Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Orange County have remained at the forefront of meeting the needs of students and families in their communities since the onset of the pandemic. Through emergency childcare for essential workers, virtual programming to ensure a continuity of mentoring and support for Club members, and distribution of basic needs, such as food, books, and technology, local Boys & Girls Clubs are continuing to do whatever it takes to help their local communities survive this difficult time. Sharing in the Clubs’ commitment to support vulnerable populations throughout the crisis, the Pacific Life Foundation recognized these efforts and granted $50,000 each to Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley.

These funds from the Pacific Life Foundation are part of the Foundation’s grant awards announced earlier this month totaling $500,000 in support of Covid-19 relief efforts in several communities across the country where Pacific Life employees live and work. The majority of these funds are staying right here in Orange County to support local families in need. Additional beneficiaries of these grants funds include local food pantries and meal distribution programs, which have seen a considerable increase in demand since the onset of the pandemic. Overall, the Foundation has committed $1.75 million toward Covid-19 relief efforts for 2020 on top of the $7.25 million in charitable funding it announced in January to focus on the areas of arts and culture; civic, community and economic development; environment; education; and health and human services this year.

Though each Club’s specific response to its community’s needs varies slightly by organization, the Clubs share a common goal of ensuring youth have the support they need to succeed both academically and socio-emotionally during an incredibly challenging time. The Clubs aim to prevent an increase of the academic achievement gap, digital divide, educational inequity, and income stratification for the members they serve. Operations at all three Boys & Girls Club organizations have been modified to allow for strict safety protocols, including social distancing of members. Through the organizations’ Club facilities and some of their partner school sites, the Clubs are providing full-day or afterschool care plus virtual services to more than 1,200 children each week.

“It is when foundations and corporations like Pacific Life are there for us that we can be there for our kids and teens,” said James Littlejohn, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley is proud to have remained open for the children and families who need us throughout the entire pandemic, and our Club is constantly striving to help children and families in every way that we can. Community partnerships and support are what make that possible,” echoed Tanya Hoxsie, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley.

“Through its long-time support of local Boys & Girls Clubs, the Pacific Life Foundation continues to exemplify its commitment to have a positive impact on our community through its investments,” said Robert Santana, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. “These grants, these investments into our organizations give us the strength and resilience we need to support the kids and families in our communities who are most vulnerable.”

The Pacific Life Foundation was established in 1984. Together with Pacific Life, the Foundation has contributed more than $123 million to community and national nonprofit organizations supporting communities where Pacific Life employees live and work, including Orange County, California; Omaha, Nebraska; and Lynchburg, Virginia. Grants are made to organizations that address a broad spectrum of social needs.

Support from community partners and donors has enabled these Clubs to adapt services to help their communities in new ways this year, and as the COVID-19 crisis carries on across the country, so does the need for food, childcare, basic supplies, and the educational support kids need to pursue greatness. Companies and individuals wishing to learn more about how they can support these Clubs’ efforts can learn more by visiting the Clubs’ websites at: