March 15, 2021
Kevin Marlin, executive director of Orange County Animal Allies; Marlin photograph courtesy of Orange County Animal Allies
As grocery store shelves were emptied in the early days of the pandemic,
Orange County Animal Allies faced an unexpected problem. The organization, formerly known as the Orange County SPCA, had long been supplying food banks with pet food through its No Empty Bowls program.
“Most of our donations are from overstock, directly from the warehouse,” says executive director Kevin Marlin. “The food shortages meant that we suddenly weren’t getting any donations. And in the meantime, the demand for food was skyrocketing.”
William Burroughs of Huntington Beach
Big Sister of the Year finalists
Alice Rendon of Rowland Heights
Amantha Writer of Avondale, Ariz. (formerly Mission Viejo)
Brooke Abel of Newport Beach
Jane Go of Lake Forest
Jennifer Arnoldt of Orange
In an especially challenging year, the 2021 finalists have adapted and helped their mentees in incredible ways, which is showcased in the children’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional growth. These finalists welcomed youth into their workplaces for job shadowing, paid for groceries when finances were tight, walked through emotionally challenging situations, celebrated birthdays on Zoom and so much more. Each of these finalists embodies the organization’s mission of igniting the potential in today’s youth, and serve as incredible advocates for Big Brothers Big Sisters at work, in their social networks and within the community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County seeks mentors
William Burroughs and Andrew were paired together through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County three years ago.
(Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County)
By Vera CastanedaStaff Writer
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It’s national mentorship month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire is looking for volunteers.
The mentoring organization has been in operation for more than 115 years nationwide with the O.C. and Inland Empire branch ranking second in size, serving about 4,000 kids a year, according to CEO Sloane Keane.
For the record:
2:43 PM, Jan. 26, 2021An earlier version of this story did not clarify that the number of program matches were related to the O.C. site only. It also misspelled the name of William Burroughs.