Help Local Organizations in Need

It's not just a time to help those in need. It's also the last week to make charitable contributions that can be deducted on this year's taxes. So here are some great local nonprofit organizations that deserve a check:

Redondo Beach Education Foundation

The state budget crisis has hit the . Funds from the RBEF support teachers' jobs, science and reading enrichment, computer labs, music, educational advisors, health assistants and other programs at the local public elementary schools, middle schools and high schools.

• More information: Redondo Beach Education Foundation

Redondo Beach Library Foundation

Support the and libraries with a gift to the RBLF. The Library is supported through the city's general fund; the state provides only 5 percent of its funding. Donations support material purchases, programs and services, staffing, technology updates and maintenance.

• More information: Redondo Beach Library Foundation

Friends of the Redondo Beach Library

The Friends, an all-volunteer organization, also supports the local Library by providing materials, deposit boxes for after-hour returns, a self-check machine at the main library and book backs. The nonprofit also maintains a used book store.

• More information: Friends of the Redondo Beach Library

Cancer Support Community—Redondo Beach

Formerly known as the Wellness Community, the aims to help cancer patients recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer.

• More information: Cancer Support Community—Redondo Beach

Cheer for Children

This nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers, holds parties for acutely ill children and their siblings at Harbor UCLA hospitals. also provides multiple services during the holiday season.

• More information: Cheer for Children

Redondo Beach Historical Society

The aims to keep Redondo's history alive. It maintains the Historical Museum and the Morrell House.

• More information: Redondo Beach Historical Society

PURRfect Partners

PURRfect Partners, whose cats Redondo Beach Patch features weekly, is a nonprofit that rescues, fosters and places cats and kittens in new homes. Additionally, the organization uses the trap-neuter-return method to care for feral colonies. It humanely traps, spays or neuters, and releases cats back to the same location.

• More information: PURRfect Partners

People and Cats Together

This Redondo Beach-based organization—one of the oldest cat rescues in the South Bay—holds weekly adoptions at Petco on Pacific Coast Highway. On average, adopts out more about 200 cats per year.

• More information: People and Cats Together

Rover Rescue

Donations to this local nonprofit will help save a dog that's about to be euthanized or help pay for boarding, medication or surgery for injured or sick dogs. also offers dogs for adoption.

• More information: Rover Rescue

South Bay Children's Health Center

The was originally established as a dental clinic; now, the organization provides medical, dental and/or mental health services to thousands of students in kindergarten through high school per year.

• More information: South Bay Children's Health Center

Amigos Sin Berreras (Friends Without Barriers)

is an organization dedicated to serving people who are living with HIV and AIDS. The nonprofit provides holistic services and a food pantry for clients in the South Bay, among other services.

• More information: Friends Without Barriers

Editor's note: Redondo Beach Patch is listing these organizations as a service. People looking to donate are encouraged to do their own research.