Love and gratitude often take center stage during the holiday season, while the challenges faced by those with fewer resources can feel especially close to home. This year has brought its share of difficult moments for many individuals and families in the community.
There is some hopeful news: supporting local organizations remains wonderfully simple. Online donations to DTLB charitable groups help sustain their efforts, and many offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Downtown businesses hosting food and supply drives are also welcoming contributions this season.
HELLBENT SILVERSMITH / 433 E 1ST ST.
Photo courtesy of Hellbent Silversmith
This East Village shop that produces beautiful jewelry and shares silversmithing knowledge with the community is teaming up with the mutual aid cooperative Long Beach Community Table for a food drive that will serve Long Beach people in need.
You are encouraged to drop off nonperishable, sealed food donations at the shop on Fridays from 2 to 6 PM, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM through November 30. All donations will be taken to Long Beach Community Table, who will distribute them.
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Community Table
You also have the option of donating directly to Long Beach Community Table. Simply click a QR code which can be found in this Instagram post @hellbentsilversmith.
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH IN ACTION / 515 E 3RD ST.
Photo courtesy of COA
Christian Outreach in Action (COA) is a non-denominational nonprofit that has been fulfilling its mission to help homeless and impoverished individuals since 1981.
In addition to its Thanksgiving and Christmas programs, COA provides hot meals, food bank and pet food access, household goods, diapers, hygiene kits, agency referrals, and more.
COA is always open to volunteers signing up for its food, clothing, and diaper banks, thrift store, hot meal services, and special holiday events, including this year’s Thanksgiving meal and grocery giveaway! Learn more and sign up by clicking here.
RECREATIONAL COFFEE / 237 LONG BEACH BLVD. STE. A
Photo courtesy of Recreational Coffee
Recreational Coffee is extending itself generously to help those in our community who are struggling during these uncertain times. Last week the DTLB coffee spot started accepting donations of the following items:
Shelf-stable foods (canned goods, snacks, boxes of pasta, bread, water bottles, etc.), hygiene products (sanitary pads, shampoo, antibacterial wipes, etc.), essential undergarments (underwear, gloves, socks, etc.), and cat/dog food.
Photo courtesy of Recreational Coffee
Donations are not required when visiting the shop, but they are encouraged! Recreational Coffee is now stocking them outside every Wednesday from 10 AM to noon for any neighbors who need them, no questions asked.
LONG BEACH RESCUE MISSION / 1335 PACIFIC AVE.
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Rescue Mission
Long Beach Rescue Mission (LBRM) has welcomed thousands of homeless and less fortunate community members since it was founded in 1972. LBRM offers food, clothing, shelter, and spiritual guidance for those seeking to break the cycle of homelessness while nurturing a sense of hope and purpose in their lives.
Among its many services, LBRM deploys a Search and Rescue mobile outreach team that meets people in need where they are, offering supplies and compassion.
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Rescue Mission
LBRM, which has many volunteer opportunities available throughout the year, has set a goal of having 24,000 hot meals ready to go for Thanksgiving. You can provide a hot Thanksgiving meal to someone with a donation of only $2.43, or you can sign up to help serve their meal. Bring some holiday joy to those in need by clicking here.
LONG BEACH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION / 1 WORLD TRADE CENTER, 8TH FL.
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Community Foundation
If you’re looking to make a difference in your community through charitable giving, Long Beach Community Foundation (LBCF) will gladly assist you. This foundation is dedicated to helping individuals and families manage their philanthropy.
LBCF establishes funds and makes strategic grants to benefit local nonprofits. LBCF also offers scholarship opportunities. If you’re a student or an individual affiliated with a charitable organization and would like to apply for a scholarship or grant, please click here.
If you want to donate right now to the LBCF Community Impact Fund, the Press-Telegram Send-A-Kid-To-Camp Fund, the Mayor’s Fund For Homeless Action, and others from LBCF’s catalog of beneficiaries, learn more and make your donations by clicking here!
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Giving during the holiday season can be easy and fun. A thoughtful donation can brighten someone’s life and add a bit more kindness to the world.