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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.