Host a Collection for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
Collections are happening all around town Ð in schools, faith groups and offices! This is a great way for students to receive community service hours. You can collect items and drop off at our offices by Friday, Nov 22 at 1pm, please.
Cook Delicious Meals for Alexandria House Residents
Alexandria House is a transitional home for women and children located in Los Angeles, California. Since 1996, they have provided safe and supportive housing for women and children in the process of moving from emergency shelters to economic stability and permanent housing. Our "Top Chef" cooking program serves current residents and other members of the Alexandria House community. It is a wonderful treat for women living in residence when volunteers come to cook dinner! Just like you, they have a busy life with work, school and kids and can use a Ònight off Ò too! For more information contact volunteer@alexandriahouse.org.
Sponsor a Bag or Two (or more!) for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
A super easy way to participate and a great way to help us get food to those in need. Sponsor a Bag or Two (or more!) Each bag costs $35. Select as many as you like!
Drop off Cold Weather Items & Snacks for Skid Row
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, to be loved.We are in need of Donations needed for Skid Row including warm socks, beanies, gloves, and a blanket and granola bars. Drop off items to Covenant House anytime up to December 8.
Shop our Registry for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
A super easy way to participate and a great way to help us get food to those in need. Sponsor a Bag or Two (or more!) Each bag costs $35. Select as many as you like!
Volunteer and Donate at Crete Academy
Beginning 11/1-11/30, Crete Academy's Adopt A Child donor/sponsor page is opened. They are looking for organizations or individuals who would like to Adopt A Child for Christmas from Crete Academy. The link is used to register to be a donor/sponsor and the specific child information will be sent once the form is received.
Make Cards for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
We like to include a personal note in each bag. It not only connects us but turns a bag of food into a nice gift. Can you help us make some cards? Great talent isn't necessary, so long as you're sincere! Plus, you can make them right at home! Please deliver by Monday, November 25 at 5pm.
Organize a Food Drive to Support Hollywood Food Coalition
Food Drives are always appreciated and we encourage companies and other entities (schools, congregations, neighborhood groups, etc.) to become Monthly Food Drive supporters and sponsors. You can make a difference by becoming a regular sponsor of our canned food and kitchen essentials monthly drives. Your support will ensure the Community Exchange and our recipient organizations never run out of basic needed items.
Light The Night in the OC with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night folks gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by blood cancers. Friends, families, schools, corporate teams, and sponsors join together to bring light to the darkness of cancer. The funds raised by this community fund life saving research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Join them in the fight to cure cancer! It is highly recommended that all blood cancer patients or other immunocompromised individuals check with their healthcare provider before attending this event. While at the event, they urge the community to respect anyone's choice to continue to take precautions like masking or social distancing.
Volunteer at Heart of Compassion’s Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
Join Hearts of Compassion Distribution on their Thanksgiving Food Giveaway Day! Free Meals, Haircuts, Groceries, Live Music and More!
Volunteer and Donate to Act’s of Compassion’s Thanksgiving Meal Event
This event will bring together Volunteers, to provide a Thanksgiving meal and clothing giveaway for Act's of Compassion's underserved community and their families. This event aims to bring joy, warmth, and a sense of belonging during the holiday season. Come together this Thanksgiving to share a meal, spread warmth, and make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most. Please email rmitchell@actsofcompassions.org to get involved.
Give Out Turkeys with Children Mending Hearts
At Thanksgiving we give out hundreds of turkeys and side dishes in Watts so no plate is empty and our community is cared for. The first 200 families (600 total) at three different housing projects (Jordan Downs, Imperial Courts, Nickerson Gardens) receives a turkey and a bag of everything they need for a feast. This way, families can focus on the things that matter instead of wondering if they can afford the meal. The event is promoted in the community. It is first-come, first served at each location. We do not ask for proof of residency, as many people in need are turned away at similar events for not being in government provided housing. This year, for added engagement, we will be hosting Thanksgiving Bingo in Jordan Downs where community members can hang out and win prizes after picking up their turkey and fixings. Bingo will be free to play.Please email siobhain@childrenmendinghearts.org with any questions.
Take Time at Thanksgiving to Support Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
This year, our goal is to fill 4000 (!) bags full of delicious Thanksgiving food for grateful people. The bags are given away the day before Thanksgiving, so people have them in time for Thanksgiving dinner. We'll be feeding 16,000 people from more than 100 different nonprofits and schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area. And, of course, it will take a village to make it all happen, on the day, and in the weeks leading up to it. The actual event is the day before Thanksgiving and more than 2000 people, of all ages, from all walks of life, will gather to gather to fill the bags, all while enjoying some great bluegrass music, a delicious community breakfast, and, as always, the company of one another. One of our favorite parts of the event is that many people filling the bags are receiving them, too. For everyone, it's a day to give as well as receive.
Cook Thanksgiving Lunch for Covenant House
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education É and most importantly, to be loved. We are looking for volunteers to pre-make lunch for Thanksgiving day. We would need enough food for at least 100 people. We need meals/food options for 5 vegans/vegetarians. The food can be reheated in our kitchen. If available, we are also looking for people to serve the food to our residents. All volunteers need to be at least 25 years or older. We require the volunteers to be older than the demographic that we work with which is 18-24.
Drop off Desserts for Thanksgiving Lunch at Covenant House
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education É and most importantly, to be loved. We are looking for volunteers to drop off pre-packaged desserts for 100 people to enjoy after lunch. All volunteers need to be at least 25 years or older. We require the volunteers to be older than the demographic that we work with which is 18-24.
Cook Thanksgiving Dinner for Covenant House
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education É and most importantly, to be loved. We are looking for volunteers to pre-make dinner for Thanksgiving. We would need enough food for at least 100 people. We need meals/food options for 5 vegans/vegetarians. The food can be reheated in our kitchen. If available, we are also looking for people to serve the food to our residents. All volunteers need to be at least 25 years or older. We require the volunteers to be older than the demographic that we work with which is 18-24. Please wear close toed shoes and wear comfortable clothing that covers your torso and legs.
Cook Thanksgiving Dinner for Covenant House
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education É and most importantly, to be loved. We are looking for volunteers to drop off pre-packaged desserts for 100 people to enjoy after lunch. All volunteers need to be at least 25 years or older. We require the volunteers to be older than the demographic that we work with which is 18-24. Please wear close toed shoes and wear comfortable clothing that covers your torso and legs.
Decorate for the Holidays During Big Sunday’s Annual Holiday Decorating Week!
Each year we get asked to decorate all kinds of places Ð vets' homes, clinics, shelters, group residences Ð in all kinds of ways for all the year-end holidays. Sometimes the residents join in, too! And sometimes even Santa stops by, too. If you or your group wants to spread some cheer this year, let us know and we'll find a place for you!
Spread Holiday Cheer at Children Mending Hearts Winter Wonderland
A yearly favorite for our community of Watts is the Winter Wonderland Giveaway! Santa comes to Jordan Downs and brings with him snow and gifts to put under the trees of our families in need! Our community also experiences a rarity in Los AngelesÑa winter wonderland! In addition to the thousands of presents given to hundreds of families, our community members can play games, enjoy food, and participate in activities. This is our largest community event of the year. In it we give out toys for Christmas, essential household supplies, provide food, and much more. We could use in-kind donations of toys, food, diapers, clothing, towels, and much more. Financial support will also allow us to buy these items. Please check age requirements when registering. Please email siobhain@childrenmendinghearts.org with any questions.
Join in Heart of Compassion Distribution’s Annual Free Christmas Event
Join Hearts of Compassion Distribution on their Annual Christmas Event! Please join them for a free lunch, live entertainment, haircuts, toys and more!
Featured Projects
Host a Collection for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
Big Sunday,
berenice@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Collections are happening all around town Ð in schools, faith groups and offices! This is a great way for students to receive community service hours. You can collect items and drop off at our offices by Friday, Nov 22 at 1pm, please.
Donate Clothes and Hygiene Essentials to Project Ropa
Project Ropa,
info@projectropa.org,
(310) 400-7114
By donating, you directly support Project Ropa’s programs and enable them to continue making a difference in the lives of those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to restore hope and dignity. They gladly accept in-kind donations of hygiene products, adult size clothing, shoes and accessories. Please review list of items they’re looking for and fill out their donation form to schedule a donation drop off or pick up.
Drop off Cold Weather Items & Snacks for Skid Row
Covenant House California,
mfarrell@covca.org,
(323) 461-3131
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, to be loved.We are in need of Donations needed for Skid Row including warm socks, beanies, gloves, and a blanket and granola bars. Drop off items to Covenant House anytime up to December 8.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Monday Dinner Shift
LA Family Housing,
Volunteer@LAFH.org,
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you’re helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Join Hollywood Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Food Forward,
volunteer@foodforward.org,
(818) 764-1022
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We “glean”—meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste–and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don’t need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Get Your Hands Dirty at Garden School Foundation’s Community Garden Day
Garden School Foundation,
join-us@gardenschoolfoundation.org,
(802) 779-2889
Garden School Foundation provides in-depth garden-based education to youth at Title I schools in Los Angeles, strengthening connections between food justice, environmental stewardship, and community health. By using the full transformative potential of school gardens as teaching sites, we nurture a healthy and mindful generation of children who care for their bodies, their communities, and the earth. We currently serve ten Title I elementary schools, reaching over 3,200 students and their families each year. As a GSF volunteer, you’ll play a indispensable role in maintaining our historic school garden at an elementary school in West Adams. Your work will help us maintain a space that is both educational and beautiful, and will positively impact both the environment and student growth. Join us to learn new skills, connect with nature, and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding day with our local community. Together you’ll work alongside GSF staff and school families to weed the garden, refresh mulch pathways, harvest veggies from our production farm, build new raised beds, and more! After a morning of hard work and good vibes, we’ll share a light lunch together (provided by our partners at Sprouts) under the fig trees. Volunteers should wear close-toe shoes and loose, comfy clothes that are school-appropriate. Complimentary t-shirts will also be provided. We encourage volunteers to bring their own water bottles and sun protection.