Los Angeles - December 24, 2008

Give It Away Now

Charities Still Need Your Donations

It’s all for a very good Claus.

What: United Friends of the Children
Why: Donate unwrapped holiday gifts and food items to foster youth in the Pathways transitional living program. See the wish list at unitedfriends.org.
When: Today, 1-3 p.m.
Where: 10215 Ruoff Ave., at Mulberry Dr., Whittier (626-497-8323).

What: Providence Center for Community Health
Why: Kids ages 5 to 18 need clothing (socks, underwear, sneaks, pj’s, jackets — everything) and toiletries (toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant — anything), and toys, too; families need grocery store gift cards ($10 and $25).
When: Thru Jan. 4. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave., at Vanowen St., ste. 1a, North Hollywood (818-847-3846 or hortencia.valencia@providence.org).

What: L.A. Regional Foodbank
Why: Nonperishable food items (especially those high in protein like canned meats, peanut butter, and beans; pastas and rice; and healthy instant meals like oatmeal and soups) help fight hunger across the county.
When: Year-round.
Where: For donation locations or to donate online, go to lafoodbank.org.

What: Covenant House
Why: Give unwrapped gifts to homeless and at-risk youth (babies to age 24). Christmas lists include music players, disposable cameras, sporting goods, personal items (i.e., wallets and watches), and school supplies. They also need clothing in all sizes (especially extra-large and XX-large) and for babies, plus diapers.
When: Twenty-four hours a day.
Where: 1325 N. Western Ave., b/t Fountain Ave. & W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood (323-461-3131 ext. 237).

What: Meals on Wheels West
Why: Deliver meals to homebound seniors and those with life-changing illnesses and disabilities throughout Santa Monica.
When: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: To sign up for a route, call 310-394-5133.

What: Temple Israel of Hollywood Christmas Dinner
Why: Help set up on Christmas Eve and serve meals to the homeless on Christmas Day.
When: Today, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thurs., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Hollywood United Methodist Church, 6817 Franklin Ave., at N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. For more information, contact Stephanie Steingold (323-876-8330 ext. 1006 or stephanies@tioh.org) or Stacey Levitt (323-876-8330 ext. 1007 or staceyl@tioh.org).

What: Steven Alan Shirt Drive
Why: Take button-downs to be donated to Food on Foot, an organization providing meals and clothing to the homeless, and get $25 off a new SA shirt.
When: Thru Jan. 5. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 11677 San Vicente Blvd., b/t Darlington & Barrington Aves., Brentwood (310-820-4700‎); 1601 Abbot Kinney Blvd., at Palms Blvd., Venice (310-452-3413‎); 638 N. Robertson Blvd., b/t Santa Monica Blvd. & Melrose Ave., West Hollywood (310-854-1814‎).

  Do-Gooder