Every holiday season Los Angeles is
a flurry of decorations, celebrations, and volunteer opportunities. The holidays provide a great way for people
to get involved and give back. Many of
the organizations we work with at CSM LA have incredible celebrations that use
the help of countless volunteers. Every
year the Los Angeles Mission and Midnight Mission both host big Thanksgiving dinners for
the homeless community in Downtown LA.
Volunteers come from all over the city to serve a delicious Thanksgiving
meal to the residents of Skid Row. Faith
in Christ, a small church in South Los Angeles, puts on a Thanksgiving dinner
for the people in their South LA community as well. Every Christmas season, My Friend’s Place, a
day shelter serving a large population of homeless youth in Hollywood, has a festive
gift giveaway. They give away sleeping
bags, socks, sweatshirts, and much more to the homeless youth in
Hollywood. With so many opportunities to
serve during the holiday seasons, it is easy to forget these organizations
utilize volunteers year round.
At CSM LA, we have the honor of partnering with these places throughout the year. At Midnight Mission, we serve breakfast and lunch to residents of Skid Row, who utilize the Mission’s daily food service. At the Los Angeles Mission we are always put to work doing various projects. Pastor Joe and Ms. Gwynn at Faith in Christ run many programs out of their small church and we are always happy to help lighten their load. My Friend’s Place offers incredible resources and opportunities for homeless youth. They have a hospitable dayroom, where youth can come and hang out during the day. Their center also has social and case workers on hand to provide services for those who need it. Beyond that, My Friend’s Place has career counselors that will give resume and interview advice to anyone applying for a job. CSM volunteers often work to organize the center’s clothing closet, which is full of good quality, donated items that are free for the shelter’s homeless guests.
Whether you are able to serve meals, do work projects, or sort clothes for homeless residents, there is always work to be done and organizations that can use extra help. I encourage you to get in touch with your local food bank or rescue mission. Volunteering during the holidays is a great way to give back at a time when we all want to feel connected and loved, and lucky for us, that doesn’t need to end with the Christmas season.
-Allison Schuh, Los Angeles City Director
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