Ways to Give Back During the Holidays in the South Bay
The holiday season is the perfect time to come together as a community and share kindness with those who need it most. From volunteering and donating to supporting local families, there are so many meaningful ways to give back right here in the South Bay.
Looking for more ways to give back with your family? Sign up for our newsletter and get it all delivered to your inbox, or check out our events calendar.
Volunteer Opportunities to Give Back in the South Bay This Holiday Season
Volunteer with Local Anchor’s Project Holiday Helpers
The Local Anchor Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit in partnership with Local Anchor, is hosting the 4th Annual Project: Holiday Helpers Campaign to support over 100 South Bay families in need this season. Working with local agencies and school districts, including Torrance Unified’s Building Bridges Program, the Redondo Beach Police Department’s Victim Advocacy Program, LAUSD campuses in the South Bay, and Richstone Family Centers, the program ensures help reaches those who need it most. Community members can give back by sponsoring a family, shopping the Amazon Wish List, or volunteering at a gift-wrapping event. Learn more at LocalAnchor.com/Holiday-Helpers.
Manhattan Village Tree Lighting – Gift Collection
Share the spirit of giving at Manhattan Village this holiday season. During the Manhattan Village Tree Lighting on November 28th, you’re invited to bring a donation to support local families through The Salvation Army, Project Needs, SOFESA, and other community partners. In thanks for your generosity, you will receive a raffle ticket for each donation made, entering you to win an incredible prize.
Get Involved in the Holiday Spirit: Volunteer at Torrance Memorial’s 2025 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!
Collect Coats and Toys and Support “Let it Snow Redondo!”
The Redondo Beach Police Department presents “Let it Snow Redondo!” on December 6, 2025, 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!
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!
A Child’s Dream Annual Holiday Outreach
Volunteer to help with A Child’s Dream’s Annual Holiday Outreach on December 20, 2025, 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!
More Ways to Volunteer in the South Bay
Looking for other ways to make an impact year-round? Explore volunteer listings through South Bay Volunteers, part of the Local Anchor Foundation. The online directory connects individuals, families, and businesses with meaningful ways to help local nonprofits. Sign up for updates on local volunteer opportunities at LocalAnchor.com/join or visit SouthBayVolunteers.org.
Upcoming volunteer events include:
- November 8 Native Garden Restoration, 9:00–10:30 a.m. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- December 6 Cabrillo Beach Cleanup, 9:00–10:30 a.m., Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- December 13 Native Garden Restoration, 9:00–10:30 a.m., Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Find more events at LocalAnchor.com/Local-Events.
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 the South Bay? Check out our guide to the best places to volunteer as a family all year long.
Mark Your Calendar for Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday takes place on December 2, 2025, following Thanksgiving. Since 2012, this global day of generosity has inspired millions to support causes they care about. Whether you donate to a local charity or lend a hand at a community event, it’s a simple reminder that giving back is the heart of the season.
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 while giving back.
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.
Help Make a Difference This Year
This season, let’s celebrate the true spirit of community by lifting one another up. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, every act of kindness creates a ripple effect that brightens the holidays for the entire South Bay.
About South Bay Credit Union
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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
