Santa on way through sleet, snow, pandemic
HOLLYGROVE board member Sheri Weller, Hancock Park, on the phone for its Give-a-Thon.
Winter is upon us, and the pandemic continues to cast a shadow on the holidays. But there is plenty of reason to be of good cheer. Resilient and resourceful Angelenos are finding many ways to assist the less fortunate.
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Imagine LA promises its most magical event yet, Winter Wonderland, the Drive-Thru Edition on Sat., Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Santa and Mrs. Claus and their reindeer will greet drivers and passengers as they drive by, bearing gifts to bring joy and warmth to families for the holidays.
Wish list items include 200 packaged hot meals, 75 space heaters, 75 air purifiers and essential stocking stuffer items. To donate, visit imaginela.org/donate. To get involved, contact val@imaginela.org.
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The Junior League of Los Angeles holds its annual Harvest Boutique Sip & Shop online Sun., Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
A Sip & Shop ticket, which includes a cocktail demonstration, silent auction and the curated boutique, is $35.
The JLLA, a women’s organization that promotes volunteerism and is based on Larchmont Blvd., serves area children with education and other programs. For more information visit jlla.org.
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Celebrate 10 years of helping children with Small Wonders Foundation on Sun., Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. Watch Micah the amazing magician and meet Dr. John Reinisch, Hancock Park, and the Small Wonders Board on the Zoom event. Register for the zoom link at smallwondersfoundation.org.
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Cookies & Cocktails adds a delicious family event to the holidays with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.
Carolers will greet participating families with song, and Santa’s helpers will hand out cookie decorating kits on Tues., Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. when participants drive through Santa’s Los Angeles Workshop, 2303 Miramar St.
Revelers can join the cookie decorating party on Wed., Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Zoom links will be provided. The kits come with cookies, decorations and a cocktail recipe. Visit stvincentmow.org.
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A magician Santa, children’s talent show and story sharing will be featured at a Magical Holiday Party with the Korean American Family Services (KFAM) via Zoom on Sat., Dec. 12.
Many children in KFAM’s Asian Foster Family Initiative (KFAM-AFFI) will receive gifts with families for the first time. Wish list items include school supplies, athletic gear, bicycles and instruments. To make a donation or for more information, visit kfamla.org, or tinyurl.com/AFFIwishlist.
To ensure delivery before the event, please donate by Dec. 7.
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Big Sunday’s Holiday Party is Sun., Dec. 13, 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Performances, entertainers and interactive activities are planned.
Big Sunday’s annual Holiday List, with over 300 ways to help, is live and online at bigsunday.org. Also, Big Sunday released a new Resource Guide online Dec. 1. It includes ways to get involved in fighting for racial justice, as well as helping others whose voices aren’t always heard — seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and others.
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A toy and grocery drive, Santa’s Workshop, continues this month on the Uplift Family Services, Hollygrove Campus. Donations may be dropped off 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5930 Gregory Ave., near the corner of El Centro, by Dec. 11. Other opportunities are available to help bring a happy holiday season to children and families. Email jasmine.cadena@upliftfs.org or call 323-769-7163.
A recent telephone Give-a-Thon by Uplift Family Services, Hollygrove raised $176,000 — three times the expected amount.
While the event didn’t quite reach the goal of the annual in-person Norma Jean Gala, the Give-a-thon did provide much welcome support for the program’s at-risk families that the agency serves, said spokesperson Rachel Lepold.
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Alexandria House, a transitional home for women and their children, also has cause for celebration.
“With the recent fire in our green house, the Covid-19 pandemic, and with many more people seeking assistance, there are plenty of reasons to despair. And yet, we celebrate,” said Pamela Hope, director of grant and events.
“We witness the transformation of families from crisis to stability. Every day, in so many ways, we see reasons to count our blessings.”
Alexandria House also reveled in a night of bingo Nov. 7, which honored Nancy Berlin, the National Giving Alliance (NGA) — Hancock Park, and Micki Kirkland.
“We had a great event — who knew bingo would be so popular? We had over 150 guests online joining our festivities,” said Michele Richards, development director of Alexandria House.
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Those are just some of the many examples of local benefactors confronting COVID-19 by making lemons into lemonade.
Category: Entertainment
