South Bay Mommies
Have you ever experienced the overwhelming joy and uncertainty of becoming a new parent? The moment I held my newborn in my arms, a mix of excitement and apprehension washed over me. Despite eagerly anticipating this milestone, the reality of caring for my first child left me feeling isolated and anxious, craving support. That’s when a group of local moms in the South Bay area of Los Angeles came together and established a Facebook group. It became our safe haven to connect, ask questions, and seek solace. The group flourished, swiftly accumulating over 5,000 members — a community of like-minded moms altruistically exchanging diverse insights and invaluable guidance.
Recognizing the need for a valuable resource tailored to parents in the South Bay, I leveraged my marketing expertise and embarked on a venture to establish South Bay Mommies & Daddies. As an online platform, it is a comprehensive hub where local parents can access essential information and resources to nurture their families. The resource encompassed family-friendly destinations, community happenings, avenues for seeking assistance, opportunities for giving back, and many other enriching experiences.
Hurricane Harvey Rocks Houston, Texas
This is where our story truly begins. What started as a typical mom group on Facebook quickly transformed into something extraordinary.
In 2017, our hearts weighed heavy as Hurricane Harvey tore through Houston, Texas. Despite being 1,500 miles away in the South Bay of Los Angeles, we were resolute in extending a helping hand.
That’s when the realization struck – we simply had to take action! We reached out to community members, rallying them to join us in making a difference.
Amidst the chaos, a generous company donated a moving truck, the local mall kindly offered its space, and a nonprofit organization facilitated the transport of much-needed supplies to Texas.
Within 72 hours, we managed to gather an entire truckload of donated items and get them into the hands of those in dire need.
The significance of this experience continues to echo in our hearts, reminding us of the power of unity and compassion. Witnessing the tangible impact on countless families fueled our desire to do even more for communities in need. We transformed from a moms group to a collective of families dedicated to serving and volunteering. It is this spirit of selflessness that truly defines us.
Local Anchor Gives Back Through Community Service
This was just the beginning of our philanthropic efforts. Over the next few years, we’ve accomplished so much:
- We partnered with the Crayon Collection to collect and sort thousands of crayons for local Title 1 schools. This South Bay Crayon Collection initiative aimed to support schools and provide them with the necessary resources.
- We gathered over 8,000 heartfelt homemade cards over the years for our Annual Valentine’s Day Card Collection Drive. These tokens of love were then distributed to local hospital patients and dedicated frontline healthcare workers, spreading joy and warmth throughout our community.
- In collaboration with Kiwanis, we have repurposed countless plastic caps into local buddy benches, fostering meaningful connections within our community through recycling.
- During the height of the pandemic, we successfully raised more than $15,000 to procure meals from local establishments and provide nourishment to over 1,000 frontline healthcare workers through our Project South Bay Heroes Campaign.
- In collaboration with the LA Kings, the renowned NHL team, we have joined forces to save lives through numerous Blood Drives that benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, potentially making a difference in over 100 precious lives.
- In 2022, we established a valuable partnership with the Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network. As part of our ongoing commitment, we reached out to 75 deserving local families during the Christmas season. Our heartfelt initiative entailed personally handpicking and procuring gifts for every family member, delivering a sense of joy and warmth to their holiday experience.
- In 2023, we continued to grow our partnerships in the community and adopted another 66 families for Christmas through our partner agencies: Torrance Unified School District, Redondo Beach Police Department, Richstone Family Centers, Breastfeed LA, and Olive Crest.
- Over the years, we have proudly supported numerous local non-profit organizations in the South Bay. Our efforts involve amplifying the voices of these organizations, spreading awareness about their mission, promoting volunteer opportunities, and highlighting local events and donation needs. We remain committed to making a positive impact in our community and empowering these non-profits to thrive.
Local Anchor Is Selected for the Prestigious Facebook Accelerator Program
In 2021, Laura Stotland, founder of Local Anchor, was chosen as one of only 131 recipients worldwide for the highly competitive Facebook Community Accelerator program. With over 13,000 applicants, Laura’s selection was based on her proven community impact and potential for expansion into new markets.
The Facebook Community Accelerator program is an intensive eight-month initiative designed to empower influential communities. Through comprehensive training, coaching, access to cutting-edge products, and funding, these exceptional community leaders identify crucial initiatives that can make a positive impact on a global scale. Moreover, they strategically mobilize their respective communities to actively contribute towards achieving these goals.
South Bay Mommies & Daddies Rebrands as Local Anchor
In 2021, with the help of the Facebook Accelerator Program, we made the decision to rebrand ourselves as Local Anchor, embracing our role as the anchor of our community. This new name emphasizes our commitment to being a central and essential part of the areas we serve.
Our new name also illustrates our initiative to connect all aspects of our local communities. Since rebranding, we have continued building community partnerships with local businesses, like South Bay Credit Union, Manhattan Village, and the LA Kings. Through these relationships, we can foster a connection between community members and vital resources needed to strengthen our community.
Local Anchor Launches the Local Anchor Foundation, a Non-Profit Organization
The Local Anchor Foundation is the philanthropic extension of the beloved community hub, Local Anchor, LLC. With a shared mission of fostering local communities, the foundation works tirelessly to provide resources, funding, and assistance to empower and uplift local non-profit organizations and their initiatives. Together, we strive to create a thriving and interconnected local community that benefits all its members, promoting a feeling of togetherness and shared success for all involved.
The Local Anchor Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We aim to create an environment of respect for every community member, fostering a sense of belonging with an emphasis on service, leadership, and active engagement.