6 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

1.Participate in the Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive

Give some food, get some exercise. It's time for the . Onsite registration for the 18th annual run opens at 6:30 a.m. at . Live music kicks off at 7 a.m., with the 5k race beginning at 8:30 a.m. The kids' mile run starts at 9:30 a.m. Every participant receives a medal. All proceeds benefit the programs and services offered by the Community Center.

2. Purchase Holiday Cards.

A portion of the proceeds from purchasing holiday cards online or through mail will support Union Station Homeless Services—San Gabriel Valley’s largest social services agency assisting homeless men, women, and children.

3. Donate a Popular Thanksgiving Food.

Take part in the center's Thanksgiving Distribution—giving food, funds and/or time—Monday through Wednesday at Ayers Hall at the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia.

Thanksgiving food items can be dropped off during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the organization’s Pasadena site located at 191 N. Oak Avenue. The items that are most needed include: turkeys, yams, salad dressing, cornbread mix, stuffing, vegetables, pumpkin pie filling and marshmallows. 

4. Provide Toys for Tots at this Golf Tournament.

Provide gifts for children in need this Christmas Toys for Tots Golf Tournament Dec. 11 at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course. The gift drop-off is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the tee off at 10 a.m. The price per player is $15 for 18 holes. For more information, call (562) 677-7452. 

5. Adopt an Angel.

You can provide toys and clothing for kids—from newborns to teenagers—through the Foothill Unity Center. Participants of the program receive a handmade angel that includes a child’s name, age, clothing size and interests. Find more information here.

6. Cook a Meal for the Homeless. 

Grab a group of friends and make a dinner suitable for the five families living at Door of Hope in Pasadena. It's a transitional housing program for homeless families, and they're always in need of volunteers. Find out about more opportunities here. And here.