a heart-changing moment

The Generous Generation is a social‑change campaign at The Hub OC that encourages generosity across all ages. The belief is that if you start serving at a young age it will create a lifetime of heart-felt giving.

 

That caring was on display recently as dozens of high school and middle school students who are part of the Generous Generation program, converged on Friends Church Orange to help unpack and organize non-perishable goods. They then helped the local school community “shop” for items that were stacked on tables.

 

“It was really amazing because the students not only got to serve their peers, which is such a unique experience … but it also opened their eyes just to see the real need among their peers,” said Ellie Zimmerman, director of development for The Hub OC.

 

Zimmerman said some of these students were not aware of the hardships some of their classmates face daily, such as food insecurity.

 

“Sometimes it’s easy to go day-to-day and not realize that some of your classmates might not have enough food for the day,” Zimmerman said. “I think that reality for them was super eye-opening and we just saw their hearts change in that moment.”

 

Zimmerman secured a $16,000 Cornerstone grant from Azusa Pacific University to seed the Generous Generation project. The campaign was designed to mobilize the church’s youth ministry to serve in the community, but Zimmerman realized their reach could extend beyond Almond Avenue.

 

Zimmerman looked to the church’s amazing partners, such as The Hub OC and other resources and thought “why not bring this concept to kids who aren’t in the church and don’t learn these things.”

 

Currently, Generous Generation is at three high schools in Orange – El Modena, Villa Park and Orange -- and Santiago Charter middle school and with the potential to expand to more area schools.

 

“Yeah, I feel like we for sure want to add a couple more middle schools and then we'd love to add another high school," Zimmerman said. “I mean, we are open to whatever God wants to open for us."

 

good servants.” 

                                                       – Anonymous

Image: Students at the Youth Center get hands-on experiences with STEM projects.

 

Image: Kids learn how to make pumpkin pies just in time for the holidays.

We are looking forward to October as it’s a month to begin celebrating Fall and throwing our Pumpkin Parties!

Image: Our volunteers keep our Goods for Good clothing shed stocked and organized.

One of the things we love seeing at the HRC is when volunteers take the mission beyond our walls and find their own ways to make a difference in the community.

 

Recently, volunteer Janis Franz noticed that our clothing supply was low after the Same Day Solutions Fair. Janis regularly carries HRC flyers with her and looks for opportunities to share about the work happening here, so when she came across a local yard sale, she stopped to see what she could find.

 

While there, Janis shared about the important work the HRC does, the individuals we serve and the impact of these donations. The owner invited Janis to take whatever clothing and items she wanted to bring back to the HRC!

 

It’s a simple but powerful reminder that serving doesn’t stop when a volunteer leaves our site. When people feel connected to the mission and empowered to share it with others, one conversation can open the door to generosity, new relationships and unexpected opportunities to serve our patrons.

 

We are incredibly grateful for Janis and for other volunteers who continue carrying the heart of the HRC into the community.

 

We recently celebrated our first HRC Chapel service, bringing to life something we have been praying, planning and dreaming about for some time. It was a powerful morning of worship, reflection, prayer and connection.

 

One of the most meaningful moments was simply worshiping together. What began with a few worship songs quickly became a heartfelt time where patrons were able to pause, reflect and connect with God. The response was so encouraging that patrons shared they would love to both begin and end future Chapel services with worship.

 

As Chapel continues to grow, our hope is to build relationships with local pastors, churches, Bible study leaders and volunteers who can come alongside our patrons. More than simply providing a weekly service, we want Chapel to be a place where genuine relationships and lives are transformed through a growing relationship with Jesus.

 

If you have an extra lock somewhere, please bring it by the HRC! Help our unhoused neighbors protect their possessions. Donate today to provide security, dignity and care to some of Orange County’s most vulnerable neighbors.

 

Our next Same Day Solutions Fair is happening November 18th! 

We’re looking forward to bringing community partners, resources and volunteers together once again to connect our patrons with services and support all in one place.

 

Set-Up Volunteers: Tuesday, Nov, 17, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Help us prepare the HRC and get everything ready for the following day.

 

Event Volunteers: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Serve alongside our team and community partners throughout the Same Day Solutions Fair.

 

Whether you can help us prepare beforehand or serve on the day of the event, we would love to have you join us!

 

For additional volunteer opportunities and updates, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Image: Students from Concordia University helped prepare the store for the holidays.

One of our favorite things about Full Circle is seeing our community show up and serve alongside us!

 

Recently, Concordia University held a Serve Day at Full Circle Marketplace, and their team jumped right in to help us prepare for the holiday season. They sorted clothing, organized our basement and helped get the store prepare for all the Christmas goodness ahead. We’re so grateful for their time, energy, and willingness to get their hands dirty!

 

We also had the pleasure of hosting a Founders Field Trip – a wonderful group of women coming together to visit, shop and support women-owned businesses in Old Town Orange. 

 

We love being part of a community where local businesses cheer each other on, and it was such a fun day of connection and support

 

Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! Gilmore Girls Weekend is coming to Full Circle on October 16–18 during our normal store hours.

 

We’re transforming the store into a little Stars Hollow of our own with themed racks inspired by your favorite characters and moments. There will be Rory’s Dorm Room, Lane’s Band Closet, Cozy Flannels & Sweaters and Friday Night Dinners.

 

We also will have books and cozy fall vibes, games, along with coffee and free thrifted mugs with purchase. Don't forget to spin the Wheel for discounts.
 

Whether you’re a lifelong Gilmore Girls fan or just here for the coffee, cozy clothes and thrifted treasures, come spend the weekend with us!

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities: Looking to give back? We’re always seeking volunteers to help keep our store running and support The Hub OC’s programs. Shifts are available six days a week. Volunteer With Us

Image: After homework, kids engage in activities, such as making slime and creating costumes.

 

The Community Center is holding parenting classes in the mornings as well as English classes. 

With school back in session, the kids we have been bringing in their homework, where they can receive help. But it's not all homework and no fun.

 

Once they have finished with their schoolwork, the kids can engage in help activities, such as making slime and fruit skewers. We also had a make your favorite character contest where the kids had to be creative and make their favorite character. Some drew the characters, but one girl made a costume out of paper!

 

A sensory day for kids on the spectrum was held on Saturday, Oct 3.

 

We will celebrate Halloween on Oct. 20 alongside the Assisteens who routinely volunteer with us.