YouthHope Foundation teams up with local theatre, first responders and comic shop to spread holiday cheer
Redlands organizations are stepping up to support vulnerable youth this holiday season. How you can support the efforts of Redlands Footlighters Theatre, Redlands Fire Department and A Shop Called Quest.
YouthHope Foundation is making the holiday season brighter for Redlands' vulnerable youth with a series of initiatives aimed at spreading joy, providing essentials and fostering community support.
The centerpiece of YouthHope's holiday efforts is its annual shoe drive, which seeks to provide every youth it serves with a new pair of black-on-black sneakers. The local non-profit organization has been assisting at-risk and homeless youth ages 14 to 24 since 2009.
"For many of our youth, this is the only gift they will ever receive," Heidi Mayer, executive director of YouthHope Foundation, said. Mayer shared that the shoes, which double as professional footwear for job interviews, symbolize more than a practical item—they represent hope and opportunity.
"I've had youth tell me, years later, that those shoes helped them get their first job or were the only gift they've ever received," she said.
Each year, YouthHope partners with Active Ride Shop in Redlands to collect shoes. Since October, community members have been coming to the shop to purchase a pair of shoes for YouthHope. Active Ride covers the tax and throws in a free pair of socks.
This weekend, community members from Loma Linda Filipino Church will pitch in by wrapping the gifts. “The kids' faces light up when they hear that an eight- or nine-year-old wrapped their present just for them,” Mayer said. "It shows them that they matter."
In addition to the shoe drive, YouthHope is hosting a Christmas shopping experience for youth to select gifts for family members. Items include handmade scarves and beanies from Plymouth Village residents and a separate donation of 200 cozy fleece blankets. The shopping event allows youth to not only receive gifts but also participate in the joy of giving.
Local first responders are also stepping in to support YouthHope's mission. The Redlands Police Association contributed funds to help with the holiday shopping event.
Redlands Fire Department is accepting new, unwrapped toys and clothing to donate to local youth. Donations can be brought to any Redlands Fire Station or directly to Youth Hope before Dec. 19.
Redland FD posted a list of items the youths need most, including:
- Light jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts
- Pants (sizes 31–34 waist, especially size 32; blue jeans are most popular)
- $5 gift cards to fast-food restaurants
- Backpacks T-shirts
Fun items for youths:
- Board games
- Footballs or soccer balls
- Hair products
- Baseball hats
Redlands Footlighters steps up to support local youth
Mayer emphasized the importance of community involvement year-round. “As much as we celebrate during the holidays, our needs don't stop," she said.
That's why Redlands Footlighters Theatre is setting the stage to provide YouthHope with year-round support by collecting clothes and donations from patrons during its December production of A Sherlock Carol.
The initiative invites patrons to contribute lightweight hoodies, non-perishable food items, and monetary donations to help fund YouthHope's youth training workshops.
"Our holiday gift drive is an opportunity for us to give back as an organization," said Katharine Buffy Henshaw, treasurer of Redlands Footlighters Theatre. "Our history is rooted in philanthropy and non-profit work here in the Redlands community, and this drive allows us to leverage our patronage to raise awareness for underserved communities."
The gift drive focuses on lightweight hoodies in youth sizes, non-perishable food goods, and donations to support youth training workshops. The monetary contributions will go toward purchasing incentives for workshop participants, such as gift cards. “Rather than asking patrons to bring gift cards, we're collecting donations to streamline the process and ensure Youth Hope can allocate the funds as needed," Henshaw explained.
Patrons can drop off their contributions in the designated collection spot in the theatre lobby or donate online through a Square link set up by the theatre. Cash donations are also accepted, and alternative drop-off times can be arranged by contacting the theatre's box office.
Footlighters' December production, A Sherlock Carol, blends elements of a Dickensian Christmas tale with the intrigue of a Sherlock Holmes mystery. You can read more about it here.
Performances run Dec. 6 -22 at the Redlands Footlighters Theatre, with ticket information and showtimes available here.
A Shop Called Quest
A Shop Called Quest in Redlands is hosting its third annual Holiday Photo Food Drive to support YouthHope.
The shop's warehouse (570 Nevada Street) will be open from 1-6 pm on Saturday, Dec. 21, offering free holiday pictures with "Claus-ified" Deadpool and Wolverine characters in exchange for a canned food donation.
All donations benefit YouthHope's programs.
“Christmas is about more than gifts," Mayer said. “It's about letting these kids know they are loved, supported, and capable of moving forward.”
YouthHope's holiday party, scheduled for Dec. 19, marks the culmination of the season's activities. Donations can be dropped off at the YouthHope Drop-In Center (1175 West Redlands Boulevard) or sent through their website www.youthhope.org/donate
For more information or to contribute, visit YouthHope's website www.youthhope.org or call their office: (909) 793-2345
