At the Heart of Helping...

"At the Heart of Helping..."

December 2016

Dear,

It's truly "the most wonderful time of the year" at the Volunteer Center! The season of giving has brought so many volunteers with huge hearts to our door. We are grateful for the chance to see them all in action. It's not too late to get involved and help spread some cheer to families in our community who need you this month.

Adopt-A-Family This Holiday!

...At the Heart of Caring for Our Neighbors

There is still a little bit of time left to Adopt-A-Family for the h oliday season and brighten the live s of some of our community neighbors.

To sign-up, fill out this quick registration page so we can match you with an agency who will be in touch with a family's wishlist.

Operation Teddy Bear In Full Swing!

...At the Heart of Helping Children

Our Operation Teddy Bear program is in full swing, and we've been so touched by the reactions from the students and te achers. Deliveries are now happening several times a week.

This morning, at a school in Compton we had a teacher point out a child and tell us that he is troubled, autistic, never smiles, and bullies other children. She watched in amazement as he smiled several times while he pulled open his schoolbag to see all the school supplies, books and soft teddy bear. She said she had never seen him so happy.

Last week, we were impressed with the enthusiasm of Molina Healthcare's Helping Hands employees who enjoyed delivering schoolbags to Garfield Elementary in Long Beach. They did a great job teaching the students about the word "volunteer" and brainstorming ways for the children to be kind to others.

Earlier this week, some of the Affinity Group volunteers received heartfelt, grateful hugs while delivering schoolbag s to a brand new school: Park Western in San Pedro. One teacher was moved to tears and could barely find the words to thank us. "You have no idea how much this means..."

A special thank you to all of the groups and companies who came out to pack the school bags in November and are now delivering them during the next two months.

Christopher Knight (Peter Brady) Lends A Hand

...At the Heart of Collecting Food for Hungry Families

Superstar volunteers Kathy Gray and Lexi Ley organized food drives at four Smart & Final stores during the height of the Thanksgiving shopping. The drive brought in nearly 1,500 lbs of food worth an estimated $24,000 and $1,440 in cash donations. Volunteers got an extra special treat when actor Christopher Knight showed up to support the efforts!

Special thank you to the community groups that volunteered for shifts during the four day effort: Manhattan Beach Rotary, Mira Costa High School Interact Club, National Charity League, South Torrance Interact Club, and the V olunteer Center's Pantry Partners. Also, thank you Kristi Arnett and Smart & Final for partnering with us on such a worthy cause.

Our pantry is now overflowing, so our incredible lead packer Donna Donahue could definitely use some extra hands (preferably those who can lift about 35 lbs). You can sign up on our website, hours are very flexible! Or call William Welch for more details (310) 212-5009.

Affinity Group Open to New Members

...At the Heart of Supporting Operation Teddy Bear

The Affinity Group is a group of generous South Bay women who volunteer their time each year to support Operation Teddy Bear. Meetings are five times a year and rotate through beautiful private homes. The women host an annual fundraising effort to help ensure that schoolbags can be delivered to as many children as possible. The Affinity Group is hosting a luncheon at the beautiful Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes next Wednesday. Lunch is $16.00 and new prospective members are WELCOME. Please RSVP to Cherri at [email protected] by Monday, December 12th at 12 noon.

Winter Appeal Underway!

...At the Heart of Your Support

As you plan your year-end giving, would you consider send ing a generous donatio n to the Volunteer Center?

You will become a part of transforming our communities from the ground up--one volunteer at a time. Your donations will immediately go to work feeding hungry families, providing educational schoolbags for low-income children, and inspiring teens to become the next generation of volunteer leaders. In addition, your support will help us embark on a vital strategic planning process in 2017 to help launch new programs that will further our impact. We have big dreams for our future, and we hope you will join us to realize them!

Volunteers Needed:

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

...At the Heart of Preserving Open Land Space

We are excited to announce that Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy just became one of our newest Premiere Partners! They have uploaded many opportunities the take place outdoors on the beautiful peninsula. Maybe you would like to spend time in the sunshine and fresh air helping with native gardens, preserve areas or in Abalone Cove.

To see a complete list of ways that you can help, please CLICK HERE.