Two women in bright pink tops and tights bend like dancers to pick up trash on the sand.
In this file photo, the Community Action Team's Beach Cleanup picks up trash at Rosie's Dog Beach.

Ahead of the inaugurations on Tuesday, Dec. 20, for Long Beach Mayor-Elect Rex Richardson, citywide elected officials and councilmembers, the city is hosting a number of volunteering events tomorrow as a way to welcome the new leaders.

The Inauguration Service Day begins on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 8 a.m. across Long Beach. Tomorrow’s events and volunteer opportunities include:

  • A holiday toy collection from 8 to 10 a.m. benefitting the Long Beach Rescue Mission, hosted by the Office of 1st District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. Folks are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for youth ages 17 and under to the Long Beach Rescue Mission, 1430 Pacific Ave. Questions may be directed to Jesse Lueb at 562-481-1196.
  • A beach cleanup and food drive, in partnership with the Community Action Team and Cal State Long Beach’s Associated Students Inc. Beach Pantry, will be hosted by the Office of 3rd District Councilmember-Elect Kristina Duggan from 9 to 11 a.m. at Granada Beach, 5100 E. Ocean Blvd. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own reusable buckets and reusable gloves to limit waste. Shelf-stable canned food donations will also be accepted at the beach cleanup.
  • A cleanup at Willow Springs Park, in partnership with the City’s Office of Sustainability, will be hosted by the Office of 5th District Councilwoman-Elect Megan Kerr from 10 a.m. to noon at 2745 Orange Ave. Volunteers are encouraged to bring clothes and shoes suitable for working outside, including work gloves and reusable water bottle, if you have them. Meet at the parking lot/entrance on Orange Avenue.
  • A pet supplies donation drive benefiting ASPCA, in partnership with the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance, will be hosted by the Office of 7th District Councilmember Roberto Uranga from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Park Community Center, 101 E. 28th St. Volunteers are asked to bring new, store-bought unopened dog food, cat food, blankets and/or towels and can also take a photo with Santa. Questions may be directed to Joan Greenwood at 562-355-8679.
  • A tree planting event, in partnership with North Long Beach neighborhood groups, will be hosted by the Office of 9th District Councilwoman-Elect Joni Ricks-Oddie from 9 a.m. to noon at Houghton Park. Volunteers will meet at Myrtle Avenue and East 63rd Street and are encouraged to dress in festive red and green and share their holiday spirit. Questions may be directed to Jim Osgood at 562-570-5221.

“As our city prepares for our next generation of leadership, let’s begin by serving the city that we love,” Richardson said in a statement. “Volunteering is a great way to come together, meet your neighbors and make a difference in your community. I encourage residents to join us and give back this holiday season by participating in a Long Beach Inauguration Service Day event.”

All events are free and registration is not required.

Inaugural ceremony, swearing-in set for Mayor-Elect Richardson and city officials