By Lookout Staff
November 18, 2017 -- With the Holiday Season here, opportunities abound in Santa Monica to help the community’s needy with donations of food, clothing and Christmas presents for youngsters.
“As we head into the holiday season, consider volunteering your time, food or the below essential items,” said Constance Farrell, a spokesperson for the City.
“You’ll give back to the community, work alongside neighbors and learn more about the organizations and people who are a lifeline to thousands right here in your back yard,” she said.
Here are a few holiday celebrations by nonprofit organizations which could use help:
On Wednesday, November 22, from 3 to 6 p.m., St. Monica Catholic Community will hold a Thanksgiving Dinner and Clothing Boutique at the St. Monica Catholic Community Auditorium, 725 California Avenue.
Volunteers are needed to help plan and shop, set up, prepare, cook and serve, collect and distribute, and clean up. The group needs volunteers on the day of the event and on days and evenings prior to the event.
Also on Wednesday, as well as on Thanksgiving Day, the West Los Angeles Civic Center, 1645 Corinth Avenue, will host its annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner and Celebration. Wednesday's celebration is from 1 to 5 p.m., while Thursday's event will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Help is needed for planning, setup, and for the event. Volunteers are needed on the day of the event and on days and evenings prior to the event. More information is available at 310.394.3153.
There are other volunteer opportunities during the holidays.
Between December 14 and 17, One Voice Holiday Food Program will provide food and gifts at the Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Avenue, at Santa Monica Airport.
The Holiday Food Program provides Christmas food baskets, toys and books to 2,500 families (12,500 people) living in poverty in the Los Angeles area. Volunteers can help prepare and deliver baskets on the following dates:
* December 14 - 7:30 - 11 p.m. (sort and package food for gift baskets)
* December 15 - 7:30 - 11 p.m. (box and load food baskets)
* December 16 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (food basket delivery to distribution centers)
* December 17 - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (gift basket giveaway)
Connections for The Children Holiday Angels Program also needs volunteers to help provide gifts to homeless and low-income families from December 14 to 16 at 2701 Ocean Park Boulevard #253, Santa Monica.
For more information, contact Charlout at 310.452.3325 ext. 275 or charloutg@cfc-ca.org
For those interested in giving goods, the following could use a hand:
Upward Bound House, at 1104 Washington Avenue, Santa Monica, is looking for contributions of a “Box of Love” to a family in need at Upward Bound House.
Each “Box of Love” will contain all of the fixings needed for a family to make their own Thanksgiving meal and enjoy the holiday together.
The boxes will contain frozen turkey or grocery store gift card; boxes of mashed potatoes, stuffing and macaroni and cheese; cans of yams, cranberries, vegetables and gravy; bottles of juice/apple cider; chicken broth, and precooked bread rolls.
The “Box of Love” also will contain a turkey baster, cooking tin, food thermometer, Thanksgiving tablecloth and and a festive centerpiece.
Donors should write a card to the family recipient wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving. To learn more, contact 310.458.7779
From November 25 to December 10, St. Monica Catholic Community is teaming with the St. Joseph Center for Adopt-a-Family, which provides more than 300 families with a family household gift, gift certificates for a holiday meal, and presents for children.
The program is collecting food and clothing for adults and children as well as unwrapped toys. Donations are also needed to assist with a variety of family needs. Learn more: 310.396.6468 ext. 336
The Angel Toy Drive provides Christmas toys and gifts to children and teenagers in need at local public schools and agencies.
On December 16, St. Joseph Center, at 404 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, will host its Holiday Carnival/Party for the families from St. Joseph Center. Contact: Christine Gerety, at 310.566.1531
Meals on Wheels, at 1823-A Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, is looking for volunteers to help deliver food to those in need every day, once a week, or once a month. Schedules are flexible. Learn more: 310.394.7558
The Westside Food Bank, 1710 22nd Street, Santa Monica, is looking for volunteers to donate food and diapers and help sort food at the warehouse.
Contact: Allison Griffith, allison@westsidefoodbankca.org or 310.828.6016, ext. 12
The People Concern, at 503 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica (formerly OPCC)
is always looking for food and clothing donations.
