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Best Holiday Volunteer Opportunities For The Family In Los Angeles

los angeles mission header
(credit: Los Angeles Mission)

This time of year brings families together to celebrate, but not everyone is so lucky as to be able to celebrate this season. If you would like to donate your services or a make a contribution to one of the following well-respected and organized holiday helpers, they are registering volunteers now. These organizations have a long history of matching giving volunteers to assignments that greatly benefit the surrounding Los Angeles area and bring even more warmth to families during the holidays.

food on foot
(credit: Food On Foot)

Food on Foot
1625 N. Schrader Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
www.foodonfoot.org

With humble beginnings, Jay Goldinger started by simply handing out meals from the trunk of his car to the homeless. Over time, these efforts grew into a non-profit organization that now feeds more than 250 people each week. For the holidays, volunteers can aid low-income and homeless families by volunteering to distribute sleeping bags, bus tokens and a healthy meal and snacks to over 400 homeless and poor individuals. All parties that are interested in attending must register in advance on Food on Foot's website. Families can also donate clothing or money. All of the proceeds go toward purchasing food or gifts cards to buy groceries for families.

Fred Jordan Missions
(credit: Fred Jordan Missions)

Fred Jordan Missions
445 Towne Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 489-7763
www.fjm.org

Fred Jordan Missions has been providing food and other needed resources to the United States and all over the world by founding orphanages, schools, missions and hospitals to care for the needy. To be a part of this effort to help those in need, join the Fred Jordan Missions' Thanksgiving Street Banquet. It is a wonderful experience that will benefit thousands of people. Members of the community will come together to feed thousands of homeless people for this holiday celebration. Families with few resources will be served a hearty turkey dinner with meal sides and refreshments. Volunteers help make this annual event successful by working as greeters, helping set up, assist with preparing meals, and clean up. Volunteers can take a morning or afternoon shift.

los angeles mission
(credit: Los Angeles Mission)

Los Angeles Mission
303 E. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 629-1227
www.losangelesmission.org

The annual events hosted Los Angeles Mission make for great volunteering. This year, make a difference by helping to feed the hungry and homeless. By either donating or volunteering, you can be part of the solution and make a huge difference to those who need your help the most. Vital to the heart of the LA Mission, volunteers can choose from a variety of events. Visit www.losangelesmission.org for more information.

Related: Best Places to Get Free Check-Ups, Immunizations, and Vaccinations in L.A. 

Christmas Run
(credit: Santa Monica Venice Christmas Run)

Santa Monica Venice Christmas Run
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(213) 627-8484
www.christmasrun.com

As LA's largest holiday running event, Santa Monica Venice Christmas Run is an event not to miss. The event, which is fun because runners can wear their favorite holiday outfits and compete in a costume contest, is even open to the little ones. Dogs are allowed to be a part of the race as well. Participants will be running through Venice and on the Venice boardwalk to Santa Monica to raise money for the Harvest Home which provides housing for pregnant mothers and their children in the Venice area. This organization has been operating for more than 35 years, and it's filled with fellowship, high spirits and fun. Help is needed with late registration, volunteer check-in, water-station assistance, starting-line help, chip removal, food and drink supplies, a Santa Claus, shirt distribution and festival activities.

Cassandra Bautista is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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