When holiday season comes around, most of us look for opportunities to express our gratitude for what we have and give back by helping the less fortunate. There are certainly many opportunities to do so — for example, check out the list of open events we have included below.
However, it’s important to remember that many organizations (such as the Los Angeles Mission, who works to improve the lives of the homeless on Skid Row, and whose Thanksgiving event is currently full) are overwhelmed with volunteers and donations around the holidays, but lack this kind of support during the rest of the year. Organizations that provide meals, clothing, legal aid, and other resources to the underprivileged function year-round — and could always use an extra hand! Take a moment to remember these organizations not just at the holidays, but anytime you have some spare canned goods, clothing, or time to donate.
Of course, it’s understandable that many people have more time to volunteer around the holidays, and there are still plenty of organizations that can accept your time and donations. Here are a few ideas:
- On Wednesday, November 26, Big Sunday will be filling bags with Thanksgiving food for 1500 hungry and grateful families from more than 2 dozen nonprofit agencies, and they’re looking for volunteers to help out. The event takes place at their offices, located at 6111 Melrose Ave, from 9am until noon. All volunteers are invited to stay and take part in a communal breakfast, as a way of helping the community while building community, too. All ages are welcome, as well as groups – but everyone has to bring something to fill the bags. For the full wish list, and to RSVP, please contact [email protected]. If you would like to be a sponsor for this event, contact [email protected].
- The Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles’s SOVA Community Food and Resource Program responds to hunger in our community by providing individuals and families with the resources they need to regain self-sufficiency and independence, including free groceries, case management, counseling, and other supportive services, such as legal counseling and job search assistance. You can contribute to their Virtual Food Drive, which will allow SOVA to leverage its buying power to secure the maximum nutritious food available, or volunteer as a Pantry Packing Room Volunteer to help package meals and stock shelves with food donations for their clients.
- Food on Foot is dedicated to providing the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and assistance in the transition to employment and life off the streets. You can still sign up as a volunteer for their Thanksgiving Day event, as well as events in early December.
- One Incredible Family, Inc. will be holding their 21st annual Homeless Feeding & Banner Cretion event on Saturday, November 29 from 6:30am – 7:30pm at the Westchester Masonic Center, 7726 West Manchester Avenue, Playa Del Rey. Volunteers will assist in preparation of meals, assembly and packing, and delivering and serving of over 1,600 meals at shelters throughout the day. You can also donate food and supplies to help with the event. Register here.
For more events and organizations in and around Los Angeles, take a look at Big Sunday’s list of events and organizations in and around Los Angeles where you can volunteer your time or donate food, clothing, or other items to people in need, both during the holidays and other times throughout the year.