Doing Good in the LBC is a newsletter where we’ll share how you can volunteer or give back in our city. We’ll also share the latest goings-on of nonprofit organizations in Long Beach. Subscribe at lbpost.com/newsletters.
Rain is falling, the weather is cooling, and Christmas decorations are lighting up local stores. Many nonprofits, businesses and agencies are also preparing annual efforts to care for those who live on the streets or lack resources to buy food, basic necessities and gifts for kids.
Here’s a few ways to get involved over the next week:
- Justin Rudd’s annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning is a great way to get exercise and support a good cause. Sign up for the 7:30 or 9 a.m. start time (I’ll be doing the 9 a.m.), Thursday, Nov. 28, at One Granada Ave. (near Rosie’s Dog Beach). Proceeds benefit the Community Action Team, Rudd’s nonprofit that is known for beach cleanups, book drives and more.
- Christian Outreach in Action will host a community Thanksgiving feast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 515 E. Third St. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, donate and eat.
Season of Giving
The city has also launched a donation drive called Season of Giving to collect essential items for the unhoused. Residents can drop off a variety of items at a drive-thru from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Department of Health and Human Services, 2525 Grand Ave.
The city is requesting donations of men’s and women’s sweatshirts, pants, coats, socks, blankets, umbrellas and shoes.
You can also purchase items from the Multi-Service Center Amazon Wish List, as well as backpacks with items like hand warmers, flashlights, battery packs and more, or food items like canned goods and other nonperishable items.
Residents cal also drop off items Long Beach Public Library locations during regular business hours, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach (3635 Long Beach Blvd.), and at Scherer Park Community Center (4654 Pasadena Ave.), Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
If you want to donate and need a tax deduction, contribute to the Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action.
LBCC toy drive
Long Beach City College is hosting its third annual toy drive for student-parents who are facing tough times. Donate a new, unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation through Dec. 13.
Donation boxes are located at the Liberal Arts Campus (4901 E. Carson St.) and the Pacific Coast Highway campus (1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway).
Businesses pitching in
LBS Financial Credit Union delivered thousands of school supplies to Oropeza Elementary in Long Beach on Oct. 23.
The credit union adopts a different school in Long Beach Unified School District every year and partners with the principal to receive a wish list of items needed for students and classrooms. Oropeza’s wish list included a variety of items like art supplies, binders, backpacks, crayons, erasers, markers, notebooks, toys, and more.
This is LBS Financial’s 14th year of adopting a school in the Long Beach Unified School District.
