Thanksgiving is quickly approaching — and community leaders are preparing to serve their fellow Long Beach residents in need.

The SIX – a coalition of nonprofits, businesses, churches and community members that serve the Sixth District – will host its fourth annual Thanksgiving grocery giveaway on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The event, which provides free groceries during the holiday season to Long Beach community members in need, has grown in capacity each year. People congregate at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Central Long Beach for the annual giveaway.

This year’s signups to receive free groceries, however, have reached their capacity, organizers said. Registered participants are guaranteed entry from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 23. Walk-up participants will be granted entry after 1 p.m. until groceries last.

There is still an opportunity, meanwhile, for local nonprofits, businesses and community members to participate in helping feed their neighbors.

Those in a position to help can review the donation items still needed for the event online, which includes canned yams, canned fruit, brown rice and reusable shopping bags, among other items. Those who wantto help have to commit to purchasing a quantity of 100 to 125 of whichever item they choose, organizers said. Items must be delivered on the day of the giveaway.

“Now more than ever, it’s important that we come together to help uplift our neighbors in need,” organizers wrote on social media. “We’re calling on churches, schools, community groups, service organizations, sports teams, and families to select one item and donate.”

For more information on how to donate, email THESIXLB@gmail.com or call 562-257-6231.

LGBTQ Center Long Beach

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach will host its 18th annual Friendsgiving Feast on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The organization will provide a warm and welcoming meal to be shared with fellow community members at The Center, officials said.

“Friendsgiving is more than a meal; it is a gathering of chosen family, connection and belonging for the LGBTQ+ community,” Ellie Perez, executive director of The Center, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, creating welcoming and safe spaces is essential, especially for those experiencing food insecurity.

“At The LGBTQ Center Long Beach,” Perez added, “we are committed to providing an affirming environment where identities are honored, bonds are strengthened and meaningful traditions are celebrated, reflecting resilience, joy and community pride.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn partnered with the organization to support the local community this holiday season.

“We are deeply grateful to our community partners and financial sponsor, LA County 4th District Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose generous support makes this annual celebration possible,” Perez said. “This event would not be possible without the dedication of our Center team and volunteers, whose efforts foster inclusion and connection year after year.”

While reservations to participate in the event have reached capacity, The Center also hosts several other events throughout the year to create community and support Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ residents.

The nonprofit’s mission is to advance equity for LGBTQ+ people through culturally responsive advocacy, education, programs and services, according to its website. Services that the LGBTQ Center Long Beach provides range from health services to legal assistance and mental health counseling.

For more information about programs and services the LGBTQ Center Long Beach offers, visit centerlb.org.