TOYS FOR TOTS
What Annual holiday toy drive
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Police Department
When All month from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday
Where Collection boxes available at: Police Headquarters, 400 West Bdwy.; East Division, 4800 Los Coyotes Diagonal; North Division, 4891 Atlantic Ave.; West Division, 1835 Santa Fe Ave.
More Info The LBPD is partnering with the Long Beach Police Foundation to collect donated and new unwrapped toys for families and children who are less fortunate. Visit the collection boxes to donate or send monetary donations or gift cards to: LBPF, P.O. Box 15418, Long Beach, CA 90815 and mark the donation “Toy Patrol” on the memo line. Call (562) 570-7212.
EAT AND BE MERRY
What Free Christmas meal event
Who Hosted by Madera’s Restaurant
When Friday, Dec. 25 at 1pm
Where Madera’s Restaurant, 3642 Katella Ave. in Los Alamitos
More Info The free meal is for homeless and wounded veterans. Reservations are required. Call (562) 598-0401 after 11am to make reservations.
SOMETHING FISHY
What Discounted entrance at Aquarium of the Pacific
Who Presented by Aquarium of the Pacific
When Saturday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 2 from 5pm to 8:30pm
Where Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Wy.
More Info As part of its Discounted Holiday Nights promotion, the aquarium will be discounted, and entrance will be $14.95 per person. It will be free for members and kids under the age of 3. Call Marilyn at (562) 951-1684.
WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER
What Christmas tree roundup
Who Hosted by Signal Hill Disposal
When Monday, Dec. 28 and Monday, Jan. 4
Where Ready for pickup at residential curbsides
More Info Live trees free of decorations will be picked up free of charge at residential curbsides on the specified dates. Put your tree on the curb the night before to ensure pickup. The trees collected will be turned over for recycling. Call (562) 597-0608.
IT’S A WINTER WONDERLAND … OF CRAFTS
What Creation Station: Winter Wonders event
Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos
When Saturday, Jan. 2 from 1pm to 4pm
Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd.
More Info Children ages 6 through 11 will be able to participate in seasonal arts and crafts and historically-themed activities. They will also be able to use the various materials to create their own snowman, seasonal decorations, knit a bracelet and more. Call (562) 206-2040.
GOLDEN YEARS
What Senior programming
Who Presented by the 8th District Senior Advisory Committee and Councilmember Al Austin
When Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 10am
Where Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave.
More Info The senior program in 8th-District Long Beach will be on hiatus through the end of the year for the holidays. The program is a free recreational center for seniors that involves activities such as yoga, arts and crafts, cards, chess, bingo, music and classes. Email district8@longbeach.gov .
PSA
What “State of the City” address
Who Presented by Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia
When Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 5pm to 8pm
Where Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
More Info Mayor Garcia will deliver a 2016 address to Long Beach residents in an event that will feature dining choices from food trucks, refreshments, photos and games. RSVP at eventbrite.com . Email robert.garcia@longbeach.gov .
‘INFINITE HOPE’
What Parade celebration
Who Presented by 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews
When Saturday, Jan. 16 from 10:30am to 6pm
Where Begins at Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, intersecting Anaheim Street. Ends at King Park, 1950 Lemon Ave.
More Info The parade will begin at the Martin Luther King Jr. stop and end at King Park for celebratory festivities. The theme of the parade event is “infinite hope,” reflecting the words iconic civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. once said. Call (562) 570-6816.
LET IT GROW
What Neighborhood tree planting
Who Presented by I Dig Long Beach, a nonprofit project to improve air quality
When Saturday, Jan 23 from 9am to noon
Where Meet at Hughes Middle School, 3846 California Ave.
More Info A team of neighbors, city staff and volunteers will gather together to plant trees around the neighborhood. All tools and supplies will be provided. Call (562) 570-6866.
SURFS UP
What Tidepool walk
Who Hosted by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
When Saturday, Jan. 23 from 2pm to 3:30pm and Sunday, Jan 24 from 2:30pm to 4pm
Where Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
More Info Get a chance to explore low tides at a rocky shore in a two-day event that will feature an informative slideshow and a tour of Point Fermin’s tidepools. Call (310) 548-7562
THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY
What Breakfast fundraiser
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Alumnae Chapter— Delta Sigma Theta sorority
When Saturday, Jan 30 from 8am to 10am
Where Applebee’s Restaurant, 899 E. Spring St.
More Info The breakfast includes an all-you-can-eat selection of pancakes, eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. To reserve a spot, a $10 donation is required beforehand. Registration can be fulfilled by mailing a donation to: DST Long Beach Alumnae, P.O. Box 91623, or registering at eventbrite.com . Call (844) 378-5222 ext. 2201 or email events@lbadst.org .
BASE RUNNING
What Race on the Base event
Who Hosted by nonprofit Honoring Our Fallen
When Saturday, Feb. 27
Where Joint Forces Training Base, 11206 Lexington Ave.
More Info The fundraiser event, which will benefit families of fallen veterans, will include a 5K, a 10K and a glow-in-the-dark run for kids. Other donations can be made athonoringourfallen.org . Register at eventbrite.com .
