Below are ways parents and kids can give back to our community. Click on our NON PROFIT WISH LIST 
to see our featured non-profit and view their wish list.
See the list below of non-profits that could use more volunteers! OrangeCountyParent.com strongly believes in families giving back to their community by volunteering their time and making donations. Families can make a difference in their community without it necessarily requiring a large time or monetary commitment.
We encourage parents to set an example for their children by demonstrating different ways to give, through donating toys and clothes or by helping serve meals during the holidays. You will be teaching your children empathy and compassion. Below are ways parents and kids can give back to our community.
Click here to submit your own.
For a more complete listing of all of our Non-Profit agencies, click here.
You may not be able to help the whole world, but you can make a difference in your own community. --Elizabeth P. Carter
American Red Cross Blood Services
Every American Red Cross blood drive is hosted by a volunteer, someone just like you. Businesses, churches, synagogues, community organizations, and schools all work voluntarily to assure that there is enough blood for anyone in our community
who needs it. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. You can make a difference!
http://socalredcross.org/socal/index.php
Registration & Refreshment Table Host for Holiday Blood Drives Ongoing
Each year we experience severe blood shortages during the holiday season. You can help us save lives by volunteering at our Orange County Holiday Blood Drives being held throughout Orange County this holiday season!
Holiday Blood Drives, Throughout Orange County, 92705
Mary Flores, floresm@usa.redcross.org
Bolsa Chica Conservancy
Our mission is to advocate the restoration and preservation of the Bolsa Chica Wetland's through public outreach, participation, education, and leadership.
http://www.bolsachica.org
Service Day Leaders Ongoing, Last Saturday of every month, 9a-12p
Volunteers are needed to lead projects for the Conservancy's monthly Service Days. Volunteers must wear closedtoed shoes and work clothing. Your own gloves, refreshments, and sunscreen are also recommended. The general public Service Days are the last Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm. Groups are welcomed!
3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 92649
Vickie Price, vickie@bolsachica.org
Interpretive Center Hosts Ongoing
Volunteers are needed to host at the Interpretive Center for the Conservancy. Interested parties should email the contact person below, and the Conservancy will send an application to be filled out. Upon approval, further instructions will be provided.
3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 92649
Vickie Price, vickie@bolsachica.org
Tour Leaders Ongoing
Volunteers are needed to lead tours for the Conservancy. Interested parties should email the contact person below, and the Conservancy will send an application to be filled out. Upon approval, further instructions will be provided.
3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 92649
Diana, diana@bolsachica.org
Families Forward
Families Forward is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping low income and homeless families in need. The agency offers valuable programs and resources designed to alleviate the pressures that struggling families face day to day. Families Forward addresses families' needs at any point in their crisis by providing a broad spectrum of services, including: housing, counseling, food, education, case management, life-skills training and rent or utility assistance.
http://www.families-forward.org
Pantry Volunteers
Nov 6 - Dec 18 (Thursdays only), 9a-12p
Volunteers are needed all holiday season to inventory, sort, and organize food donations arriving. Initial training required. Warehouse attire: conservative/comfortable T-shirt/pants. Closed-toed shoes required! No sandals/flipflops, baggy jeans, halter or spaghetti strap tops. Warm sweater/jacket recommended when cool weather hits. Groups are welcome!
9221 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, 92618
Kelly Banks, kbanks@families-forward.org
Foster Care Auxiliary of OC
Our mission is to enhance the lives of all Orange County foster children, to support and to retain Orange County licensed foster families. Small groups (up to 5) are welcome!
http://www.fostercareaux.com
Thrift Store Volunteers Ongoing
Volunteers are encouraged to come and help in our thrift store during any open hours. Duties could include stocking, sorting, hanging, decorating, and cleaning. OPEN HOURS: Mon/Sat, 9am-4pm; Tues/Thurs/Fri, 11am-6pm;
Wed/Sun, closed
333 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804
Kathy Harvey, fostercareaux@yahoo.com
Hat Box Foundation
Inspired by a young girl name Clare who was diagnosed with bone cancer, our mission is to make and distribute hand-made hats (knitted or crocheted) for cancer patients and others who are facing life-threatening illnesses.
http://www.hatboxfoundation.org
Hand-made Hat Drive Ongoing
Different from other organizations, Hat Box Foundation only distributes hats that are 100% hand-made. We believe something made by human hands contains a special ingredient. It is this ingredient that makes each hat unique and helps to heal the human spirit. So without the generosity of our volunteers, we wouldn't exist. We encourage design creativity and gladly accept all new, well-crafted, hand-knitted or crocheted hats for children, women, and men. While we have no pre-determined patterns, please feel free to visit our website for pattern downloads (see the "Links" page). Also, since many of our recipients have little or no hair, the use of soft yarns is highly preferred. If you enjoy knitting or crocheting and you'd like to join us in our efforts, please email us or send donations directly to the address below. Thank you for considering joining our Hat Box family.
51 Wonderland, Irvine, 92620
Carrie Mayhew, carrie@hatboxfoundation.org
Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter
The mission of Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter is to change the lives of homeless families by providing them with encouragement and the tools for achieving self sufficiency.
http://www.ocinterfaithshelter.org
General Service & Maintenance Ongoing
Many volunteer opportunities are available at OCIS, ranging from sorting donations, to cooking dinner, to light landscaping, and housework. We are looking for individuals to help in refurbishing our transitional units, painting murals on walls, sanding cabinets, replacing termite damage in our play area, setting up computers, buffing floors,
watering plants, organizing donation rooms, and providing other general assistance around the Shelter. Groups are welcome!
1963 Wallace Ave, Costa Mesa, 92627
Michelle Forshner, mforshner@ocinterfaithshelter.org
Orange County Scroll Saw Association
The OCSSA is a group of woodworkers who, throughout the year, make wooden toys for underprivileged children for distribution at Christmas time.
Free Wooden Toys Ongoing
Our Scroll Saw Club has been making wooden toys for underprivileged kids at Christmas time for 8 years, and we now serve over 20 charities. This year we have had more participation from our members and consequently have excess toys. The toys are primarily small cars (6-8" long), Army Tanks (6-8" long), Jewelry boxes (small), basketball games (action), and animal jigsaw puzzles (6-15 pieces). These are available while supplies last-please email the contact below to inquire about giving or receiving donations.
9200 El Morado Ave, Fountain Valley, 92708
Don Borchardt, drborchardt@verizon.net
Providence Speech and Hearing Center
Our mission at Providence Speech and Hearing Center is to provide the highest quality services available in the identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of speech and hearing disorders for persons of all ages
http://www.pshc.org
Santa Run 5/10K
Dec 14, 5a-12p
Come join or volunteer for the 5/10K "Santa Run"! Over 2,000 people attend this yearly event and many come garbed in red shirts and Santa hats to celebrate the coming of the holidays. Groups are welcome!
3817 Viewpark, Irvine, 92602
Darian Larsen, dlarsen@pshc.org
Spencer Hospice Foundation
To enhance compassionate hospice care for terminally ill patients and their families.
http://www.spencer-foundation.org/
Crafting Holiday Cards, Ornaments, Gift Baskets for the Terminally Ill Ongoing
The Spencer Hospice Foundation helps to make the holidays brighter for terminally ill patients and their families by granting things such as a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas tree, or a special holiday wish. We need volunteers to put together gift baskets for the terminally ill, and create hand-made Christmas cards or ornaments. You provide the
materials and feel free to be as artistic as you like. They can then be dropped off or mailed to us. Groups are welcome!
3130 South Harbor Blvd, Suite 270, Santa Ana, 92704
Michelle Wulfestieg, mwulfestieg@spencer-foundation.org
SPIN - Serving People in Need
SPIN exists to assist low-income and homeless people with financial assistance for housing costs and, through a network of comprehensive support services, enable them to become self-sufficient and no longer dependent on public support.
http://www.spinoc.org
Sack Meal Preparation for the Homeless - Ongoing - Thursdays, 3p-4p (Thanksgiving & Christmas weeks meet on Wednesday instead) We have a weekly opportunity to prepare 200 - 300 sack meals for the homeless on the street at the kitchen of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. No training required.
2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, 92660
Kim Frazier, kimf@spinoc.org
Working Wardrobes for a New Start
Working Wardrobes provides at-risk men, women, and teens with a new start to help them attain self-sufficiency and dignity.
http://www.workingwardrobes.org
Holiday Administration Volunteers
Nov 1 - Jan 1 (except Sundays), 9:30a-2:30p
Volunteers will assist the Front Office team with administrative duties such as data entry, filing, photocopying, etc. Volunteers will also be the voice of Working Wardrobes and assist with telephone calls. Groups are welcome!
11614 Martens River Circle, Fountain Valley, 92708
Mary Lou Torres, marylout@workingwardrobes.org
Holiday Donation Center Volunteers
Nov 1 - Jan 1 (except Sundays), 10a-2p
This is quite the unique experience! Volunteers will become wardrobe consultants whose tasks include sorting donations and choosing stylish and professional apparel for our Career Services Center boutique. Volunteers will also assist in the preparation and organization of the clothing. Groups are welcome!
11614 Martens River Circle, Fountain Valley, 92708
Mary Lou Torres, marylout@workingwardrobes.org
Women Helping Women
To provide professional business apparel, image consulting and employment-search support aid to low-income women in attaining and sustaining employment. Currently, we serve 2,000 women, free of charge or obligation, and have served over 15,000 women since 1993.
http://www.whw.org
Personal Shopper, Apparel Maintenance Asst, Speakers & Trainers, Friends of WHW Ongoing
Personal Shoppers support the client in image consulting-coordinating clothing and accessories to ensure the right look for an interview-show them how to mix and match using accessories, and help boost their self-esteem and confidence. Apparel Maintenance Assistants ensure the Donation Processing Center is organized, and greet donors,
sort through donations, restock the boutique, and tag garments. Speakers/Trainers provide client workshops as well as work career fairs, man event booths, and speak to community groups. Friends of Women Helping Women help coordinate, plan, and execute WHW's two major "fun"draising events. All skills, talents, and backgrounds are
welcome. Corporate/business backgrounds and contacts are appreciated. Groups are welcome!
711 West 17th Street, Suite A-10, Costa Mesa, 92627
Brateil Aghasi, brateila@whw.org
Providence Community Services
We embrace our families while providing them with the support they need to achieve their dreams.
http://provcorp.com
Angel Tag Program
Nov 1 - Dec 8
For many children the holidays are not a happy occasion. Especially with today's troubled economy, a large number of children will go without gifts on Christmas morning. But you can help needy children who are experiencing difficulty in their lives and make this holiday season special. In order to serve more children during the holidays, we are
seeking corporations, businesses, church organizations, and clubs willing to place a tree (supplied by Providence) in their office filled with "Angel Tags." Each tag lists the child's name, age, gender and a gift suggestion of what the child wants for the holidays. For many of these children these will be the only gifts they receive for Christmas. With your
assistance, together we can make this time of the year memorable and special for a child in need.
1745 Orangewood Ave, Suite 103, Orange, 92868
Andrea Alford, aalford@provcorp.com
Holiday Food Baskets
Dec 1 - Dec 24
There are many families who cannot afford the luxury of having a special holiday meal. You can help bring cheer to a family by providing a food basket with a turkey or ham and all the trimmings so that a family can enjoy a festive meal during the holidays. Groups are welcome!
1633 E. 4th Street, #120, Santa Ana, 92701
Adrienne Davalos, adavalos@provcorp.com
SMEDA Southwest Community Center
The mission of SMEDA is to provide food, shelter, clothing, and guidance, health, and referral services to economically disadvantaged persons and encourage them to achieve self-sufficiency.
Adopt-a-Family or Senior
Nov 1 - Dec 20
Families and Seniors who have applied for holiday baskets/gifts may be "adopted" by individuals, groups, or organizations. Holiday baskets generally include a food basket, plus either toys/clothing items for children or gifts suitable for the elderly (as appropriate). These may be delivered directly to the home or to the Center for distribution.
1601 West 2nd, Santa Ana, 92703
Jessie Allen, swsmeda@aol.com
Gift Wrapping
Nov 1 - Dec 20
Individuals or groups may volunteer to wrap toys and gift items for distribution to families and children during the Christmas Party. We will also wrap toys on the day of the Christmas Party. Groups are welcome!
1601 West 2nd, Santa Ana, 92703
Jessie Allen, swsmeda@aol.com
Children's Christmas Party with Santa Claus
Dec 20, 9a-7p
Volunteers wrap gifts, escort children to see Santa, and provide staff assistance to entertain children at the party. On average, we host more than 300 children between the ages of one month and 12 years of age. Each child receives a toy and Christmas treats during the party. Groups are welcome!
1601 West 2nd, Santa Ana, 92703
Jessie Allen, swsmeda@aol.com
Christmas Day Meal
Dec 25, 9a-7p
Volunteers are needed to help set-up, cook, serve, and clean-up at the Christmas Day meal for homeless and low income families. Volunteers ages 13-17 okay with parent. Please wear casual clothing. Three shifts are available:
8a-10:30a, 11a-3p, 3p-5p. Groups are welcome!
1601 West 2nd, Santa Ana, 92703
Jessie Allen, swsmeda@aol.com
Community Action Partnership of OC
The mission of CAP is to enhance the quality of life within Orange County by eliminating and preventing the causes and effects of poverty by mobilizing and directing resources to programs that assist, educate, and promote self-sufficiency.
http://www.capoc.org
Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gift Donation
Nov 1 - Dec 19
Give a personal gift (hygiene products, CDs, toys, gift cards) or-preferred-give gift coupons (grocery cards, RX cards, gas cards, Visa/MC cards, bus passes). Accepting gifts thru 12/19. Check donations are also welcome!
7180 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, 92841
Kathy Kifaya, kkifaya@capoc.org
Community Partners Program
Dec 15, Time TBD
Volunteers are needed to sort, package, organize, and clean in our warehouse for one of our periodic overhauls. Wear closed-toed shoes and dress according to the weather.
7180 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, 92841
Joey Ayala, jayala@capoc.org
Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gift Delivery
Dec 19, 9a-7p
Help deliver donated gifts to needy families in Orange County. Please wait until December 12th to contact CAPOC about this event. The schedule and assignments will be made at that point. Groups are welcome!
7180 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, 92841
Kathy Kifaya, kkifaya@capoc.org
Colette's Children's Home
Transitional living center for homeless children
http://www.homelessusa.org
Adopt-a-Family or Shelter
Nov 1 - Dec 23
Organizations can be linked to shelter sites and individuals can adopt families. We need group and individual volunteers to Adopt-a-Family or Shelter to make many holiday seasons brighter.
17301 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, 92647
Deby Wolford, dwolford@healinghomelessness.org
Salvation Army OC Main Office
Non-profit religious organization designed to alleviate hunger and homelessness.
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Corporate Angel Tree
Nov 1 - Dec 19
This unique project encourages corporate Orange County to place a Christmas Tree in a designated location in their business offices in support of children assisted by the Army during the holidays. The Army will provide cardboard Angels (Ornaments of Caring) with the name of a child who has been pre-selected to receive a gift as well as a short
wish list. Groups are welcome!
Throughout Orange County
Judy Fitch, 714-832-7100 x238
Christmas Food Drives
Nov 1 - Dec 23
Christmas allows the Army an opportunity to provide much needed food for our families, and that need will be greater this year than ever. We need your help to seek support from others throughout Orange County who will conduct their own Food Drives to contribute to the cause. Groups are welcome!
Throughout Orange County
Nora Lamkin, nora.lamkin@usw.salvationarmy.org
Christmas Kettle Program
Nov 22 - Dec 20 (Saturdays only), 10a-6p
This traditional program places over 50 red kettles at malls and stores throughout Orange County to solicit funds in support of the Army's Christmas program. Groups are welcome!
Throughout Orange County
Nora Lamkin, nora.lamkin@usw.salvationarmy.org
Christmas Toy Drives
Nov 26 - Dec 23
Each year the Army distributes toys to almost 8,000 boys and girls. These young people are children of the families we have interviewed and pre-selected for assistance during the holidays. Groups are welcome!
Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 92806
Nora Lamkin, nora.lamkin@usw.salvationarmy.org
Christmas Warehouse Distribution
Dec 1 - Dec 23
Beginning December 1, we will open our warehouse in order to match gifts, packages, arrange food boxes, and organize our toy distribution. Please wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes. Groups are welcome! Volunteers are needed on: Oct 28th - Nov 26th, for computer help, and translating Spanish & Vietnamese; Dec 1st - 20th, for
sorting & packaging food/toys; and Dec 18th - 22nd, for distribution.
Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 92806
Nora Lamkin, nora.lamkin@usw.salvationarmy.org
Art & Creativity for Healing
Through programs offered in collaboration with more than 30 hospitals, treatment facilities and non-profit agencies, Art & Creativity for Healing exists to facilitate workshops for children and adults to address the emotional and social aspects of
abuse, illness, grief or stress via the language of color in order to provide encouragement and motivation for individuals living with these conditions.
http://www.art4healing.org
Holiday Shoebox Gift Drive
Nov 1 - Dec 23
We are holding a Holiday Shoebox Gift Drive for the children of deployed military attending San Onofre Elementary School at Camp Pendleton. Volunteers are needed to organize their friends and family members to fill shoeboxes with art supplies and candy to brighten the holidays for the 650 military-family children under the strain of a parent's
deployment (suggested items below).
26079 Getty Drive, Laguna Niguel, 92677
Laurie Zagon, laurie@art4healing.com
Brea Family Resource Center
Connecting families, youth, and seniors with services that strengthen family and our community.
http://www.ci.brea.ca.us
Brea Adopt-a-Family
Nov 1 - Dec 23
The holidays can be anything but joyful for a struggling family. A recent job loss or health crisis can throw even the most stable family into a crisis and dash any hopes for a happy holiday. Families are also struggling with the higher cost of food and gas this year! Extend goodwill and joy to another family in your own community by participating in
this year's Adopt-a-Family. Those who wish to adopt a family may contact BFRC beginning Nov 1.
Brea Family Resource Center, 695 East Madison Way, Brea, 92821
Cheryl Cooley, cherylc@cityofbrea.net
Brea Wish Tree
Nov 17 - Dec 15
Bring holiday joy to someone less fortunate by choosing an ornament off one of three very special holiday trees. The ornaments can be matched with a new, unused gift and returned to the tree. All gifts benefit children, teens, and developmentally disabled adults from the Regional Center of Orange County. The Giving Trees will be on display
from November 17 through December 15 at the following locations: the Community Services Counter on the third floor of the Brea Civic & Cultural Arts Center, the Brea Family Resource Center, and the Brea Senior Center.
Various Locations, Brea, 92821
Cheryl Cooley, cherylc@cityofbrea.net
Brea Salvation Army Bell Ringing Program
Nov 17 - Dec 24
Did you know that the Salvation Army kettle, located at the Main Post Office, is different than the others you see around Orange County? Those who ring the bell at this location are volunteers from Brea community groups, schools, and city staff. All donations raised by bell ringers at that location go back into the Brea community to help those in
need. If you belong to a service group or local business and would like your agency to ring the Salvation Army bell, call the Brea Family Resource Center.
Brea Main Post Office, 700 East Birch, Brea, 92821
Cheryl Cooley, cherylc@cityofbrea.net
Brea Holiday Basket Program
Dec 19, 1p-5p & 20, 8a-3p
The holidays can be a heartbreaking time for families in need. Each year Brea Community Emergency Council assists more than 1,000 Brea residents with food for the holidays. Donate your gift of time: volunteers are needed to
pack, sort and stuff boxes for needy families on December 19 & 20.
Brea Olinda High School, 789 Wildcat Way, Brea, 92821
Cheryl Cooley, cherylc@cityofbrea.net
Canyon Acres Children & Family Services
Canyon Acres is committed to providing homes, caring treatment, and supportive services for abused, neglected, and emotionally troubled children and their families.
http://www.canyonacres.org
Holiday Wish List & Adopt-a-Family
Nov 1 - Dec 23
Through the generous support of concerned community members like you, the children and families we continue to serve at Canyon Acres will be able to look forward with excitement to Christmas morning. We appreciate your help in ensuring that these families in both our Foster Care program as well as our Wraparound program have a very special Holiday Season. Email the address below to have a representative from Canyon Acres match you with a child or family in need and provide the details necessary to complete the process.
Canyon Acres, 223 South Quintana, Anaheim, 92807
Beth Bogan, b.bogan@canyonacres.org
Grandma's House of Hope
More Children Fed, More Women Saved, More Seniors Honored. Grandma's House of Hope is a multi-generational continuum of care designed to provide services, programs, and affordable housing to under-served and under-privileged persons in Orange County and surrounding areas. Through our integrated programs, Grandma's House strives to create a sense of community, belonging, and stability. Through service to each other
and to their community, women become empowered and achieve independence, accountability, and spiritual growth.
http://www.grandmashouseofhope.org
Christmas Gift Basket Donations
Nov 1 - Dec 23
Volunteers are needed to donate Christmas Gift Baskets for 17 women living in our shelter.
Location TBA, Orange County
Je'net Kreitner, jenet@grandmashope.org
Silent Auction Fundraiser
Early December, TBD
Volunteers are needed for our Silent Auction Fundraiser in the following capacities:
- Donate silent auction theme baskets (movies, bath, etc.)
- Deliver silent auction items three days prior to the event
- Make hors d'oeuvres for the event
Location TBA, Orange County
Je'net Kreitner, jenet@grandmashope.org
Holiday Motel Outreach
Dec 20, 10a-2p
Volunteers are needed for the following:
- To assist with the Motel Children Christmas Party & Outreach
- To bake cookies for the party
- To prepare Holiday Food Baskets for Motel families
- Collect new backpacks and food items for our motel children "Nana's Kidz" Program (see Wish List on our Website
for specific food items)
- To prepare gift items for distribution to grandma's in our "Grandma's Room" program (small gift bags, gift cards,
flower arrangements, home-made cookies, etc.)
Motel Children Christmas Party, Anaheim, 92801
Je'net Kreitner, jenet@grandmashope.org
Christmas Party Planning
Dec 21, 2p-5p
Volunteers are needed to organize a Christmas Party for the residents of our facility in Orange County.
Location TBA, Orange County
Je'net Kreitner, jenet@grandmashope.org
Project Access
The mission of Project Access is to assist low-income families and seniors in affordable housing to achieve self-sufficiency through access to onsite education, health and social services.
http://www.project-access.org
Annual Adopt-a-Family or Senior
Annual Holiday Toy Drive
Nov 1 - Dec 23
Through Adopt-a-Family/Senior, our generous supporters have the opportunity to sponsor a family residing at one of the affordable communities Project Access serves. For the Holiday Toy Drive, we invite organizations and corporations to donate unwrapped toys which are then distributed at the Holiday Parties held at the Project Access Family Resource Centers throughout Orange County.
4029 Westerly Place, Suite 113, Newport Beach, 92660
Sondra Contino, scontino@project-access.org
Community-building Holiday Events
The purpose of the following events is to create a sense of community amongst members of the affordable-housing community served by the Project Access Family Resource Centers. Refreshments and activities will be provided for children and families to celebrate the holiday. Volunteers will help with food preparation, set up tables and chairs, put up decorations, serve the residents, and maintain the overall flow of the event-and may dress casually or festively. Small groups are welcome!
Holiday Party - Warwick Square FRC
Dec 12, 2p-6:30p
780 South Lyon Street, Santa Ana, 92705
Veronica Arias-Aguayo, varias@project-access.org
Holiday Community Event - Cypress Villa FRC
Dec 17, 3p-5p
900 North Cypress Street, La Habra, 90631
Jennifer Sisoev, jsisoev@project-access.org
Holiday Social Event - Hermosa Village FRC
Dec 19, 3p-7p
1515 Calle Del Mar, Anaheim, 92802
Tristen Keedy, tkeedy@project-access.org
Annual Holiday Party - Park Vista FRC
Dec 20, 12p-3p
1305 North Wren Street, Anaheim, 92801
Daniel Huerta, dhuerta@project-access.org
Holiday Festivals - Malabar FRC
Dec 20, 12p-7p
9777 Bixby Avenue, Garden Grove, 92841
Brenda Morales, bmorales@project-access.org
Holiday Event - North Hills FRC
Dec 20, 1p-4p
570 Imperial Hwy, Fullerton, 92835
Miguel Marquina, mmarquina@project-access.org
Holiday Party - Tara Village FRC
Dec 23, 5p-7p
5201 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, 90630
Mark Lee, mlee@project-access.org
Council on Aging OC
The mission of the Council on Aging Orange County is to promote adult empowerment, prevent abuse and advocate for the rights and dignity of those experiencing health and aging challenges.
http://www.coaoc.org
SmileMakers Holiday Project
Nov 1 - Dec 23
We need volunteers for a one day gift wrapping party to provide seniors with modest gifts who would otherwise be forgotten at the holiday season. Need 20 volunteers and groups are welcomed. Minimum age to volunteer is 12 yrs.
1971 E. 4th Street, Suite 200, Santa Ana, 92705
Patricia Moran Johnson, pmjohnson@coaoc.org
Many preschools have a wish list of things they need. Contact one to find out what items you may be able to donate. Ideas include: toys, books, dress-up clothes, furniture, outdoor equipment, etc.
There is a group of young girls in New York that started a project that they have been doing for 8 years. It is a great thing to start locally because it is a hands on way for kids to give back. Below is how you can do this by having your kids and some of their friends get together once or twice a year to get the animals and books ready to donate.
Raise money among friends and in your community to pay for shipping if you want to send overseas and to pay for supplies to restore the stuffed animals. You may be able to get craft stores to donate some items.
Kids can help by donating their animals and books or by contributing some of their allowance to help raise money. They can also assist with restoring the animals.
Give them a lift by washing them and putting fresh buttons or ribbons on them. You can wrap the books in tissue paper and a ribbon to make it more fun.
Donate to other countries, give to a local hospital or organization that helps underprivileged kids, Research organizations that could benefit from this and then commit to doing it each year at the same time. I would encourage you to do this after the holidays when people tend to forget about giving. Another thought is to put together a package with a book and stuffed animal for Easter.
by Help Others.org: Acts of Kindness
Kindness in Communities/Neighborhoods
air pollution by carpooling, taking public transportation, biking, or walking. Recycle all aluminum, plastic, and paper materials. Cut down on the energy you use by lowering the heat and turning off lights and unused appliances. Learn more about solar energy. As gifts, give houseplants to teachers, friends, or coworkers. Plant a tree in your neighborhood.
workforce. Give gently worn home furnishings or household appliances to a person or family who might need them or donate them to an organization. Take warm clothes, blankets or food to a homeless person that you often cross paths with. Donate toys and books to a homeless organization. Toys and books are just as important to kids as food and shelter. When shopping, buy a couple extra non-perishable food items and take them to a food drive or pantry. Make an extra serving of dinner and bring it to a homeless person in your neighborhood.
by Help Others.org: Acts of Kindness
Kindness in Schools/Youth Organizations
Help grant a child one night of Halloween magic by donating a NEW or gently used Halloween costume (infant through teen). Help us reach our goal of proviing costumes for over 1,000 low-income families for this Halloween. The costumes will go to a non-profit organization called S.O.S. in Costa Mesa.
Donations needed before October 20, 2008.
Drop off locations: Toytown, The Goddard School, Swirlz, Salon 359, and the Ladera Ranch Fire Station 59. For more information, please contact Sydney Miles at: recycledcostumes@yahoo.com
Kids can decorate placemats and send them to hospitals to brighten up the meal tray for kids and seniors in the hospital.
Shared ideas from parents...
Baby sit. Deliver a cooked meal for the entire family. Let their children spend the day with you or have an "overnight" with your children. Run an errand for them. Give them a night out on the town (meal, movie, etc.). Volunteer to pick the children up from school. Offer help with homework or tutor a child that is having trouble at school. Take a parent out to dinner at their favorite place.
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Donations of locks at least 6 inches long are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Kids can go individually or with a few members of their school band or choir to senior centers, children's or elderly units of a hospital, or even to group homes for kids and put on a "mini-concert". Music has the ability to bring such joy to those listening to it, especially in a live performance. Children get a sense of pride being able to perform, and residents have such an appreciation for the show.
The Pajama Program, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, provides new, warm pajamas and books to needy children in the United States and around the world, many who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. These are youngsters who may not know the comforts of a mother or father to tuck them into a cozy bed and read them a bedtime story. It is based in New York with chapters throughout the USA.
The foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to "pass it on" to others. They provide free education and community ideas, guidance and other resources to kindness participants on the site.
Most foster care children carry their belongings in a black garbage bag as they move from home to home. Each child averages 7 moves while in foster care. Can you help? Large backpacks are acceptable if you do not have any suitcases to donate. Ask your neighbors, your grannies and your friends. Please help a child who is less fortunate than you. Visit website to find out how to get involved.
