Bringing you the latest local news highlights to kick off the week of Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.
Long Beach Launches ‘Season of Giving’ Campaign to Support Homeless Community
The city of Long Beach is initiating a “Season of Giving” drive to support the homeless population. Locals are encouraged to volunteer time or donate money, physical items, or specific essentials. Here are some of the ways you can help:
- Volunteer Opportunities: These local organizations seek volunteers to support homeless families and children.
- GP God’s People Care Packages and Blankets of Love to help create hygiene kits for their December hygiene and shoes outreach event.
- Long Beach Community Table for their weekly food deliveries and mobile food bank.
- Transitions in Motherhood for their monthly donation and hot meals program benefitting families with young children.
- Food Finders, to support their extensive network of food delivery to many local hot meals and food pantries.
- Precious Lamb to help support their donation center for homeless families and children. Specialized volunteer opportunities also available for people who are certified to work with children.
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, which provides free showers, laundry service and clothing for people experiencing homelessness, for their Saturday meal distribution
- Donation Drive-Thru Events: Drive-thru events welcome physical donations, especially cold weather items, hygiene kits, backpacks with essentials, pet care kits, and more. The next drive-thru will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LB Health Department, located at 2525 Grand Ave.
- Donation Drop-Off Bins: Bins at library locations and specific centers provide an easy way to drop off essential items for the homeless. The Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach (3635 Long Beach Blvd.) drop-off bin is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Scherer Park Community Center (4654 Pasadena Ave.) is open Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m.
- Monetary Donations: The Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action, managed by the Long Beach Community Foundation, seeks tax-deductible monetary contributions. This fund supports grants for local organizations addressing homelessness. For more information and to donate, visit the Mayor’s Fund webpage.
Paid Fellowships Offered for Students in Government and Nonprofit Sectors
In collaboration with local universities, the city has initiated the Public Service Corps program, aimed at college students aspiring for careers in local government, nonprofit management, and public service. This program offers paid fellowships across city departments, providing practical experience and skill development for various sought-after professions. Participants will engage in project-based learning with the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, contributing to planning the City’s Youth Festival in 2024 and Youth Week in 2025.
This position is open to college seniors attending California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Dominguez Hills; or Long Beach City College. The Public Service Corps will also include supportive services like transportation assistance, employment-related aid, and job counseling. Applications are encouraged until November 30, 2023. For more information about the Long Beach Public Service Corps program, interested individuals can contact Kandi Gonzalez at Kandi.Gonzalez@pacific-gateway.org. Learn more here.
Long Beach Unveils Spectacular 67-Foot Christmas Tree at Annual Lighting Celebration
Long Beach is set to host its 9th annual Christmas Tree lighting event, featuring a towering 67-foot Christmas tree adorned with 500,000 lights at the downtown Terrace Theater Plaza on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Mayor Rex Richardson will lead the lighting ceremony, promising a warm welcome to hundreds of residents and visitors. The event will offer live music by the Long Beach Symphony, delectable treats from local food trucks, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, a holiday train ride, and festive selfie stations. Last year’s festivities showcased a dazzling display, including smaller trees, decorative Santa Claus figures, illuminated reindeer, and joyful carolers. This celebration, attended by City Council members and dignitaries, promises to kick off the holiday season in grand style. Learn more here.
American Red Cross Unveils Revamped LB Office and Blood Center
The Long Beach and South Bay chapter of the American Red Cross recently reopened its refurbished chapter office and blood donation center after a year-long renovation. The upgraded facility at 3150 E. 29th St. showcases state-of-the-art technology to bolster volunteer efforts and blood donation initiatives. City officials, including Councilmembers Al Austin, Daryl Supernaw, and Kristina Duggan, graced the ceremony, celebrating the return home for volunteers and community members. Encouraging blood donation or volunteer participation, the center’s grand opening emphasized the urgency of addressing the persistent blood shortage. Interested donors, meeting specified health criteria, can schedule appointments through the Red Cross website, redcrossblood.org. Learn more here.
Bixby Knolls’ Santa Con Returns
The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is hosting its annual Santa Con on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 – 5 p.m. This event encourages attendees to dress up in festive attire while enjoying local brews, shopping deals, and delicious food options. Participants can explore the Atlantic Avenue corridor, sampling locally brewed beers and wines, savoring special menu items, and accessing deals from small businesses. Tickets offer beer and wine tastings or a Santa’s Helper option for food and treats, with proceeds supporting community events. The event promises live music, photo booths, a chance to meet Santa, and various performances along the way. Special deals and secret menu items are available to attendees with event bracelets. For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, click here.
