Mayor Carmen Cave's September Message: 'Pay It Forward'

From Mayor Carmen Cave via the official website of Aliso Viejo:

In the 2000 "Pay It Forward" film, a young boy, troubled by family issues, embarks upon an intriguing assignment from his new teacher. The assignment is to think of something to change the world and put it into action.

The boy embraces the idea of paying a favor not back, but forward - repaying good deeds not with payback but with new good deeds done to three new people. His efforts to do so spark a revolution not only in the lives of himself, his mother and teacher, but in those of an everexpanding circle of strangers. To me, watching that movie years ago reinforced the importance of "paying it forward" and giving back to others. I believe it's part of our moral obligation. Of course we feed, clothe and take care of our families, but we should also reach out to neighbors and strangers in need. There are several ways to pay it forward in our community. You can do something nice for someone or help an elderly or disabled neighbor with yard work. You can pick up the dinner tab for a family at a restaurant or volunteer for a local organization. You can bring canned and perishable food items to City Hall. In fact, our City now serves as a drop-point for South County Outreach.

This nonprofit organization provides food, homeless prevention counseling, housing, clothing, computer training and rental and utility assistance to those in need.

Through its food pantry, the organization distributes emergency non-perishable and fresh food daily to as many as 3,000 residents a month. As many as 332 families a year receive emergency utility and rental assistance to avoid shut-off and eviction. Folks receive individual coaching, resources, and referrals to promote self-reliance and prevent homelessness. This is a great organization that for more than 24 years has helped thousands of South County families. They cannot do it alone and rely on donations and assistance to fuel their operations.

In our busy daily lives, it's easy to take the basic necessities for granted, but there are too many people who don't have access to fresh food and struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

According to a recent report, 400,000 in Orange County are at risk of going hungry. The largest groups food banks provide for are the working poor and seniors, the fastest-growing segment, a report says. That could be you, me or your neighbor. Sometimes, it happens in a moment. One day you have a job and a home, then the next day you find yourself in need.

Each of us can pay it forward by picking up an extra box of macaroni and cheese, jar of peanut butter or can of beans and dropping it off at City Hall. There's a food barrel sitting right by the door at 12 Journey.

Whether you donate food or your time to those in need, paying it forward and giving back is not only the right thing to do, it also makes you feel good. Consider the following quote:

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

For more information, visit http://www.sco-oc.org/. Information about volunteer opportunities is available at http://www.alisoviejoexchange.com.