Give Young People A Happy Holiday by Shopping My Friend’s Place’s Wishlist
Our annual Holiday Party and in-kind drive is a way for young people ages 12 to 25 who are impacted by homelessness can enjoy themselves and receive both presents and essentials. Our biggest need is donations of items on our Holiday Wishlist, linked below, as we want to provide young people with as much as possible while also stocking up on items for distribution throughout the next year. Monetary contributions can be made via our website as well. Questions can be directed to clothingcloset@myfriendsplace.org
Adopt-a-Meal at Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services relies on the support of volunteer groups to provide daily home-cooked meals to shelter residents and community members in need. If your family, corporation, or civic group would like to cook and serve a meal at one of their shelters, consider sponsoring an Adopt-a-Meal!
Adopt-An-Item for Union Station Homeless Services
Are you looking for an easy way to give back? Union Station Homeless Services' Adopt-an-Item program is a simple way to make a positive impact in your community. By adopting an item, you provide essential ingredients that help their kitchen staff cook delicious and nutritious meals for their residents.
Assemble Hygiene Kits with Project Ropa
Project Ropa is a nonprofit organization that helps restore dignity, rekindle optimism and empower the lives of people experiencing homelessness by providing clean clothes, hygiene kits and drinking water in a safe, humane and dignified way. Help create hygiene kits for them to distribute to people in need in the Los Angeles area. This is a great activity for children to get involved with. This activity can be done remotely by putting together items in a bag (paper bag, tote bag or reusable grocery bag are preferred). Please note: Items for the hygiene kits will not be provided by Project Ropa. They recommend reaching out to your network of friends and family to source the items. All items can be travel-size or full-size. All kits can be mailed to Project Ropa at: Project Ropa, 2851 W 120th Street, Suite E #566, Hawthorne, CA 90250 or dropped off at our warehouse in Gardena, CA. Drop off hours at their warehouse are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am-3pm and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm. They are closed on all bank holidays. Their warehouse address is: 13970 Van Ness Avenue, Gardena, CA 90249. If mailing please include a note with your full name and email address in the package. Please note: They are unable to provide verification of remote volunteer work for community service hours. They can only do so for in-person volunteering.
Be a Sponsor for Hollywood Food Coalition’s Thanksgiving Dinner (Amazon)
As the time of gratitude and togetherness approaches, we are reaching out to you with a heartfelt appeal to make this Thanksgiving truly special. Hollywood Food Coalition, fueled by the spirit of compassion and community, has been at the forefront of battling food insecurity and fostering connections that change lives. But we can't do it alone, and that's where your incredible and welcome support comes in. A Day of Giving - Your support can ensure that not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of the year, we serve wholesome, healthy dinners that fill hearts as much as they fill stomachs. Hollywood Food Coalition believes that no one should face hunger alone. For years, we've dedicated ourselves to alleviating food insecurity, eliminating food waste, and creating a network of support that uplifts lives. Picture a city where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has a place at the table and where food isn't just sustenance, but a symbol of unity, love, and empowerment. At Hollywood Food Coalition, we envision this reality, where food, community, and support intertwine to create a tapestry of care.
Be a Sponsor for Hollywood Food Coalition’s Thanksgiving Dinner (Give Butter)
As the time of gratitude and togetherness approaches, we are reaching out to you with a heartfelt appeal to make this Thanksgiving truly special. Hollywood Food Coalition, fueled by the spirit of compassion and community, has been at the forefront of battling food insecurity and fostering connections that change lives. But we can't do it alone, and that's where your incredible and welcome support comes in. A Day of Giving - Your support can ensure that not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of the year, we serve wholesome, healthy dinners that fill hearts as much as they fill stomachs. Hollywood Food Coalition believes that no one should face hunger alone. For years, we've dedicated ourselves to alleviating food insecurity, eliminating food waste, and creating a network of support that uplifts lives. Picture a city where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has a place at the table and where food isn't just sustenance, but a symbol of unity, love, and empowerment. At Hollywood Food Coalition, we envision this reality, where food, community, and support intertwine to create a tapestry of care.
Become a Community Ally at Union Station Homeless Services
The purpose of our Community Allies Program is to support our program participants as they transition into permanent housing. By fostering one-on-one relationships and social networks, we hope to combat isolation to support wellness and housing stability. Activities included book club, picnics in the park, yoga, and more! Must be at least 25 years old.
Bring Some Holiday Cheer at Union Station Homeless Services
Something They Want, Something to Wear, Something to Read! You can help provide gifts for all of Union Station Homeless Services program participants this holiday season. You can bring holiday cheer to those we serve by providing items for our holiday drive! They are looking to collect: An assortment of toys, New clothes for all ages, Books for all ages, Gift cards for and Gift wrapping supplies!
Build Laundry Kits with Project Ropa
Help create laundry kits for Project Ropa to directly distribute to those in need in the Los Angeles area. This is a great activity for children to get involved with. The majority of the people they serve can't afford to wash their clothing. Part of the barrier is the cost of laundry detergent. You can help by creating laundry kits. All kits can be mailed to them at: Project Ropa, 2851 W 120th Street, Suite E #566, Hawthorne, CA 90250 or dropped off at their warehouse in Gardena, CA. They accept donation drop offs at their warehouse on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-3pm and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm. They are closed on all major holidays. Our warehouse address is: 13970 Van Ness Avenue, Gardena, CA 90249. If mailing please include a note with your full name and email address in the package. Please note: They are unable to provide verification of remote volunteer work for community service hours. They can only do so for in-person volunteer work.
Collect Canned and Boxed Food for Hope the Missions Thanksgiving Drive
We need your help with food donations for Thanksgiving! We are collecting the following items: pumpkin pie puree (#10 cans), pasta, mac and cheese, corn, and cranberry sauce. The deadline for our Thanksgiving food drive collection is November 13, 2024. If you'd like to host a food drive for Hope the Mission, please reach out to us. Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Create and Donate Welcome Home Kits to Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services' Welcome Home Kit Program helps them provide their residents moving from a bridge housing site into a permanent housing facility with a ÒWelcome KitÓ of necessary items. This important program assists Union Station in meeting the basic needs of the people they serve as they rebuild their lives and escape homelessness. Gather your friends, family or civic group and help them to provide basic household items from their Welcome Kits List!
Deck the Halls at Hope the Mission
Help us lighten the spirits of our participants this season by donating decorations and joining us in decorating our communal spaces and offices at our shelters. We invite you to bring your family, friends, co-workers, and employees to create a festive atmosphere together. Your efforts will bring joy and warmth to those we serve. Let's make this fall a beautiful celebration! Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Donate Clothes and Hygiene Essentials to Project Ropa
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.
Donate Food & More to Support Hollywood Food Coalition
You are helping Hollywood Food Coalition build a more compassionate, just, and caring community. Your donation provides unhoused and low-income neighbors with high-quality meals, basic necessities such as clothing, shoes and hygiene supplies, and access to medical, wellness and housing resources. You also help them recover and distribute food and other items to over 125 nonprofits across Los Angeles, so they can build stronger programs in their communities. Visit: https://hofoco.org/donate-funds/
Help Distribute Hygiene Essentials to the Unhoused with Project Ropa
Help restore hope and dignity to those in need by volunteering with Project Ropa at their direct service sites in Hollywood. You will be helping with the distribution of clothes and hygiene essentials. Must be 18 years old to participate.
Donate to the Immediate Items Needed by Hollywood Food Coalition
Hollywood Food Coalition helps to fulfill immediate practical needs of people experiencing homelessness and general poverty! People experiencing homelessness and general poverty often need basic items just to survive each day. These items are hard to keep for long periods of time and also difficult to keep clean making frequent replacement necessary.
Donate to Support Manna Conejo Valley Food Distribution Center
Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank is a unique food pantry started more than 52 years ago to support families in the Conejo Valley that were struggling with food insecurity. We serve an average of 300+ families each month and distribute more than 275,000+ pounds of food each year. Manna serves as a safety net for our neighbors struggling to make ends meet due to job loss, underemployment, disability or fixed incomes. We serve our neighbors with dignity by providing a well-stocked free grocery store. Our shelves are full of pantry staples, our refrigerators offer fresh produce and dairy, and our freezer holds frozen chicken and variety of other frozen selections. Please help Manna by making a tax-deductible donation today to help support the pantry, its programs, and to purchase food.
Donate Turkey and Trimmings to Folks In Need at WHCH
West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affordable housing development corporation founded in 1986. With the stability of housing, we transform the lives of low-income individuals and families. Today, WHCHC continues to serve West Hollywood and has expanded into Los Angeles and neighboring areas. We are looking for a donation of turkeys and all its fixings for at least 100 families in our buildings.
Sponsor A Thanksgiving Meal at Hope the Mission
Help us bring warmth and comfort to those in need this holiday season. This year, we'll host Thanksgiving celebrations in all 23 of our shelters, serving a traditional meal complete with oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, salads, and pumpkin pie. Your contribution, no matter the size, ensures that no one goes hungry at Hope the Mission this Thanksgiving. Check the link to sponsor a meal. Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Donate to Support Long Beach Community Table
Long Beach Community Table (LBCT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, cooperative (meaning that all volunteers and recipients share in the effort and the benefits), that nourish those who are struggling and provides resources that allow all to mutually sustain each other, families, and neighbors. In the spirit of community, many of their volunteers are also recipients, and vice versaÉthis is what makes them a true mutual aid organization and not a charity. They foster sustainable community to support the well-being, empowerment, and self-determination of food- and housing-insecure residents in the greater Long Beach area with dignity and compassion.
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.