'Tis the season for not just giving, but giving back.
Looking for a way to give back to the community this holiday season? Whether it's to donate your time, money and more to local charities in need, we've discovered family-friendly activities perfect for both individuals and groups.
Holiday Art Market
Organization: Studio Channel Islands
Dates: December 2, 2017
Find unique holiday gifts created by our resident and invited artists, go behind the scenes and see over 40 artists working in professional studios. Affordable and original gifts include painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, weaving, jewelry, woodwork and much much more. You can also create your own holiday decorations with expert artist educators!
Deck the Halls
Organization: Alexandria's House
Date: Saturday, December 2 & Saturday, December 9, 2017
Deck the halls and help Alexandria's House create a fun and loving holiday experience for the families who come to the organization's house for support.
Chili Bowl Fest and Holiday Art and Craft Faire
Organization: McGroarty Arts Center
Dates: Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3
Get your hands on a handmade ceramic bowl full of chili! There will be live music, a beer fest, baked goods, 35 artisan vendors, cookie paintings and so much more. There will also be a chili cook-off with prizes where you can decide on enjoying different types of chili, including vegan recipes.
Harvest Boutique: Where Giving is Always in Style
Organization: Junior League of Los Angeles
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2017
This fall fundraiser is a fun-filled day of shopping, featuring over 45 vendors, and a gourmet catered luncheon celebrating the Junior League of Los Angeles' work in the community and our award recipients.
Trees of Enchantment
Organization: MERCI
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Join MERCI for its 28th annual Trees of Enchantment Brunch where the organization will honor Executive Director Marta Escanuelas as she retires after 40 years of dedication to human services.
11th Annual Holiday Cheer, Concert & Sing-Along
Organization: New Horizons
Date: Monday, December 4, 2017
Join New Horizons for a holiday concert event, featuring music and dance by New Horizons Brite Lites, Universal Studios "Lucy," San Fernando Youth Chorus, directed by Sean Carney and accompanied by Cris Monarch, Granada Hills Charter High School's G-Notes Show Choir, Devan and Mady Rasey, Santa and so much more!
Holiday Boutique & Tennis Tournament
Organization: Penny Lane Centers
Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Get sporty or enjoy the luncheon and shopping at the holiday boutique with Penny Lane Centers.
Los Angeles Women's Network Holiday Party
Organization: Los Angeles LGBT Center
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2017
Got a canned/non-perishable food or toiletry item you can donate to seniors? Bring it with you to receive free entrance to Los Angeles LGBT Center's Los Angeles Women's Network Holiday Party where you'll listen to music by DJ Stacy Christine, get tarot readings by Darya and enjoy many other games, crafting and ways to connect!
The BIG Christmas Party
Organization: Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017
Make a monetary donation or drop off an unopened toy to make a big success out of Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual fundraiser. Your contribution will go towards the costs of the event and 50 new mentorships in the program. This great day of fun includes games, dancing, music, arts and crafts, face painting, gifts from Santa and more!
14th Annual Auction
Organization: Hoboken Shelter
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Hoboken’s best winter party is at Birch Bar this year, with drink specials, light appetizers and its always amazing silent auction and tricky tray prizes. Come with your friends for a night of fun and support the Shelter’s mission in this winter season.
Get Lit Fashion Show 2017
Organization: National Council of Jewish Women | Los Angeles
Date: Sunday, December 17, 2017
Find an awesome outfit (or 2 or 3) at one of NCJW|LA’s eight Council Thrift Shops then rock it on the runway! Latkes and snacks will be served and alcohol and other drinks will be available for purchase. There will be a live DJ and a pop-up Council Thrift Shop in the lobby.
Distribute A Hot, Healthy Meal to the Homeless
Organization: Food on Foot
Date: Sunday, December 24, 2017
Volunteer on Christmas Eve and distribute food, sleeping bags and bus tokens to over 250 homeless people in Hollywood with Food on Foot.
Holidays at the Station
Organization: Union Station Homeless Services
Date: Monday, December 25, 2017
This uplifting community event provides hundreds of holiday meals and hope for all who attend, including homeless men, women, children, seniors, very low-income families, and those with no place to go during the holidays. The impact of the event in the community is large because of your help!
Give LA Campaign: Present Now
Organization: Present Now
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Consider making a donation to Present Now as part of Los Angeles magazine's Give LA Campaign where the organization hopes to raise at least $50,000 by January 2, 2018.
Adopt A Foster Child or Family
Organization: Aviva Center
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Light up the face of a foster child by providing them with that special toy they’re so looking forward to receiving! When you “Adopt” (i.e. sponsor) a foster child for the holidays, you’ll receive a personalized wish list with a child’s name, age, and holiday hopes and dreams. Have a blast shopping for a little one, knowing you’ll bring a huge smile to the face of a small foster child this holiday season. Additionally, you can “Adopt” (i.e. sponsor) a family at Aviva for the holidays, where you’ll receive a special wish list with the family’s story, information about the members of their household (i.e. what the children need, and what they would like), as well as a list of household necessities. This is a great opportunity to do something fun and meaningful with your friends, family, co-workers, or at your place of worship!
Online Holiday Shopping
Organization: Beagle Freedom Project
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Get your holiday shopping done online through Beagle Freedom Project's cyber store where you can order items like a "paw print candle" or cute cards with beagles as models!
Celebrate Infinite Lights with NuRoots
Organization: Jewish Federation LA
Dates: December 12 - 31, 2017
This year, Infinite Light will offer more than 50 events over the eight days of Hanukkah, from Santa Monica to the Eastside, and will kick off with NuRoots’ signature First Night event on December 12th.
Toy Drive
Organization: Cedar House
Dates: December 1 - 18, 2017
Make it a merry and bright holiday for the children of Cedar House! To support this toy drive, please donate new, unwrapped toys for the children of Cedar House and Maple House Women with Children by December 18.
Wish List for Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition
Organization: Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Take a glance at Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition's "Wish List" and make their day by donating items like fruit juices, teriyaki and pasta sauces, and so much more.
Volunteer & Help Children Succeed
Organization: Woodcraft Rangers
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Do you have some time and a desire to give back to the community by helping children succeed? Woodcraft Rangers is looking for volunteers!
LA Clippers Charity Challenge: Girls on the Run LA
Organization: Girls On The Run Los Angeles
Dates: December 1 - 14, 2017
Consider making a donation to Girls on the Run Los Angeles as part of the LA Clippers Charity Challenge where the organization hopes to raise at least $15,000 by December 14, 2017.
Find the Pet of A Loved One's Dreams
Organization: Annenberg PetSpace
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Want to bring home an additional family member this holiday season? Experience pet adoption in an entirely new way at Annenberg PetSpace where their interactive facility will be sure to connect you with the pet of your dreams.
Be An Animal's Guardian Angel
Organization: Karma Rescue
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Some of Karma Rescue's dogs live in boarding facilities or need just a little extra attention, affection, and exercise during their transition from the streets and shelters. The Guardian Angel program makes that possible for these dogs and gives you an excuse to go out and do something healthy!
Host A Child
Organization: Mending Kids
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Mending Kids' Host Families are special people, who provide a loving home for children who travel to the United States for surgery. While the responsibility is great, so are the rewards of seeing a child's life transformed.
Wish List for Haven Hills
Organization: Haven Hills
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Want to help an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by domestic violence? Haven Hills would appreciate items purchased from their wish list including toiletry items, cleaning supplies and cookware.
Making Seasons Brighter Donations
Organization: Foothill Family
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
For children and families in crisis who come to Foothill Family for treatment and healing, the holiday season can be an especially difficult time as they struggle to stretch very limited resources. Consider making a donation that will allow Foothill Family to provide gifts to multiple families.
Wish List for Interface Children & Family Services
Organization: Interface Children & Family Services
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Take a glance at Interface Children and Family Services' "Wish List" and make their day by donating items like hoodie sweatshirts, deodarant, legos and more.
Adopt A Family
Organization: YWCA Glendale
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
As an Adopt-A-Family supporter, you have the unique opportunity to “adopt” a family from YWCA Glendale's Domestic Violence Program and provide the assistance needed to make their holidays merry and bright.
Holiday Wish List for My Friend's Place
Organization: My Friend's Place
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Consider partnering with My Friend’s Place to provide gifts for the young people it serves. Wish List items include scarves and gloves, backpacks, sleeping bags and so much more.
Schedule a Day of Service for Veterans
Organization: New Directions for Veterans
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Arrange a day when caring employees from your company or organization can come out to one of our many NDVets facilities and complete a volunteer project that includes jobs such as gardening, painting, cleaning, and assembling care packages.
Christmas Matching Challenge
Organization: Union Rescue Mission
Dates: December 1 - 31, 2017
Provide meals and hope to TWICE as many hungry and hurting men, women, children, and families this Christmas through the $500,000 Christmas Matching Challenge at Union Rescue Mission.
View our previous holiday drives list: 2015 Top 25 Los Angeles Holiday Drives To Participate In & 2015 Top 25 Los Angeles Holiday Drives To Participate In