The holiday season is a stressful time for many, trying to pay regular bills and buy groceries while balancing purchasing gifts and making the time of year feel magical.
It’s a lot to handle on any given year, but especially as the job market is in upheaval and prices continue to rise. Families understandably may need a little extra help putting food on the table or gifts under the tree.
Nonprofits, churches and neighborhood associations are working to make sure everyone is able to celebrate the holidays. Below is a list of events in December where people can receive groceries, hot meals, toys and more in Long Beach.
All the listed giveaways are free and do not require RSVP unless otherwise stated, though some may require the child to be present or for a proof of address. Please reach out to the organization hosting the event for more details.
Know of a giveaway we should add to this list? Send it to us at Newspaper@SignalTribune.com.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Christmas Giveaway: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Long Beach Realist and the Seventh Street Grocery Outlet are hosting a Christmas giveaway featuring music, vouchers and surprise gifts for families at 1340 E. Seventh St. Registration through Eventbrite is required in advance, and attendees must bring a valid photo ID. Free.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Happy Hearts Senior Luncheon: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christian Outreach in Action will host a luncheon at St. Luke’s Church (525 E. Seventh St.) for seniors over the age of 55, including a hearty lunch, bags of groceries, live entertainment, health resources and bingo. Registration is required. To register, call 562-432-1440. Free.
Zaferia Holiday Mixer: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This one-night toy drive will be held during the Zaferia Business Association’s Holiday Mixer at Common Ground Pilates (1203 Loma Ave.). Attendees who bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive will be entered into a raffle. The event will also feature complimentary refreshments and the chance to meet neighbors. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Friday, Dec. 12
Toddler Christmas Party: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Christian Outreach in Action (515 E. Third St.) will host a holiday party for local toddlers featuring a visit from Santa, milk and cookies, stuffed stockings, and small gifts. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Toy and Food Giveaway: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Fairfield Family YMCA, in partnership with Crossroads Church and Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk is hosting this distribution event where local families can receive toys and food to help during the holidays. The distribution will be held at the Fairfield YMCA at 4949 Atlantic Ave. Free.
Share the Joy Giveaway: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Crossroads Long Beach (1900 E. South St.) will distribute toys and groceries to families. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 5 through Eventbrite. Free.
Annual Holiday Toy & Food Giveaway: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pools of Hope (6801 Long Beach Blvd.), will distribute toys, groceries and meals to local families and children. Attendees will also be able to receive asthma screenings. Free.
Christmas Cheer Survivor Giveaway: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. My Sister My Friend Breast Cancer Support will host a holiday giveaway for breast cancer patients and survivors, distributing groceries, holiday meal kits, gifts for children and gas cards for those undergoing treatment. Attendees must register in advance at mysistermyfriendbcs.com. Free.
P.E.A.C.E. in the Park: Noon to 4 p.m. This grassroots space offers families and neighbors a chance to heal, connect and grow as a community at Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.). Attendees can learn about and practice breathwork, the art of intention, participate in a family peace circle where parents and children share affirmations and create a peace pledge, and children up to 5 years old will be able to build their own Montessori toy with their parents. Every child will be able to take a toy home through the free distribution. This day of peace is hosted by Project X LB and the Phoenix Rise Project. Free.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Winter Wonderland: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy a festive celebration at Orizaba Park (1435 Orizaba Ave.) with snow, Santa and a toy giveaway for children. Free.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Holiday Harvest Festival: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sowing Seeds of Change is hosting a food distribution at 620 San Francisco Ave. with turkeys for the first 50 people, farm fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks, crafts, music and community. All are welcome to this distribution, and the nonprofit is also in need of volunteers for the event. Free.
Fourth Annual Northeast Village Gift Giveaway: Noon to 2 p.m. Residents who live in the 90813 zip code can bring their child to Gumbiner Park (880 E. Seventh St.) to receive a free gift. This event is presented by Northeast Village neighbors and Councilmember Mary Zendejas. Free.
Know of a toy drive, giveaway or volunteer opportunity we should add to this list? Send it to us at Newspaper@SignalTribune.com.
