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December 23, 2005
Season's Givings
Something interesting happened after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. We all felt the shaking. We all knew what it was like to live without electrical power. And because we had all experienced something together, we somehow felt more empathy for those who lost homes or jobs or members of their family. And we wanted to do something to help. But what?
After that quake, I created a daily radio program with information about school closures and road conditions. And every day, we included one volunteer opportunity -- something small that any one of us could do to make a difference in someone else's life.
It's a tradition we've recreated here at KPCC with "Season's Givings" -- your opportunity to make a difference in southern California.
Every day, we'll mention one worthy organization that needs your talents or your treasure. If you're inspired, I hope you'll contact one of them.
There's a dirty little secret about volunteering: the person who gets the most out of the experience is not the person you help. It's you!
Oh, and if you know of a worthy organization we should know about, please post it right here!
89.3 KPCC’s Seasons Givings 2005
12/1/05 – Thursday
World Aids Day – AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES
AIDS Project Los Angeles is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection, and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy. APLA is currently having a toiletry drive; toiletries can be dropped off at any of their four food pantry locations, in Los Angeles, West L.A., Long Beach and North Hollywood. For more information about the drive, volunteering or making a contribution to APLA, visit their website at www.apla.org or call 213-201-1379. Also on the website are beautiful holiday items, which can be purchased to help fund their efforts.
12/2/05 – Friday
CoachArt
CoachArt is looking for athletic coaches, teachers, and experienced professionals to donate lessons to disadvantaged pediatric and adolescent patients with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. The organization is looking for coaches in a wide range of activities including art, music, photography, yoga, creative writing, acting, dancing, jewelry making, and a variety of sports. They ask coaches to donate ten lessons to each CoachArt student. If you are interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about CoachArt, please call 310.203.2850 or visit www.coachart.org.
12/3/05 – Saturday
Operation Santa Paws: Pet Toy & Treat Drive
During the 2005 holiday season, extra help is needed for 4,000+ abused and abandoned animals in the care of local animal shelters and rescues. Operation Santa Paws is spearheading a canine/feline toy/treat drive to benefit less-fortunate pets this season. If you or your company or organization would like to help, contact Operation Santa Paws for details on putting a drop box in your office, at a pet store, veterinarian office, church, school, etc. Then invite your friends, family, co-workers, etc. to put new toys and bags of treats in the box. Operation Santa Paws will deliver the donations to Southern California local shelters and rescues on Dec. 23. Details at www.SantaPaws.info or call 562/439-3316, or e-mail to JustinRudd@aol.com
12/4/05 – Sunday
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles grants extraordinary wishes for children battling life-threatening medical conditions - from a Hawaiian vacation to becoming princess-for-a-day. Share the power of a child’s wish by joining their holiday campaign, A Season of Wishes. Visit www.wish-it-blue.org, or call 310-788-9474, to find out how you can help grant a child’s holiday wish.
12/5/05 – Monday
Operation Dear Abby
Since 1967, American citizens have been sending their best wishes to the troops every holiday season. Dear Abby, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of the Navy is providing a private and secure online resource that will allow you to send a Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Coast Guardsman a holiday greeting or message of support. Just you’re your greeting through OperationDearAbby.net.
12/6/05 – Tuesday
Free Wheelchair Mission
Free Wheelchair Mission in Orange County was started in 1999 to build the wheelchairs and distribute them at no cost to the physically disabled poor in developing countries. The cost to manufacture, ship and distribute a wheelchair is only $41.17. You can give the enduring "gift of mobility" by purchasing a holiday card on their website to share with your friends and families. Each card you purchase will provide one needy person in a developing country with a free wheelchair. For more information visit www.freewheelchairmission.org or call Jonathan Abramson at 714-708-2100, ext 207.
12/7/05 – Wednesday
Women’s Care Cottage: Adopt-A-Family
Women's Care Cottage helps move women and children off the streets permanently and succeed independently in their homes, schools, communities and workplaces. Adopting a family consists of choosing a family whose size and needs are compatible with your capability of providing. After choosing the desired family, a “Wish List” will be sent to you with names, ages, sizes and holiday wishes. Consider “Adopt A Family” as a family holiday project this year – your children will enjoy shopping and choosing items for other children their age. If you’d like to adopt a family, please contact Kristen Parraz at (626) 399-2288 or visit the website: www.womenscarecottage.org.
12/8/05 – Thursday
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is a Pasadena-area, people-to-people partnership drawing families and communities together to build safe, decent and affordable housing. They are currently in need of donations of building surplus materials for their Surplus Store in Pasadena. Especially welcome are windows, doors, cabinets, flooring, small furniture, used appliances and kitchen and bathroom sinks. Volunteers to work in the store are also welcome, especially during the holidays. And there are also holiday cards available for purchase on their website. For more information, visit their website: www.sgvhabitat.org, or call Jan Robinson at 626-792-3838.
12/9/05 – Friday
Project Chicken Soup
Project Chicken Soup is a volunteer organization whose mission is to prepare and deliver meals to people living with HIV/AIDS. Project Chicken Soup needs volunteers to cook and deliver meals on December 18th at the Hirsh Kosher Kitchen. If you would like to participate please call 323-655-5330, or visit www.projectchickensoup.org.
12/10/05 – Saturday
Best Buddies California
Best Buddies is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships through programs from middle school through to college-age, general citizen, and even e-mail friendships. The pairs spend time together, watching sporting events, having lunch, or simply talking on the phone. If you would like to support Best Buddies and their mission of friendship through a financial or in-kind donation, please contact Hannah Wright at 909-307-6512 or visit www.bestbuddies.org/california/inlandempire.
12/11/05 - Sunday
Project HOPE School Toy Drive
Project HOPE School is the only school in Orange County established to meet the unique needs of homeless and at-risk children. The goal of Project HOPE School is to help children who have experienced significant gaps in learning to grow academically, socially and emotionally, with the ultimate goal of transitioning back into local, neighborhood schools. The school is currently holding a toy and gift drive to provide students with gifts this holiday season. Gifts should be delivered by Friday, December 16th. Send gifts to: The Project HOPE School, 191 N. Orange Street, Orange, CA 92866. For more information about the toy drive, volunteering or making a financial donation, please contact Pam Allison at (949) 636-2873 or pamallison@aol.com.
12/12/05 – Monday
Access Books
Access Books is a non-profit dedicated to providing high interest books to inner city school and community libraries. Access Books is conducting book drives and fundraising for two schools in Louisiana affected by Katrina, both of which currently have NO books for children to take home, read and enjoy. Teachers and students are living in temporary shelter housing and hope to return to their communities soon. You can you help by donating new or gently used children's books or make a donation to Access Books via the website or mail. Mark your donation "Katrina" and 100% of the donation will go toward purchasing new books. For more information on Access Books, visit www.accessbooks.net or call (310) 284-3452.
12/13/05 - Tuesday
Friends Outside in L.A.
Children with incarcerated parents face the holidays separated from one or both of their parents, while experiencing constant reminders of what the holidays are supposed to be - family togetherness, bounty and happiness. Friends Outside brings these children together to have fun, enjoy a meal and receive a gift from Santa. Many of these children would not have a gift if not for their parties. The party will be held in Pasadena on Saturday, December 17. New toys are needed, as well as cash donations to help deliver services to their families throughout the year. Volunteers are also needed to help wrap toys on December 14. Call Mary Weaver at 626-795-7653, or e-mail to: friendsoutsidela@sbcglobal.net
Friends Outside in LA (located in First Congregational Church)
464 E. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
www.friendsoutsidela.org
12/14/05 - Wednesday
Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) - Toy Drive and Volunteer Tutors Needed
Heart of Los Angeles, located in the Rampart District, empowers inner city youth to advance their lives and revitalize their communities through enrichment, personal development and leadership programs. HOLA provides a healthy, safe environment for youths after-school, with programs that include education, athletics and fine arts. They are currently holding a toy drive; all kinds of toys are accepted, but they are especially in need of gifts for teens. They will pick up donation from your workplace or organization from now until December 16; gifts will be distributed on December 22. For more information, or to volunteer your time, please call Tony Brown at 213-389-1148, ext. #235, or visit www.heartofla.org
12/15/05 - Thursday
Aquarium of the Pacific
Fishing for the perfect gift? Share the gift of caring with the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Adopt-an-Animal program. Adoptions will help fund the cost of feeding the more than 12,500 marine species that call the Aquarium of the Pacific their home. Adoptive “parents” receive a certificate of adoption, information about their animal and a keepsake photo. Some of the animals currently available for adoption are sea otter, harbor seal, puffin, octopus and shark. Call the Aquarium at 562-437-FISH (3474); e-mail adopt@LBAOP.ORG or visit their website: www.aquariumofpacific.org
This Saturday, December 17, bring an unwrapped children’s toy to the Aquarium of the Pacific and receive $5.00 off one regular admission. All toys collected will be distributed to deserving local children at a special holiday event for them at the Aquarium.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
562-590-3100
12/16/05 - Friday
The Unusual Suspects Theater Group
The Unusual Suspects exists to bring theater to youth from probation and the juvenile justice system. Writing, producing and performing in their own original theater has a profound effect on these kids, who often have a history of neglect and abuse, improving their self-esteem and helping them attain previously unimaginable goals, such as college. Volunteers with and without theatrical background are needed to help with their original productions and theater workshops. The public is also invited to come to their next performance, to be held at Camp Gonzales in Malibu Canyon on December 17. For more information on the performance or on volunteering, visit www.theunusualsuspects.org, or call Melissa Uhles at 310-558-3190.
12/17/05 - Saturday
The Audubon Society - Christmas Bird Count
Calling all bird-lovers -- if your idea of a great day is tramping through the wilds of California, watching the skies for Mountain Plover, Merlin and Red-Shouldered Hawk, then you’ll want to take part in the Audubon Society’s yearly bird count. Volunteers are needed to watch the skies and record the hundreds of species they’ll see. Teams are scheduled to take part in locations throughout the southland from now through January. For details on counts being held in your area, visit www.laaudubon.org, or call Larry Allen at 626-288-2701.
12/18/05 - Sunday
City of Hope Blood Donor Center
Shopping! Family! Holiday parties! The end of the year is packed full of activities. Unfortunately this often means that platelet and blood donations fall dramatically. By donating blood or platelets at City of Hope you have the ability to give the most precious gift of all to our patients and you become an essential ally in their fight for good health. Please be part of this Season of Giving by booking your holiday platelet or blood appointment today!
Mention you heard about the City of Hope Donor Center on the KPCC Season of Giving segment and as a special thank you for your life-saving donation you will receive our special City of Hope seasonal thank you item and t-shirt.
Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 lbs and be in good health. To make your appointment for this most important gift, please call the City of Hope Recruitment Department at 626-471-7171 or send an email to donateblood@coh.org
12/19/05 - Monday
MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) -- 2005 Christmas Program
The MEND Christmas program links you, your business or organization with needy families in the Pacoima area during the season of giving. Become a MEND Elf by adopting a family, donating food, toys or clothing - or volunteer your time to pack baskets, wrap gifts, pick up and deliver donations, or help with computer needs. Contact volunteer coordinator Lupe Agosta at 818-896-0246, or visit www.mendpoverty.org.
12/20/05 - Tuesday
Pasadena Jaycees - Operation Santa
Since 1935, the Pasadena Jaycees has been delivering toys to underprivileged children on Christmas Eve. Letters to Santa are re-directed to the Jaycees by the post office, where they are entered into a database and mapped. On Christmas Eve, volunteers dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers, load up their vehicles and drive through Pasadena and surrounding communities to deliver the toys. You can be a Santa too - e-mail Alisha Vass at opsanta2005@yahoo.com
12/21/05 - Wednesday
Union Station
Union Station Foundation has been providing shelter to the homeless and meals to the hungry for thirty years, meeting community needs in the Greater Pasadena area and western San Gabriel Valley. This organization believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and strives to provide the highest quality of services based on a foundation of respect for all people.
Union Station Foundation holds a Christmas dinner in the park each year, which feeds 3000 people. They are in need of new, unwrapped toys to distribute during the Christmas dinner, volunteers on Christmas Day to help set up and serve the meal, as well as donations of food or funds. To contribute or for more information, please call 626-240-4550 x 125 or 105 or visit www.unionstationfoundation.org http://www.unionstationfoundation.org or e-mail to volunteer@unionstationfoundation.org
Toys can be delivered before Friday, Dec. 23 to:
412 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena
12/22/05 - Thursday
Youth Inkwell - The Well Project
10 kids - 2 books - 6 wells: Youth Inkwell is an innovative concern that seeks to both embolden children as writers and help the less fortunate. With "The Well Project," Youth Inkwell has published two wonderful books written and illustrated by young artists, “When Watute Wants Some Water” and “How to Cook With A Pencil.” 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these books will go to building wells in Uganda and Ethiopia - their goal is to bring water to 60,000 people. Purchase of one of these books will make an especially meaningful gift. Visit their website at www.youthinkwell.org to find out how.
12/23/05 - Friday
Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services
Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services is a Highland Park-based comprehensive treatment and education center for abused, neglected and at-risk teens, many of whom are in the juvenile justice system. The agency also operates seven group homes for boys and girls, a private high school, a foster care and adoption agency, and multifaceted community programs. Optimist is seeking help in making the holidays a little brighter for the children and families it serves. This year's holiday wish list includes: retail store gift certificates, theme park passes, tickets to theater and sporting events, CD's and boom boxes, sports equipment, dolls and action figures, scooters and skateboards, jewelry and magic kits, cameras, collector cards and board games. To make a holiday donation, please contact Gretchen Mucci at (877) 74-YOUTH or visit the website at www.oyhfs.org.
12/24/05 - Saturday
Five Acres
Five Acres (http://www.5acres.org), founded in 1888 as one of Los Angeles earliest orphanages, is a child and family services agency providing therapeutic prevention, treatment and education programs to strengthen families and prevent child abuse. Services include residential care and education, mental health services in homes and schools, foster care and adoptions and domestic violence prevention. The agency serves more than 2,000 children and families throughout Southern California annually. Five Acres' holiday wish list includes retail store gift certificates, theme park passes, tickets to theater and sporting events, CD's and boom boxes, sports equipment, dolls, jewelry and magic kits, action figures, scooters and skateboards, cameras, collector cards and games. To make holiday donations, please contact Tim Bogle at (626) 798-6793 ext. 244, or visit their website: www.5acres.org.
12/25/05 - Sunday
Heal the Bay
Give your community cleaner beaches for Christmas this year by volunteering with Heal the Bay in Santa Monica. Projects come in all shapes and sizes -- a few hours of beach clean-up, a day of creek restoration or long-term community outreach volunteering. Benefits include community service credit, the occasional T-shirt and a cleaner place to surf next summer. For a list of fun volunteer activities, call 1-800-HEAL BAY, ext. 145 or visit www.healthebay.org.
12/26/05 - Monday
Braille Institute
Helping blind and visually impaired children and adults learn to live independently despite their vision loss has been Braille Institute of America’s mission for the past 85 years. By giving just two hours a week of their time, volunteers can lend a helping hand in a wide variety of ways: as readers, recording daily newspapers, acting as classroom guides, or offering computer, graphic design and other skills. For information on these and other volunteer opportunities, please call Michelle Sheridan at 1-800-BRAILLE, or 323-663-1111 ext. 3160, or visit www.brailleinstitute.org.
12/27/05 - Tuesday
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world, monitoring human rights in dozens of countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Los Angeles, a vibrant community of supporters is engaged in raising awareness of human rights abuses, building financial support for Human Rights Watch, and strengthening HRW's local research and advocacy for issues like juvenile justice, immigration, prison conditions and the death penalty. Volunteers are needed to help with outreach and development and to help coordinate their many fundraising events. For more information call Camille Joseph at 310-477-5540, or visit www.hrwcalifornia.org
11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 441
Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
e-mail: hrwlasb@hrw.org
12/28/05 - Wednesday
Young & Healthy - Pasadena
Young & Healthy is a health care program that provides free medical, dental, psychological and case-management services to low-income, uninsured children in schools, day care centers and homeless shelters in the greater Pasadena community. Health services are provided by volunteer physicians, dentists, therapists, optometrists and other health care professionals. Young & Healthy needs dedicated volunteers, both health care professionals and others to serve as drivers, translators, health educators and office workers. To get involved or make a contribution, please call Chastity Trueba (troo-AY-bah) at 626-795-5166 or visit
www.youngandhealthy-pas.org <http://www.youngandhealthy-pas.org>
37 N. Holliston Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
info@youngandhealthy-pas.org
12/29/05 - Thursday
Chrysalis - Changing Lives Through Jobs
Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities. Chrysalis currently helps more than 2,000 individuals a year change their lives through jobs; their clients receive not only resources and services, but also a renewed hope that their future can be brighter and filled with opportunity. Your skills and experience are needed to help with job readiness workshops, resume writing, computer skills and special events. To contribute to Chrysalis or volunteer log on to www.changelives.org <http://www.changelives.org> or call Piper Kamins at 310-392-4117, ext. 332.
1837 Lincoln Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Piper Kamins: kaminsp@changelives.org
12/30/05 - Friday
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
For more than 50 years, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic has recorded textbooks for students from kindergarten through post-graduate levels. If you have two hours a week to spare and technical expertise in math, chemistry, science, computers, accounting and economics, your skills are needed to record textbooks for blind and dyslexic learners. Take their Learning Through Listening Tour and find out how you can help. Details are on their website: www.rfbdla.org <http://www.rfbdla.org, or call 800-732-TEXT for more information.
Next Learning Through Listening Tour: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Contact Michelle at 323-664-5525 ext. 13, or 800-732-TEXT
12/31/05 - Saturday
Baldwin Hills Branch Library Chess Club
Are you a chess aficionado? The Baldwin Hills Branch Library Chess Club needs teen and adult players to share their skills with the younger generation. Interested players of all levels and ages are welcome to challenge, learn from each other or just enjoy a good game. They meet every Monday at 6 pm. Contact the library at 323-733-1196 for more information, or just show up! The library is located at 2906 S. LaBrea, just south of the 10 freeway.
Posted by Kitty Felde at 4:03 PM
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December 12, 2005
Season's Givings
Thanks so much to everyone who's gotten into the holiday spirit so far!
12/13/05 - Tuesday
Friends Outside in L.A.
Children with incarcerated parents face the holidays separated from one or both of their parents, while experiencing constant reminders of what the holidays are supposed to be - family togetherness, bounty and happiness. Friends Outside brings these children together to have fun, enjoy a meal and receive a gift from Santa. Many of these children would not have a gift if not for their parties. The party will be held in Pasadena on Saturday, December 17. New toys are needed, as well as cash donations to help deliver services to their families throughout the year. Volunteers are also needed to help wrap toys on December 14. Call Mary Weaver at 626-795-7653, or e-mail to: friendsoutsidela@sbcglobal.net
Posted by Kitty Felde at 6:25 PM
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