Giving is inspirational; by volunteering your time, you can offer warmth and friendship. The generosity of your time can make a difference in the lives of others, fuel your soul, build gratitude, and fill the community with hope. One of the most popular times of the year to volunteer is almost here, so why not be one of those inspirational people through one of these many opportunities on Thanksgiving Day!
However, how do you choose since there is so much need and many choices in Southern California? At OC Music News, we have done the hard work for you by narrowing the list of opportunities and organizing them by county. Below is a list of ways to give back, connect with the community, make a difference in someone’s life, and pay it forward.
ORANGE COUNTY
GOBBLE GOBBLE GIVE | Garden Grove
For 24 years, Gobble Gobble Give has been dedicated to feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving Day and they need volunteers from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. No sign-up is necessary.
The location is:
MoonGoat Coffee 7200 Acacia Ave., Garden Grove
For more information:
OPERATION WARM WISHES
16th Annual Unity in the Community Thanksgiving Spectacular
For the last 16 years, Tyrone Jackson, Founder and President of Operation Warm Wishes, has been putting on this beautiful event to help the homeless, troubled youth, and struggling families get back on their feet daily and during Thanksgiving. This year, a Thanksgiving meal will include menus listing free three-course meals and unlimited desserts, a free kid’s craft area, and live music. Free amenities include haircuts, clothing, food bags, and doggie grooming!
Volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for set-up, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to serve.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please call Tyrone Jackson at (714) 363-6621.
The location of the event is:
Peppertree Park (the whole park) 230 W. First Street, Tustin
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
WESTSIDE THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY DINNER & CELEBRATION | Los Angeles
Since 1982, this organization has welcomed everyone – including students, singles, low-income families, seniors, and those who are homeless – to enjoy a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. Along with a free dinner, diners are offered a free selection of clothing, free perishable and non-perishable food, live music, and companionship.
They need volunteers to help with the following:
Wednesday before Thanksgiving: Store set up from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Set up clothing outside near the Bandshell from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day: Shifts run from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To sign up for a two-hour shift:
Arrive 30 minutes before your shift because of limited parking.
Look for parking signs, and then for “Volunteer Check-In” signs.
Volunteers will be working outdoors, so dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.
The address is: West LA Civic Center (The Old Courthouse Skate Park) 1645 Corinth Ave (at Santa Monica Blvd.), Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES MISSION
Volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for set-up, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to serve meals.
To sign up:
Volunteers must undergo an orientation and be at least 16 years old.
The address is: 303 East 5th Street, Los Angeles
Inland Empire
12th Annual Eat and Be Well Event
Every year, Project Boon organizes the Eat and Be Well event to help people who don’t usually have warm meals around the holidays. This event is on November 22, the day before Thanksgiving. Volunteers are needed to serve Thanksgiving meals to help the underserved. To volunteer.
Cypress Neighborhood Center, Cypress Central City Park 8380 Cypress Ave, Fontana
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
KITCHENS FOR GOOD
Why volunteer and change people’s lives at Thanksgiving at Kitchens for Good? For several reasons. Maybe, on Thanksgiving, you’d enjoy helping people at their kitchenware retail shop, serving food at the Rady Shell, or supporting an apprentice celebration. “Apprenticeship?” you ask. Kitchens for Good offers several apprenticeships including baking, culinary, and hospitality to help people move their lives forward.
To volunteer on Thanksgiving Day – and to find where you’d like to volunteer at this worthwhile event:
FEEDING AMERICA FOOD BANK
With programs available in all 50 states, this organization relieves people experiencing food insecurity. These programs include school and mobile pantries, senior meal programs, soup kitchens, and summer meal programs.
If you’re interested in volunteering – fill out the short and simple form:
