San Clemente Works Toward A Goal

In an effort to meet our Daring Faith “A” goal of assisting 250,000 people in need, Saddleback San Clemente has come alongside the military community at Camp Pendleton for several years. With 50% of their members in active duty, the campus serves through several ministries and outreach programs that include counseling for PSTD, monthly barbecues with Wounded Warriors, quarterly baby showers for women in the military, and back-to-school backpack giveaways.

In an act of compassion, our San Clemente family just hosted two of their biggest events: Baby Shower for Military Wives and the Backpack Giveaway. Over 900 students turned up for the back-to-school event, featuring games, music, face painting, and free food catered by Chick-fil-A. Volunteers loaded up free backpacks for every child, filled with school supplies provided by Saddleback San Clemente members.

“This is a great opportunity to bring people to our campus,” says April Calmes, Children’s Ministry Director at Saddleback San Clemente. “We meet with every family as they come through, and introduce them to what we’re all about.”

Following the success of this event, the San Clemente campus hosted its quarterly Baby Shower for Military Wives. This unique gathering is designed for expectant women in active duty, or military wives living at Camp Pendleton, San Onofre, or San Mateo Point.

These celebrations of life draw 30 to 40 soon-to-be mommies. Each one is treated to games, food, and gifts including a diaper bag filled with baby supplies, toys, bottles, and clothing. Each mother is also given one big-ticket item like a car-seat, stroller, highchair, walker, or baby swing.

The reputation for generosity of this campus leads to ongoing donations of gifts, ranging from Pack n’ Plays to financial contributions. Also stepping up to serve are talented chefs who bake decadent layered cakes, and the Saddleback Quilting Team that knits a blanket for each baby.

“It’s quite an elaborate event,” explains April. “We throw a beautiful lunch with a live harpist and stunning cakes. It’s set up like a personal baby shower, so that each woman feels it’s just for her.”

Both the events led to a bump in attendance for Saddleback San Clemente, as members of the community witnessed true love and compassion from the campus. The purpose was to recognize and bless military families with God's love, and assist those in need.

To help assist those in need at future Saddleback San Clemente events, email christineg@saddleback.com. Click HERE to learn more about how YOUR Daring Faith is helping assist 250,000 people in need.