This Christmas, like the rest of 2020, is sure to be the strangest, most challenging holiday to date. As COVID-19 cases continues to surge, reaching unprecedented numbers, Southern California is shutting down again, putting many out of work and separating families during a season meant to bring people together.
Community non-profits, organizations and churches are looking to keep the holiday alive by way of toys and other gifts for families in need. With just about two weeks left until Christmas, here are a few local drives that could use your support.
DIAMOND CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY
For their 10th anniversary, The Local Hearts Foundation, led by Tito Rodriguez—known as the Hood Santa—in partnership with skateboard company, Diamond Supply, are working to raise $50,000 to purchase toys to be given out at their annual toy drive event in MacArthur Park Saturday, Dec. 19. To donate directly through PayPal, click here.
Local Hearts Foundation is also accepting toys for the drive, those who would like to drop off a new, unwrapped toy can find donation bins at the Smart and Final in Cambodia Town (1320 Atlantic Ave.) or at the Grocery Outlet in North Alamitos Beach (1340 E 7th St.)
FOR THE CHILDREN
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For over a decade, SOS Booking has brightened holiday spirits for thousands of children by putting on a fundraising hardcore punk festival, For the Children, that asks concert attendees to show up to the event with a toy, with a percentage of ticket sales used to buy toys for the drive. Last year, For the Children donated more than 6,000 toys to local families.
Although unable to put on the annual concert, For the Children is keeping the traditional alive. Organizers are asking the community to drop off a new, unwrapped toy Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13 at Supply and Demand (2500 E. Anaheim St.) from 12 to 6 p.m. A portion of the donations will go to Hood Santa’s Diamond Christmas event on the 19th and the rest donated personally by SOS Booking to families in Long Beach and Pomona. During the event, Supply and Demand is offering street tacos, beer and cocktails to-go where 10% of the revenue will be donated to For the Children.
SOS Booking has also teamed up with local businesses and hardcore/metal bands Sepultura, Stray from the Path and Disembodied, to offer limited-edition specialty merchandise (Hoodies, T-shirts, posters) available for purchase this weekend only—click here. All of the proceeds will go towards the toy drive.
WHITE RIBBON TOY DRIVE FOR DCFS
Bethany Church, The ROCK Christian Fellowship, The Long Beach Ministers Alliance and The Long Beach Church Collective are hoping to make the holidays a little brighter for children and families within the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Service (DCFS).
On Sunday, Dec. 13, bring a new, unwrapped toy geared toward children ages 3-12, or drop off a department store gift card (e.g. Target, Walmart) for teens ages 13-18 to the Bethany Church parking lot located at 2250 Clark Ave. Bethany Church volunteers will be on-site at 11 a.m. to accept donations.
For more information, visit the White Ribbon Toy Drive Facebook event page, here.
“THE CHILD” FOR A CHILD
Of the many charity ventures Yuri Williams of A Future Superhero and Friends puts together each year, his favorite was always visiting children’s hospitals during the holidays suited-up like superheroes Deadpool or Spiderman. This year, due to COVID-19, Williams won’t be able to visit but, still looking to spread a bit of cheer, is asking the community to donate to a very special GOFUNDME campaign: “The Child” for a Child.
With the $2,000 he’s fundraising, Williams will purchase and donate 100 The Child/Baby Yoda toys from “The Mandalorian” for children with disabilities, special needs as well as those currently sick in the hospital. Williams has just over half of his funds so far, $1,240, and hopes to reach his goal just before Christmas.
You can find William’s GOFUNDME, here.
THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE LONG BEACH
This year, the nonprofit Ronald McDonald House is seeking toy donations that will benefit families in the Long Beach area. Those interested can browse their online gift registry to purchase a gift, use the registry as inspiration to shop on their own or make a cash donation where LBRMH will do the shopping for you. Also on the registry are items for their 23-room facility that provides a home away from home for families with critically ill children.
LBRMH, located at 500 E 27th St, is now accepting donations but requests that those coming in-person call in advance to notify of their arrival. To reach LBRMH call (562) 285-4300. To view the registry or donate directly, click here.
HIS LITTLE FEET
With your donation, community non-profit, His Little Feet, will gift 200 children at Precious Lamb Preschool and the San Fernando Valley rescue mission with a brand new pair of shoes, socks and a Christmas Toy. So far, the non-profit has raised $2,640 of their $5,000 goal.
To donate or for more information, click here.
SPARK OF LOVE
The Long Beach Fire Department’s annual Spark of Love toy drive is accepting donations for toys to give away to 400 families and more than 20 different youth-based community groups this Christmas. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of your local fire stations, or make a cash donation online by clicking here.
To reduce contact, the LBFD has set up designated boxes in front of stations for guests to leave toys. LBFD asks that those who donate in-person follow health and safety protocols by wearing a mask and maintaining a six-foot distance from others.
This list is expanding, if we missed your event please send information to [email protected] and we’ll add you to the list.