PODS Moving And Storage Collecting Furniture For Bakersfield Foster Youth, Oct. 1

Online, September 16, 2011 (Newswire.com) - PODS Moving and Storage of Bakersfield, Ashley Furniture HomeStore® and radio stations KUZZ AM 55 and FM 107.9 are partnering for Aspiranet, one of California's largest and most innovative providers of transitional foster care programs, to host a donation drive to benefit teens transitioning out of foster care on Oct. 1.

Country music recording artist Jimmy Wayne, a former foster child and homeless teen, knows what it is like to live on the streets and supports Project Meet Me Halfway to raise awareness for youth that are aging out of the foster care system. He will support Aspiranet in Bakersfield by recording a series of radio spots with KUZZ to encourage donation from the community.

What: Donation drive to benefit local foster teens
Date: Oct. 1, 2011
Time: Donations accepted from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: At the PODS® container: Ashley Furniture HomeStore, 8915 Rosedale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93312
Information: www.PODS.com/bakersfield.aspx, http://www.kuzzradio.com, http://aspiranetheroes.org, www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com; http://projectmmh.org

Suggested donations include new or gently used sofas, chairs, dining sets, desks, small appliances, dishes, kitchen items and other household items. New bedding, sheets, pillows, baby cribs, mattresses, strollers, high-chairs and car seats also are needed for teens that are parents and new or gently used clothing for interviews or the workplace (suits, slacks, ties, shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses, shoes).

PODS® will collect, store and deliver items to be given to Aspiranet youth transitioning from foster care to independence.

"We are counting on the local community to help us fill our PODS® containers and to support foster teens and young adults as they begin life on their own," said Ken Ude, president and CEO of Storage Mobility, dba PODS of Bakersfield.

In California, foster care currently ends at 18 with approximately 4,000 foster youths aging out of the child welfare system annually. Aspiranet provides THP-Plus (Transitional Housing Program) programs that provide a safe living environment for youth 18-24 while teaching them life skills to help them become self-sufficient.

For more information about fostering a teen and transitional foster care, call 1-877-350-HERO or go to www.aspiranetheroes.org.

About Storage Mobility
Storage Mobility has been serving the storage and moving needs of residents and businesses across the country since 2004. Operating 21 franchises, the firm currently owns more than 8,800 PODS® branded containers and employs approximately 100 people.

Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to a population of more than 250,000,000 million consumers and businesses, in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Australia and the U.K., through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 330,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded 1.8 million deliveries and has over 143,000 PODS® containers in service.

PODS® secure containers are constructed of a steel frame and are available in three sizes: approximately 7-by-7-by-8 feet, 12-by-8-by-8 feet and 16-by-8-by-8 feet. The 12-foot and 16-foot containers have been tested to withstand winds of more than 110-mph when partially loaded. Newer PODS® containers have the same steel frame construction but are completely recyclable panels made of steel skins and a high-density polyethylene core. For more information or to schedule service, visit PODS.com or call 800-776-7637.

About Aspiranet
Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families, and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services through 44 satellite centers within California.

Founded 35 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has touched the lives of over 10,000 families and children since its founding.

Aspiranet's vision of bringing families together and helping foster children, siblings, and parents thrive is realized through six areas of expertise - Family Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Afterschool programs, and Community Partnerships. For more information, visit www.aspiranet.org.