

by Miranda Iglesias

The Thanksgiving holiday brings feelings of warmth, time with loved ones, and opportunities to be thankful for everything the year has given us, but there are some members of our community of who might have very different experiences during the holidays.

To show your love and support for some of our more vulnerable residents, we ask you to consider volunteering your time, food, or the below essential items. You’ll give back to the community, work alongside neighbors, and learn more about the organizations and people who are a lifeline to thousands right here in your back yard.

While volunteering this holiday season, we ask you to consider ways that you can get involved in serving and supporting the community and direct service organizations all year long. Many times, local organizations and service providers see an influx of volunteers around the holidays, but volunteerism drops off after the New Year. We hope you’ll consider making a commitment to give your time throughout the year.

One great way to start kick off getting more involved in 2020 is by signing up to volunteer for the annual Homeless Count on Wednesday, January 22. Registration is now open!

Below are some ways you can fight hunger and help our neighbors experiencing homelessness through the following volunteer opportunities in Santa Monica this Thanksgiving.

Give Time

Saint Monica Catholic Community - 40th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Clothing Boutique (November 27, 3 – 6 p.m.)

Location: St. Monica Catholic Community Auditorium, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Description: Help plan and shop, set up, prepare, cook and serve, collect and distribute, and clean up. Need volunteers on the day of the event and on days and evenings prior to the event.

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Thanksgiving Dinner (November 28, 10 a.m.)

Location: 1343 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA

Description: To volunteer to serve dinner on Thanksgiving, contact office@mtolivelutheranchurch.org.



West LA Community Coalition Dinner and Resource Fair (November 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)



Location: The Old Courthouse Skate Park, 1645 Corinth Ave., Los Angeles, 90025

Description: All volunteers welcome. No sign up needed.





Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner and Celebration (November 27, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (outside) and November 23, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Location: West Los Angeles Civic Center, 1645 Corinth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Call for more information: 310.394.3153

Description: Help with planning, setup, and event. Need volunteers on the day of the event and on days and evenings prior to the event.

Gobble Gobble Give Thanksgiving 2019 (November 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Location: Santa Monica Airport Park, 3201 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Description: On Thanksgiving morning, volunteers come together to gather dry goods, box warm food, and walk the streets of their community to hand out care packages to homeless individuals and families. Check their website for details.

Meals on Wheels (Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Location: 1823-A Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Call for more information: 310.394.7558

Description: Help deliver meals. Flexible schedule—you can deliver every day, once a week, or once a month.

26th Annual Homeless Feeding & Banner Creation (November 30, 6:15 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

Location: 7726 West Manchester Avenue, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 West of Lincoln Blvd./Just East of Saran Ave.

Description: Help open cans, stir, cut, chop, mash, slice, bake, ladle, draw, color, be artistic, package, deliver, serve and INSPIRE!

Preparation of meals & banner creation: 6:15 - 11:15 a.m. (Continental Breakfast Provided, Lunch not provided)

Assembly & packing: 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Delivery, serving & clean-up: 3:30pm - 7:30pm

Also need the following:

Turkeys—cooked at your Home! (Well-cooked, 18-25 lbs.) and delivered to the center (minus drippings please!)

Pies, Rolls, Juice Boxes & Waters

Have a Van or Truck for Delivery? Please let them know.

Event Participation Fee: Minimum Donation = $ 5

These meals go to many of the Westside Coalition's agencies for their clients.

Homeless Connect Day (December 5, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Location: Old Malibu Courthouse, 23525 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA

Description: To volunteer at homeless connect day, contact Reuben Vicente at RVicente@stjosephctr.org or (323) 961-0499.

Give Goods

Westside Food Bank’s Turkey Drive Fundraiser

Location: 1710 22nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Call for more information: 310.828.6016

Details: You can help with the Annual Turkey Drive. Every donation helps provide additional turkeys and other holiday food items to local families. Every dollar raised is enough to provide 4 meals to your neighbors in need. Check their website for details.