This holiday season, some residents may be wondering what they could do to help their neighbors, especially during a rough year in Long Beach for many. 

From children and parents needing help with gift purchases, to seniors needing some kind words of encouragement, local orgs have planned plenty of ways to lend a helping hand. 

This list of toy drives and volunteer opportunities are just a small portion of what Long Beach has going on. If you want to help someone this holiday season, reach out to a nonprofit you’re already familiar with and ask if they need volunteers, or ask your neighbors (both housed and unhoused) if they need anything to survive the next couple of months. A small act of kindness can go a long way for someone struggling. 

Scroll down for a list of local toy giveaways. 

Know of a toy drive, giveaway or volunteer opportunity we should add to this list? Send it to us at Newspaper@SignalTribune.com. 

Wrapping paper sits on spools inside Pixie Toy Shop in Bixby Knolls on Dec. 14, 2021. Gift-wrapping is a new service offered at the store that started this holiday season. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Toy drives and Volunteer Opportunities

Toys for the Department of Children and Family Services – Bethany Church (2250 Clark Ave.) is hosting a toy drive for children in foster care and is asking for the public to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the church by Sunday, Dec. 7. Since the toys will go to youth up to the age of 20, gift cards are also accepted if they are put into a small bag. 

Long Beach Police – The Long Beach Police Department is hosting its annual Toy Patrol, and residents can donate new and unwrapped toys at participating businesses throughout the city until Dec. 14. These toys will go to families in need and families who receive services through the City’s Trauma Recovery Center. Find the full list of toy drop-off locations on the LBPD website. 

Pack & Act Day: Bring hope and joy to a senior in need by packing gift bags, crafting ornaments and writing homemade cards for local seniors at The Sports Basement (2100 Bellflower Blvd.). RSVP by calling 562-570-3548 or emailing hello@heartofida.org. 

Daisy Lane Work Day: Join neighbors as they prep and decorate Daisy Lane for the annual parade the next day. All supplies and refreshments will be provided, and decorations will stay up and be lit nightly from Dec. 13 to Dec. 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 562-570-7777 with any questions. 

COA Toy Drive: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Christian Outreach in Action now through Dec. 6 at 515 E. Third St. 

For families needing a little extra help this year, we’ve gathered all the toy giveaways we’ve come across this season. All the listed giveaways are free and do not require RSVP, though some may require the child to be present or for a proof of address. Please reach out to the organization hosting the event for more details. 

In addition to the backpacks, the organization also gave out school supplies and coloring books on August 14, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Toy Giveaways

Sunday, Dec. 7 

Christmas Giveaway: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Long Beach Realist and the Seventh Street Grocery Outlet are hosting a Christmas giveaway featuring music, vouchers and surprise gifts for families at 1340 E. Seventh St. 

Wednesday, Dec. 10 

Zaferia Holiday Mixer: This one-night toy drive will be held during the Zaferia Business Association’s Holiday Mixer at Common Ground Pilates (1203 Loma Ave.). Attendees who bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive will be entered into a raffle. The event will also feature complimentary refreshments and the chance to meet neighbors. RSVP on Eventbrite. 

A free food crate distributed by Ruth Crosthwaith’s church in 2020. Groceries included vegetables, fruits, milk, yogurt, bread and packages of snacks. (Kristen Farrah Naeem | Signal Tribune)

Saturday, Dec. 13 

Toy and Food Giveaway: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Fairfield Family YMCA, in partnership with Crossroads Church and Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk is hosting this distribution event where local families can receive toys and food to help during the holidays. The distribution will be held at the Fairfield YMCA at 4949 Atlantic Ave. Free.

P.E.A.C.E. in the Park: Noon to 4 p.m. This grassroots space offers families and neighbors a chance to heal, connect and grow as a community at Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.). Attendees can learn about and practice breathwork, the art of intention, participate in a family peace circle where parents and children share affirmations and create a peace pledge, and children up to 5 years old will be able to build their own Montessori toy with their parents. Every child will be able to take a toy home through the free distribution. This day of peace is hosted by Project X LB and the Phoenix Rise Project. Free. 

A plush Santa sits atop a bookshelf inside Pixie Toy Store on Dec. 14, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Sunday, Dec. 14

Winter Wonderland: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy a festive celebration at Orizaba Park (1435 Orizaba Ave.) with snow, Santa and a toy giveaway for children. Free. 

Saturday, Dec. 20 

Fourth Annual Northeast Village Gift Giveaway: Noon to 2 p.m. Residents who live in the 90813 zip code can bring their child to Gumbiner Park (880 E. Seventh St.) to receive a free gift. This event is presented by Northeast Village neighbors and Councilmember Mary Zendejas. Free. 

Know of a toy drive, giveaway or volunteer opportunity we should add to this list? Send it to us at Newspaper@SignalTribune.com.