DONATION FOR THE BRAIN
What Hospital donations
Who Hosted by Community Hospital Long Beach
When Donations accepted until Friday, Dec. 23
Where Community Hospital Long Beach, 2801 Atlantic Ave.
More Info The MemorialCare Center for Mental Health & Wellness at the hospital is collecting donations, including games, journals, art supplies, hygiene products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, brushes and combs, clothing— male and female— in multiple sizes and more. Avoid donating items with metal wiring or glass. Call (562) 933-5931.
BETTER TO GIVE
What Holiday donations
Who Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach
When Ongoing
Where Donate to bgclublb.nationbuilder.com/holiday_giving
More Info The clubs are making efforts to provide children in need a safe place to go after school, activities to strengthen their minds and bodies and mentors. The donation tab at the bgclublb.org website allows donors to contribute proceeds to the cause.
MEET YOUR MATCH
What Open donation
Who Hosted by McKenzie Mortuary
When The month of December
Where Donate to McKenzie Mortuary at (562) 961-9301 or visit kammcare.com/donate.htm
More Info The mortuary is accepting gift certificates, new or used, at its donation website. Gifts will benefit those in need of breast-cancer treatment. McKenzie Mortuary grants also benefit child care. All donations will be matched by the mortuary, with a cap of $10,000.
DRIVEN TO GIVE?
What Donation drive
Who Launched by the UPS Store
When All month until Jan. 2
Where UPS Store, 3553 Atlantic Ave. Suite B
More Info The store is raising funds to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, which helps purchase books for children in the area. The donation drive will culminate with the UPS Store’s first-ever float in the 128th Rose Parade, highlighting the literacy program at the event. Visit toysfortots.org/literacy to donate online, or visit the site to donate in-store.
A ‘SPECIAL’ EVENT
What Holiday theatre production
Who Presented by The Found Theatre
When Runs till Sunday, Dec. 18 at 8pm; Sunday showings are 2:30pm
Where The Found Theatre, 599 Long Beach Blvd.
More Info The theatre will present a live performance of Merry Mid-Century, a tribute to 1950s TV Christmas specials. Tickets are $15. If attendees donate a new pair of men’s or women’s socks at the event to be distributed to Long Beach agencies that provide assistance for the homeless, they will receive complimentary eggnog or another festive beverage. Visit foundtheatre.org or email info@foundtheatre.org.
A HOLIDAY REMEDY
What Musical performance
Who Presented by the Rock Club: Music is the Remedy
When Friday, Dec. 9 from 11am to 1pm
Where Ernest Borgnine Theatre at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 855 Elm Ave.
More Info Santa’s Slippers, an original musical written in the 1980s, will be presented in the theatre to share a message about anti-bullying. Free on-site parking available. ADA seating is limited. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested. Visit musicistheremedy.org.
MEETING’S GREETINGS
What Monthly meeting
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Republican Women Federated
When Saturday, Dec. 10 at 9:30am
Where Long Beach Airport Marriott Hotel, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr.
More Info Singer Lynmarie Inge will provide holiday entertainment, and Greg Blair, from the National Republican Senate Committee, will be the featured speaker. Cost is $25 for members, and $30 for guests. The cost includes breakfast. Email LBRWF@gmail.com or call (562) 493-4125 to RSVP.
A SYMPHONIC POP!
What Holiday symphony
Who Presented by the Long Beach Symphony
When Saturday, Dec. 10; doors open at 6:30pm; concert begins at 8pm
Where Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
More Info The symphony’s holiday POPS! concert will feature Ana Gasteyer, Broadway star and Saturday Night Live alumna, and Larry Blank, veteran conductor and arranger. Tickets start at $25. Visit longbeachsymphony.org or call (562) 436-3203.
AN ‘UGLY’ RIDE
What Kidical Mass bike ride
Who Presented by the Bixby Knolls Improvement Association
When Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1pm
Where Meet at Georgie’s Place, 3850 Atlantic Ave.
More Info Riders are encouraged to bring an “ugly sweater” for the holiday ride. Prizes will be given to those best dressed. Ice cream and music will be available. Riders are encouraged to bring a helmet. All are welcome. Visit bixbyknollsinfo.com.
CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCHO
What Christmas festival
Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos
When Sunday, Dec. 11 from 1pm to 4pm
Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd.
More Info The rancho’s Old Town Christmas Festival will features a brass band, craft stations, piñatas, carolers, refreshments and Santa Claus. Admission is $5 at the door or online. Visit rancholoscerritos.org.
COMING TOGETHER
What Christmas pageant
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Christian Reformed Church
When Sunday, Dec. 11 to Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7:30pm to 9pm
Where 5500 Block of Wardlow Road between Bellflower Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue
More Info A candlelit outdoor walk will feature Nativity scenes, complete with actors and live animals. Six local churches that are located within blocks of one another will provide free performances and refreshments. Choirs and musical groups will also be present. Call Jayne at (562) 421-1721 or email jtien@lbcrc.org.
SPREADING THE HOLIDAY JOY
What Holiday celebration concert
Who Presented by the Long Beach Chorale and Chamber Orchestra
When Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7pm and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4pm
Where Grace Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Rd.
More Info The show will feature New Joy, a concert of American holiday music. The show will include works from contemporary American composers. Tickets are $25 and $15 for students with ID. Visit longbeachchorale.org or call (562) 427-1931.
AN AFTERNOON WITH FRIENDS
What Holiday concert
Who Hosted by the Friends of Music at California Heights United Methodist Church
When Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3pm
Where California Height United Methodist Church, 3759 Orange Ave.
More Info The church will present a holiday-celebration concert with orchestras. The event will include contemporary holiday selections. Free-will offering and child care provided. Visit calheightsumc.org or call (562) 595-1995.
