'When you're clean you're confident': TruKidz strikes partnership with production company

Nov. 16—Cleanliness is next to godliness, or so the old adage goes, but Daysha Trujillo knows that self-confidence often coincides with self care.

When Trujillo was just 13 years old she started a nonprofit organization known as TruKidz, inspired by a close friend who was struggling to obtain basic hygiene products. Now, five years later, the group is working to supply thousands with free personal hygiene kits to unhoused youth and students in need across Northern California.

"I just love helping my community," said Toby Berry.

"It's showing what Marysville is capable of," said Abigail Cabrera.

"I want to bring smiles to kids and those in need," said Oscar Aguilar.

"My mom grew up homeless throughout high school, so if I can give back to kids who are like her, it just means a lot," said Wyatt Lococo.

These were just a few of the reasons why students at Marysville High School decided to spend their afternoon piecing these kits together. Over 200 kits were assembled on Wednesday inside the Marysville High School cafeteria, all of which will be distributed locally. A similar bagging event was held on Monday at William Jessup University where Trujillo is currently enrolled as a biochemistry major. At the university, she was visited by Jennifer Stolo, CEO of Robert Craig Films, a professional production company based in Placer County.

"We produce films with the idea to inspire audiences to have more compassion and empathy around their community and currently our latest project is centered around homelessness," explained Stolo. "We will have a feature film that will be coming out next summer, 2024, and with the production of this we have decided to partner with nonprofits across the United States that are addressing homelessness. TruKidz is actually one of those partnering nonprofits that we came across during our filming."

The film Stolo is referring to is called "No Address," which will star actors such as William Baldwin, Ashanti, Xander Berkley, Lucas Jade Zumann, and Ty Pennington, just to name a few. Through her association with Sally Forcier and Forcier Casting & Productions, Trujillo worked as a background actor or "extra" during filming in downtown Sacramento and other nearby locations. This led to a partnership in what Robert Craig Films is calling "The Big 5 Giveback."

In an effort to support nonprofit groups who are working to reduce homelessness, the company will be donating 50% of its net proceeds from "No Address" in addition to four other related projects which include a documentary, a book, an album, and an interactive study guide.

"What we learned on our journey is that there are now 1.5 million children that are homeless in this country," said Stolo. "Daysha's organizations certainly spoke to our hearts with what she is doing in order to help those children who are experiencing homelessness, or are in need, and doing it in a way that I think creates dignity and a sense of feeling better about themselves."

Other like-minded nonprofits are still welcome to submit themselves for consideration in partnering with Robert Craig Films, or to benefit from its charitable foundation. For more information, visit noaddressmovie.com/the-big-5-giveback.

Meanwhile, Trujillo is still busy packing and distributing her hygiene kits. Each kit includes essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, combs, soap bars, lip balm, shampoo, and conditioners. Recently added to the mix was Bombas socks thanks to a donation from that company. Other large donors include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Sacramento Kings.

"When you're clean you're confident, and confidence leads to better performance in school and an increased social life," said Trujillo. "I'm so grateful to all these organizations and the volunteers who make what we do possible and I hope to just keep growing and reaching more people and inspire the next generation of leaders and philanthropists."

For more information about TruKidz, call 916-205-5824 or email etrujillo@trukidz.org.