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Let's do good: Toy drives, volunteering opportunities and more in LA this holiday season

As we enter the last month of 2024, here's a list of events — from toy drives to fundraisers to volunteering opportunities — to give back to our communities.
Sunday, Dec. 1 — Toy drive for the children of Ventura County
The toy drive is hosted by the Ventura County chapter of the Die Hard Bolt Club, a L.A. Chargers fan club. This year's drive will have a special focus on kids living in the country affected by the recent Mountain Fire.
Where: Sonesta Select Camarillo, 4994 Verdugo Way, Camarillo
When: Sunday, Dec. 1, starting at 10 a.m.
How: Bring an unwrapped toy
Wednesday, Dec. 4 — Stuff-A-Van toy drive
A toy drive organized by Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station
Where: Costco, 5700 Lindero Canyon Rd., Westlake Village
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
How: Bring an unwrapped toy
Stop by Costco in @cityofwlv Wednesday, December 4th with an unwrapped toy. Help us stuff our van, together we can help those less fortunate have a wonderful holiday season. pic.twitter.com/ZdDFmU6a5a
— LASD Lost Hills Stn. (@LHSLASD) November 26, 2024
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Holiday toy drive benefitting LA Family Housing
Where: Valley Inn, 4557 Sherman Oaks Ave., Sherman Oaks
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
How: Bring an unwrapped toy
Monday - Friday, Dec. 9 to Dec. 13 — Holiday giving gift wrapping organized by Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
Where: Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, 3602 Inland Empire Blvd., ste C315, Ontario
When: Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Spread some holiday cheer with us!🎁
— Sickle Cell Disease Foundation (@SCDFoundation) November 27, 2024
From Dec 9-13, we’re looking for volunteers to help wrap gifts for our holiday giving program. Sign up for a one-hour shift or all day! Let’s make the season bright together!
Sign up here.https://t.co/eaeGJUhC3g pic.twitter.com/0OfjYwVVzw
Friday, Dec. 13 — Holiday gift wrapping party organized by YMCA San Gabriel Valley
Where: YMCA SGV, 101 S. Barranca Ave., Covina
When: Friday, Dec. 13; volunteer and drop-in hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Interested in giving back to your community, but don't have enough to donate? We've got you covered! We are excited to announce a Holiday Gift Wrapping Party on December 13th at our YWCA-SGV Headquarters! pic.twitter.com/UHC8QmFZAM
— YWCA San Gabriel Valley (@YWCA_SGV) November 25, 2024
Saturday, Dec. 14 — Wild at Heart Horse Rescue's Jingle Bell Trot fundraiser
Wild at Heart Horse Rescue retrains and rehomes owner-surrendered horses.
Where: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, 6854 West Ave H, Lancaster
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, registration for the 5K walk/run at 8 a.m.; trot starts at 9 a.m.
Entrance fees: $20 entrance fee, $40 with a T-shirt
Spread some holiday cheer with us!🎁
— Sickle Cell Disease Foundation (@SCDFoundation) November 27, 2024
From Dec 9-13, we’re looking for volunteers to help wrap gifts for our holiday giving program. Sign up for a one-hour shift or all day! Let’s make the season bright together!
Sign up here.https://t.co/eaeGJUhC3g pic.twitter.com/0OfjYwVVzw
Sunday, Dec. 22 — Christmas in the Park at Leimert Plaza Park
The Christmas event at Leimert Plaza Park is seeking volunteers both in the days leading up to — and on the day of — the celebration. The event is organized by the office of Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, who represents the district.
Where: Leimert Plaza Park, 4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; volunteers also needed in the days leading up to the event
Ongoing — Kitchen volunteers for Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food prepares and delivers meals to people impacted by serious illness. The organization is looking for kitchen volunteers — no culinary skills necessary.
Where: Project Angel Food, 230 W. Ave. 26, Los Angeles
When: Sundays - Fridays; AM shift: 8:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.; PM shift: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
PROJECT ANGEL FOOD: Looking for an opportunity to volunteer? Project Angel Food is looking for kitchen volunteers, no culinary skills needed. For more information call 323-845-1816 or email volunteer@angelfood.org pic.twitter.com/PoW3J4pSyv
— LA County Military & Veterans Affairs (@LACMVA) November 27, 2024
Ongoing — Help L.A. County Library transcribe historic letters
Here's an unusual volunteering opportunity and you can do it from home. Los Angeles County Library is seeking volunteers to transcribe handwritten letters sent by government officials and private citizens in California to the Office of Indian Affairs during the formative years of California's statehood.
How: Instructions here.
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