Ways to Volunteer as a Family During the Holidays in the South Bay
The holiday season is a wonderful time to give back, and there are numerous ways families in the South Bay can volunteer together. From organizing gift drives to supporting local shelters, here are impactful opportunities to help make a difference this holiday season.
Don’t Forget About Giving Tuesday!
Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday, which falls on December 3, 2024. This global day of giving started in 2012 as a way to encourage people to give back to the causes that matter most to them. It takes place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved in volunteer work and donate to organizations in need.
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Volunteer Opportunities to Give Back in the South Bay This Holiday Season
Volunteer with Local Anchor’s Project Holiday Helpers
Join Local Anchor’s 3rd Annual Project Holiday Helpers to give back this holiday season. Volunteer to assemble hygiene kits on November 26 at Beach Cities Health District or help wrap presents in early December. This is a great way for families to work together to support local families in need. Sign up here!
Sponsor a Family Through the Holidays
Local Anchor offers the opportunity to sponsor a family this holiday season. Whether through donations or by purchasing items from an Amazon Wish List, your family can make a meaningful impact on others’ holidays. For those in the South Bay, join us at the Manhattan Village Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 29, from 1–4 p.m., where we’ll be collecting gifts. Learn more here!
Manhattan Village Tree Lighting Celebration – Gift Collection
Join Local Anchor at the Manhattan Village Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 29, from 1–4 p.m. as we collect gifts for families in need. This is a great family-friendly event to bring donations like toys and socks. There are additional collection locations around the South Bay through Dec 1, 2024. Learn more here!
Harbor Interfaith Services
Harbor Interfaith Services empowers the homeless and working poor by providing temporary and permanent housing, childcare, and life skills training. They run a 90-day homeless shelter and an 18-month transitional housing program, both available at no cost to participants. Volunteers are needed to help run a food pantry and clothing donation center, as well as assist with tasks ranging from cleaning to filing. New volunteer orientations are held the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Learn more here!
Get Involved in the Holiday Spirit: Volunteer at Torrance Memorial’s 2024 Holiday Festival
The Holiday Festival is more than an event—it’s a community tradition that spreads holiday cheer and strengthens local healthcare resources. By volunteering, you’ll play a part in creating a magical experience for visitors and support vital healthcare services that benefit the entire South Bay community. Volunteer roles include assisting with boutique sales, guiding guests through interactive experiences, helping with children’s activities, and more. Whether you’re looking to give back, make new friends, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, volunteering at this festival is a rewarding way to make a difference. Learn more here!
A Child’s Dream Annual Holiday Outreach
Volunteer to help with A Child’s Dream’s Annual Holiday Outreach on December 14, 2024, from 7:30 am – 3:00 pm. Volunteers will assist with event set-up, distribute toys, socks, clothing, and food, pack and distribute personal hygiene products, and monitor families in line. Children 16+ are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult 21+ years old. Sign up here!
December 1st Volunteer Day at Love Always Sanctuary
Join Love Always Sanctuary in Sun Valley for a Volunteer Day on December 1st. Families can help with deep cleaning and other sanctuary projects, making this a great way for children 10 and over to get involved. Sign up here!
Host a Coat Drive and Support “Let it Snow Redondo!”
The Redondo Beach Police Department presents “Let it Snow Redondo!” on December 7, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. Support the Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program by donating a new, unwrapped toy, coat, or gift card for children and families in need. Enjoy real snow, cocoa, cookies, crafts, and photos with Santa! Learn more here!
Here are some additional ways to give back:
- Visit an Assisted Living Facility
Spend time with seniors who may be isolated during the holidays by organizing a visit to a local assisted living facility. Bring holiday cheer by singing carols, playing games, or simply having a conversation. - Foster a Pet or visit a Pet Shelter
Help a pet find their fur-ever home by volunteering as a foster family with your local animal shelter. Many shelters also need volunteers to walk dogs and play with animals. Contact your local animal shelter to find out their needs. - Send a Care Package to a Soldier – Sending a holiday care package is one of the best ways to show appreciation for our troops. You can learn more about this opportunity through Operation Gratitude.
- Make Handmade Holiday Cards and Deliver Them to Assisted Living Homes
Bring holiday cheer to seniors by creating handmade cards and delivering them to local assisted living homes. - Create a Local Food Drive. Check out our guide to running a canned food drive for more ideas.
- Donate Toys and Clothes – Help your kids clean out their outgrown clothes or toys they don’t play with anymore. Donate whatever you are able to a local charity or shelter to help others. RELATED: 13 Places to Donate Baby and Children’s Items in L.A.
Looking for more volunteer opportunities in Los Angeles? Check out our guide to the best places to volunteer as a family all year long.
Benefits of Volunteering With Your Family
Taking time to volunteer with your family during the holidays is a special experience for both adults and kids. Finding opportunities to volunteer teaches your kids the values of kindness and generosity, and can even make you happier.
When you volunteer as a family, you don’t have to worry about finding someone to watch your kids for the day. Instead, you get the chance to spend meaningful time with them.
Volunteering can help kids to learn beyond what they see in their classrooms. They get to explore new worlds and meet new people with different backgrounds. It’s an opportunity for them to try new things and broaden their horizons!
Since holidays are meant to be enjoyed with the people that you love, find ways throughout the season to help those in need. Volunteering with your family is a wonderful way to develop a closer relationship while also having fun. By creating new traditions with your children around the holidays, they will grow up knowing the true meaning of giving back.
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RELATED:
Best Places to Volunteer With Kids In L.A.
The Best Places to Donate Clothes and Baby Gear In the South Bay
Local Charities that Accept In Kind Donations
50+ Examples of Acts of Kindness You Can Do With Your Family
