental practice is collecting supplies for students in grades K-12.

August 08, 2013

People who have extra school supplies can donate them to a back-to-school drive for homeless children, according to a news release.

Little Smiles of Orange County, a pediatric dental practice in Irvine, is accepting supplies to donate to Costa Mesa-based Project Hope Alliance.

"Every child should be granted the right to a great education, no matter what their circumstance may be," Dr. Harvey Lee of Little Smiles of Orange County said in a statement. "We hope to help provide these children in our area with the materials and supplies they need to have a successful school year."

Project Hope Alliance aims to help students in grades K-12 who don't have a home or whose living situation is unstable. Beyond supplies, the organization also offers academic assistance and a free learning center, according to the release.

"Homelessness has a major effect on a child's academic achievement which, if not addressed, will leave these children at a disadvantage to any future success," Project Hope Alliance Executive Director Jennifer Friend said in a statement. "We're so grateful for community leaders like Dr. Harvey Lee and his practice for supporting our students when it's needed most and helping them start the new school year off on the right foot."

School supplies may be dropped off at Little Smiles of Orange County at 4980 Barranca Pkwy., Suite 101. For more information on the drive, visit http://www.littlesmilesoc.com.

— Chasen Doerr

Twitter: @TheDailyPilot

|

|

|