On October 8, Canyon Crest Academy students Emily Shen, Neha Bhatt, Kate Lee, and Del Norte High School student Emma Shen suffer from homelessness at the Neil Good Day Center, a shelter for the homeless. We distributed sleeping bags and care packages to people. Downtown San Diego, according to a news release. The distribution was made under a non-profit organization called the International Association of Youth (IAY). Founded in 2004, IAY’s mission is to encourage leadership skills and education in young people around the world. Last October, under the leadership of IAY Southern California Regional President Emily Shen, members helped homeless people suffering from shortages of hygiene products and sleeping bags.
During August, IAY members received 528 sleeping bags and assembled care packages consisting of beanies, socks, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and nail clippers. These items were distributed on his October 8th morning and have had a very positive effect on the homeless in downtown San Diego. But they weren’t the only ones affected by this distribution. His IAY members who participated in the distribution were also greatly affected.
Setting up sleeping bag and care package distribution: a table to support resources and an IAY member behind the table.
(Tao Shen)
Those suffering from homelessness are often discriminated against because of their appearance and prejudiced stereotypes, the news release said. But through the distribution of IAY, President Emily Shen realized that these stereotypes don’t matter.
“People experiencing homelessness as they expressed their gratitude, asked for additional resources for their loved ones, and helped distribute resources to those unable to walk to our booth. My perception of it has definitely improved,” Emily said in a news release. “I encourage anyone reading this to donate resources. A warm beanie and a cleansing toothbrush may not seem like a big deal to you, but they do.” Because it could mean the world.”
This is just the beginning. As demand continues for his packages of warm sleeping bags and care to combat the cold San Diego winters, his local IAY volunteers are planning his second distribution in early 2023. Fund his IAY mission to support communities and promote youth leadership around the world.
