Long Beach residents can embrace the spirit of the season by participating in the City’s annual Season of Giving donation drive.
Community members are invited to do an act of good by donating essential items for people experiencing homelessness.
“These donations are a lifeline, supporting our community members in need and the organizations that serve them,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This holiday season, a simple act of generosity can spark a ripple of kindness and leave a lasting impact.”
Physical donations can be dropped off at the City’s donation drive-thru this Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Main Facilities Center (2525 Grand Ave.). At this event, people can bring a range of essential items to be distributed throughout the holiday season to the city’s unhoused community.
According to the City, cold weather clothing, umbrellas, shoes and holiday themed gifts are encouraged, along with the following items:
- Hygiene kits or house-warming gift kits from the Multi-Service Center’s Amazon Wish List.
- Backpacks filled with needed items such as hand warmers, flashlights, battery packs, batteries (usually D batteries), emergency blankets and charging cables.
- Pet care kits with items such as food, treats, collars, leashes, toys or collapsible bowls.
- Sizes Small through XXL sweatpants, shirts, socks, underwear, beanies, scarves, caps, hoodies, towels or blankets. Gently used versions of these items are also welcome.
- Welcome home kits containing suggested items and a special hand-written motivating message to go in the kit.
- Canned food (and small, manual can openers), bottled drinks (juices or water), and snacks such as granola/power bars, instant oatmeal and instant soup.
The received donations will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) as well as by local partner organizations through their typical outreach services. Though they won’t be accepted at the drive-thru events, people who are interested in donating gift cards can schedule a drop-off time at the MSC by calling 562-570-4500.
Physical items may also be dropped off at any open Long Beach Public Library location during business hours, as well as at the following locations:
- Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach (3635 Long Beach Blvd.), open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Scherer Park Community Center (4654 Pasadena Ave.), open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
Those who are interested in making a tax-deductible monetary donation can contribute to the Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action by credit card or check. The Mayor’s Fund is run by the Long Beach Community Foundation with oversight from the Homeless Services Advisory Committee. To learn more about donations to the Mayor’s Fund, visit its webpage.