Needs
Make it Happen provides furniture, mattresses, box springs and bedding, kitchen appliances and items, bathroom shower curtains, towels, trash cans, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, blenders, toasters, coffee makers, pots, pans and cooking utensils, plates, glasses, silverware and other household items to the youth we serve. All household items are new while the gently-used furniture has been donated by the community. Several years ago we began offering Move-In Baskets that contain items necessary for maintaining a household: toilet paper, paper towels, sponges, dish detergent, cleaning liquids, toilet brushes, soap, a multi-tool kit, and picture hangers. Many youth are not aware of the need for having these items, nor the cost of purchasing them. Additionally, last year we received Office Supplies from the Davis branch of the National Charity League. These are a small office waste bin containing a surge protector, sticky notes, pens and highlighters for youth to use. They have been a popular item!
The youth receiving our services complete a "wish list" of desired items, which is sent to our organization. They them come to our storage units and are met by a MIH member to choose from the above-mentioned goods.
We also provide gift cards to youth and their social workers for the purchase of personal care and other items.
Foster youth (ages 14-21) in Yolo County have the opportunity to participate in the county's Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) which helps them develop the skills to transition to successful living on their own. These classes range from health, cooking and nutrition to financial literacy and career exploration. MIH supports the ILSP program by providing gift cards for use as participation incentives and transportation to the program. Additionally, we fund a $500 scholarship for one ILSP graduate yearly.
Make it Happen welcomes furniture donations. The population we serve live in small apartments. The furniture we supply needs to be relatively lightweight, small, easy to move and in good condition. We accept donations of SMALL: kitchen tables and chairs, couches or loveseats, shelving units, dressers, living room chairs, end and coffee tables and desks and nightstands. If you are interested in donating furniture, please visit our website, MIHyolo.org., click on the orange "Donate Furniture" oval icon on the upper right part of the page and follow the instructions there. Next to it is another orange oval for monetary donations.