Places to Give Back this November
November is a time to give thanks, and what better way to do it than by giving back? Spend some time in your local community this season with a number of charitable organizations. From donating to volunteering, we’ve compiled a list of the top charities to contribute to this November. Baby2Baby This organization works year-round to ensure that no child is without the basic necessities of childhood; accepting donations all year long for items that will benefit children (infants to age 12), including but not limited to car seats, clothing (children’s and maternity), hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, sunscreen), coats, and more. Food on Foot Donating gently used clothing, shoes, blankets, as well as food! You can sign up to volunteer anytime, and it usually costs $25 (which serves as funds to feed about five people per day). Union Station Homeless Services San Gabriel Valley’s largest social services agency offers year-round community meal programs and other services for the area’s homeless population: including emergency shelter, children’s education and recreational activity, and adult classes in parenting, nutrition, and money management. Union Station Homeless Services has also hosted Dinner in the Park for over four decades, named the biggest potluck in the nation by the Los Angeles Times: This organization helps give warm holiday meals to more than 7,000 homeless, low-income, and senior citizens. Midnight Mission Downtown’s midnight mission offers counseling education and job placement to the city’s homeless population, as well as food, shelter, personal hygiene, and medical care. For the holidays, the Mission holds special events in addition to regular meal services and food donation drives. Note: Midnight Mission asks that female volunteers come with a companion since this is an all-male facility. Fred Jordan Mission The Fred Jordan Mission has provided clothing, blankets, and food to the homeless for more than 50 years. For the holidays, volunteers hand out food bags, toys, and blankets and sing carols! L.A. Regional Food Bank Come help distribute food this holiday season with L.A. Regional Food Bank. Volunteers are needed for special events, food sorting, and food drives: including the organization’s yearly Operation Gobble, where volunteers will help inspect, sort, and repackage food for delivery during the holiday. Holidays From the Heart (CHLA) This program aims to lighten up the holidays for chronically ill children and their families. There are a number of ways you can help, including sponsoring a family or providing bulk gift items (clothing, diapers, making a monetary donation, or serving as a volunteer (shopping for gifts, distributing gifts). Crayon Collection Upcycle gently used crayons, providing children with crayons and saving our landfills. Being a part of the Crayon Collection allows families with children of all ages an easy way to volunteer and make a difference. Brighten the Holidays (Salvation Army) This program helps families who are experiencing hard times due to unemployment, medical issues, homelessness, or other challenges. From generously providing family dinners to donating toys to put under the tree, help the Salvation Army lend a hand with holiday events to those who need it most.
Fun Local Happenings This October
Whether you love to sample different restaurants, attend cultural events, or go to concerts or parties, LA has everything you need. There are a ton of things to do this autumn. Having a place to call your own in South California is synonymous with having a share of the cake, as you will be at the center of all the action. Here is a list of events in Los Angeles you do not want to miss this autumn. The Grand Avenue Arts Aside from the hustle and bustle of DTLA, this side of LA boasts several cultural treasures. On October 22, thirteen institutions will come together to honor their Bunker Hill Home. The live-action happens right at the city's hub, between Temple and Sixth streets. From AR experiences to the celebration of The Day of the Dead, there will be plenty to do. The best part, you get to enjoy free live performances from popular acts and one of the highlights- a composition workshop at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Beverly Hills Art Show If you love the charm of history, you will enjoy the Beverly Hills Art Show. The event stands as one of the most popular events on the West coast, following a 49-year tradition. Hosted on four blocks of the historic Beverly Gardens Park, the 2- day show (from October 15 to October 16), is a full display of original artwork, photography, jewelry, etc., and incorporates unique contemporary pieces. The Fall Festival in Santa Monica Another mid-month event to add to your calendar- The fall festival will be a fantastic family affair featuring lots of activity for everyone. The children can enjoy seasonal crafts sessions thanks to Santa Monica Public Library as adults shop for unique glass pumpkins. The list of things to do goes on and on. Our Lady of Grace School, Encino The Carnival festival returns bigger and better in Encino after three years. It is a weekend affair from October 21 to October 23 at Our Lady of Grace Church and School. The festival features classic kid-friendly activities ranging from carnival rides, games, and a Kid's zone for children under 6. Adults get to indulge in a silent auction, a sports bar filled with classic drinks, and live performances from up to 50 entertainers. Oklahoma! If you love a blend of theater and music, you want to be at the Ahmanson Theater on October 16 for a powerful revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical. The Halloween Boo-Bash Carnival, Malibu More fun for the little ones at the Halloween Boo-Bash. From food trucks to face painting, all you need is a $5 event pass for access to endless activities. Fall Learn to Swim Lessons, Malibu Talk of killing two birds with one stone. October might be the month for you or your kids to learn how to swim. The sessions are designed uniquely for kids of all ages, with each group having a scheduled time for lessons at the Malibu community pool. The Beverly Hills Farmers Market The Beverly Hills Farmers Market is also great for buying locally grown food and seasonal fruits, not just in October but all year round. Witches Houses 3 Trails A spooky tour of the picturesque story-book homes sounds epic in the spirit of Halloween. Get a movie experience from a peek at five castles and cottages as you enjoy views of Tujunga to Beverly Hills. The tours run till October 31. The outdoor setting offers a more chilled and relaxed way to enjoy Los Angeles through food and specialty items. Cypress Hill End the month with a memorable show from local West Coast rap, hip-hop, and R&B legends. Happening at the Hollywood Palladium, the concert is a great place to sample new artists and a contemporary mix of different genres, all from artists close to home. There is more to LA than you can imagine. Buy your first ticket by securing a place at the city of angels, and you won't have to miss a thing.
Where to Picnic in the Park Around Town
What better way to enjoy a warm summer day than with a picnic in the park? Luckily for you, there are plenty to be found in SoCal. We are sharing our favorite spots for a bite to eat with nature abound in this week’s blog, so read on! ROXBURY MEMORIAL PARK Location: 471 S Roxbury Dr. | Beverly Hills Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, the Roxbury Memorial Park encompasses more than 11 acres of green space. The park has a community center that offers a number of recreational activities. Aside from that, the vibrant and perfectly maintained park serves as an excellent choice for a relaxed picnic. BARNSDALL ART PARK Location: 4804 Hollywood Blvd. | Los Angeles If you happen to love architecture and the outdoors, the Barnsdall Art park may be the best park for you. As one of our favorite parks for picnicking, the lush greenery is also home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. Enjoy breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign at the Barnsdall Art Park. WILL ROGERS STATE HISTORIC PARK Location: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd. | Pacific Palisades For those that are local, the name Will Roger’s has become synonymous with LA. As the first mayor of Beverly Hills, it should come as no surprise that the famed actor became “America’s most beloved citizen.” The 359 acres of Will Roger’s State Park, once the ranch of the Hollywood legend, now bodes as a cherished city park gem. A state historical park, the land has become home to LA’s only Polo field and a true local favorite. Take in the California sun at Will Roger’s State Park and enjoy a bit of SoCal history. CALABASAS CREEK PARK Location: 23527 Calabasas Rd. | Calabasas Travel back to the Victorian era in this quaint community park that brims with old-fashioned charm. Calabasas Creek Park maybe lasts on our list of the top parks for picnicking, but we’re ranking it as just as enjoyable as the rest. Along with featuring one of the two creeks in the area, the park is also home to the Leonis Adobe Museum. See the home of Leonis Adobe, Plummer House, and even a recreated Chumash village, all at Calabasas Creek Park! LAKE BALBOA PARK Location: 6300 Balboa Blvd. | Van Nuys Blooming with stunning cherry blossom trees alongside a tranquil lake, Lake Balboa serves as the perfect picnic spot. Whether you pack a light snack or a full spread, you’ll love sitting lakeside as a bevy of geese floats by. If you want to change up your setting, take a stroll through the park’s Japanese Tea Garden. You can even rent a swan paddle boat to take out on the lake if you’re feeling adventurous.
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