Staff
Christmas the season of giving not only to those we love but a time as well to share the holiday spirit and brighten the lives of those who are less fortunate and underserved. As the holidays near, many charitable organizations in the community make special fundraising appeals in their efforts to provide food, clothing and toys to those in need.
Giving Tuesday—which raised $2.7 billion last year million last year and falls five days after Thanksgiving—has not only been recognized nationally as a time to give back in some way, but it marks the beginning of the holiday season.
Americans gave a record $484 billion to charities in 2021 and while approximately 77 million Americans volunteer their time, talents and energy to make a difference, money is the most preferred method of giving, with about $574 being the average amount people give to charity and $128 being the average online donation.
Whether it’s your time or money, there are countless ways to donate this holiday season. Toy, food and clothing giveaways are an annual tradition for many churches and local businesses while elected officials do all they can to assist in providing referrals to those in need.
More and more Americans are making donations in the name of family or friends in lieu of exchanging gifts. Some churches offer programs where you can adopt a family in need for Christmas and provide them with a range of needs from groceries to winter coats.
If you are in need this holiday season or you want to help others in need, listed below are just some of the worthwhile programs you can tap into. Be sure and check with your church and or local elected officials for what they are doing or for referrals.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Holidays from the Heart Program aims to make the holidays a little happier for chronically ill children and their families. There are a number of ways to help, including sponsoring a family, as well as providing gift items, toys and monetary donations. For details on what you can do, call (323) 660-2450 or visit wwwchla.org.
Department of Public Social Service’s (DPSS) Adopt-A-Family Program: This program assists low- income families with toys, clothes and food during the holidays. Those who want to help can fill out a sponsor form no later than Dec. 13 and coordinators match you with the perfect family, providing a family name as well as their phone number, address, children’s ages, clothing & shoe sizes, preferred colors and any particular “wish list” they have, though sponsors decide what they will give. Gift baskets, grocery gift cards, meals and gifts are all appropriate. For information, call (213) 744-4590 or email dpssvolunteers@dpss.lacounty.gov
Homeless Housing Placement Agency: Requests for services increase greatly during the holiday season. Donations are gladly accepted for clothing for children and adults as well as canned and non-perishable items. The agency is located at 1644 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 103, Los Angeles 90017. Call (213) 484-2150.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Food banks across the county are stretched thin at Christmas time, so organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have come up with innovative ways to build their supplies. In addition to food and monetary donations, the mission will accept gift cards for local grocery store chains in the Los Angeles area. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare, serve and feed the hungry and homeless. Call (323) 234-3030 or visit www.lafoodbank.org
Operation Gratitude: Since 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have lovingly packaged and shipped care packages containing letters, holiday cards and goodies from home to servicemen and women deployed overseas. Cards, letters and goodies can be sent to Operation Gratitude, 16444 Refugio Road, Encino, CA 91436. Donations can also be made online via Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com. For more information, call (818) 960-7878.
Project Angel Tree: Prison Fellowship Los Angeles reaches out to children with incarcerated parents by getting churches and other groups to purchase Christmas gifts of toys, bikes, clothing and books for children and youth. Many local churches participate in Project Angel Tree. For information on how you can help, contact (800) 55-ANGEL (2-6435)
Salvation Army of Southern California: The Salvation Army of Southern California, which provides a vast range of services to youth, the homeless, seniors, veterans and more, breaks out their distinctive red kettles accepting monetary donations. You can also make donations by phone by calling 1-800-725-2769. In addition, the Salvation Army has family stores located across Los Angeles that accept donations of clothing, furniture, appliances and toys. If you have time to spare, the Salvation Army is also signing up volunteers. Call 1-800-725-2769
Special Needs Network: During the Christmas holidays, SNN— a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities— brings hundreds of families, community partners, and stakeholders together for a festive and memorable holiday celebration. This event provides the county’s most vulnerable families with an opportunity to celebrate with others. Families receive health-related referrals and resources, food, music and a toy giveaway. For information, call (323) 291-7100.
Toys for Tots: With a mission to collect new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday months for children in need, the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program is by far one of the most popular. And, for good reason: helping children in need during the holidays is a true gift, so help make a difference this year and play an active role in your community by donating toys at the various drop-off locations. To find a location near you, go to http://www.toysfortots.org
Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club: The Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club feeds the hungry, as well as donates clothing and toys to children in need. They remain open during the holidays to kids for different activities and field trips. To volunteer your time or give, call the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, 1339 120th St., LA 90059 • (323) 567-2278