DO GO OD IT TAKES A VILLAGE By Allison Hata Raising a child is no solo act. From basic needs, such as shelter, food, clothing and medical care, to positive role models and creative play, children need many different forms of support to thrive. Recognizing that kids are society’s greatest asset, an Orange County-based foundation was formed. The first Festival of Children event was held at South Coast Plaza in September 2002, and the organization has since grown to impact around 37 million kids nationwide. Two decades later, the organization continues to give hundreds of youth-focused nonprofits a platform during National Child Awareness Month every September. Throughout the month, nonprofits join together to educate the community, fundraise, recruit volunteers and collaborate to create the greatest possible impact for kids. This year, celebrate National Child Awareness Month by getting to know five Festival of Children member organizations doing big things in 2022, and learn how you can make a difference as a community volunteer.
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Photos courtesy of Beyond Blindness and Girls Inc. of Orange County