For most kids, the holidays are filled with celebration and excitement. But for families experiencing homelessness, this season can also bring added stress and uncertainty.

Monarch School here in San Diego is a K-12 school for students experiencing homelessness, and it has supported them and their families since 1987. This year it’s serving 547 people: 257 K-12 students, 171 caregivers and 119 alumni.

I first got involved with Monarch in high school, when my school club raised $1,500 and collected clothing and gift cards for Monarch families. I’ve stayed connected ever since, and now, as a defender for San Diego Wave FC, I want to go bigger.

So this holiday season, I’m raising money so Monarch can continue to provide emergency assistance, gift cards and other essential resources on an even larger scale to help students and families have a safer, brighter holiday. Every dollar goes directly to Monarch School and their Family Engagement team!

Here’s what your gift can do:

$25 helps a family cover gas or bus fare to reach essential services

$50 helps a parent buy holiday gifts for their kids

$75 covers health basics like cold medicine and laundry supplies

$100 provides household essentials like diapers, formula, blankets and clothing

$150 provides meals, groceries and snacks over winter break

$200 helps a family cover an emergency expense like rent, utilities or childcare

Join me by giving what you can, big or small, and please share this with one person who would do the same. If your employer offers a matching gift program, you can double your impact!

Thank you so much for being part of this!

Nya