In the giving mood this holiday season? Businesses and charities throughout Long Beach are stepping up to provide for those less fortunate and are asking for locals to help by donating everything from toys to food to gasoline gift cards. We compiled a list of events and donation drives in the works to help you decide where to send your somethings extra.
EVENTS
Long Beach Independent’s 4th Annual Secret Santa’s Toy Drive
Thursday, December 13, 6PM
Di Piazza’s
5205 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Sunday, December 16, 10AM
Roxanne’s Lounge, Bar & Grill
1115 E. Wardlow Rd.
Bring your classic car and new, unopened toy to this new California Heights hotspot looking to give back to the community that has been so good to them. Donate new unopened toys at Roxanne’s now through December 17 and all will be given to Toys for Tots. More information, go to roxanneslounge.com
CHARITIES ACCEPTING DONATIONS
Help Me Help You—Currently accepting toys, food coupons, school supplies and gift cards for the 2012 Christmas Give Away which will take place on December 19. Contact the office to make donations: (562) 733-1147 x160 or email info@helpmehelpu.org
Food Finders—Accepting unopened canned and bottled food or drink items through December 31. Also accepting toys and gifts for children as well as adults through December 16. Donations may be made directly by dropping off items at Food Finders’ location in Signal Hill, 2301 E. 28th St. Suite 303 www.foodfinders.org
Women Shelter of Long Beach—The “Adopt A Family” Program is collecting new, unwrapped and nonviolent toys for children of all ages at their Outreach Center on 930 Pacific Avenue by 3PM on December 14th www.womenshelterlb.org
Salvation Army—Financial donations can be given at any of the various Red Kettles or online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
Long Beach Rescue Mission—Currently accepting donations for their kitchen, Lydia House and Samaritan House needs including coffee, sugar, canned vegetables, dry beans, hot sauce/salsa, relish, salad dressing, non-fat dry milk, bed pillows, curtains, shampoo/conditioner, sheet sets, children’s underwear. www.lbrm.org
Long Beach Ronald McDonald House—Wish List includes disinfecting wipes, Swiffer Wets, Lysol, paper plates, paper towels, bathroom tissue, 13-gallon trash bags, non-latex gloves (all sizes) and gasoline gift cards. Also, unopened and unused gifts for children and teens. Monetary donations can be made through www.longbeachrmh.org.
Whole Foods Long Beach— Through December 31, Whole Foods’ Grab and Give program allows shoppers make a donation of $5, $10, $25 or more that will provide a full meal for a family of four. The items purchased will be donated to the Long Beach Rescue Mission who will distribute the donations to those in need. www.wholefoodsmarket.com