A number of San Fernando Valley organizations will be accepting donations and distributing toys and essentials this holiday season to help the community. Here are a few The Sundial has curated for the holiday season.

North East Valley Health Corporation

The North East Valley Health Corporation will be having Rudolph’s 2021 Holiday Drive-Thru Toy Giveaway. The last three Sundays of December NEVHC will be giving a brand new toy to their pediatric patients as well as a socially-distanced greeting from Santa Claus. To participate you can make a financial contribution by visiting nevhc.org/2021toydrive or donate unwrapped toys, worth a minimum of $10, for children ages newborn to 10 years old.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The Los Angeles Regional Food bank and its partner sites, such as shelters and churches, need volunteers. Duties may vary at partner sites.

Some duties include helping receive inventory, and stocking food products on the days the sites receive food or pick up food from the Food Bank. On distribution days, volunteers help set up and give out food to the participants. For more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.lafoodbank.org/volunteer/pantry/.

MEND

MEND is collecting food and board games this holiday season to distribute to families. You can help purchase items on their Amazon food drive wish list or their Amazon board game wish list. Donation drop off days and hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. at 10641 N. San Fernando Road in Pacoima.

MEND is also allowing people to host their own holiday drive by registering their own drive through the organization’s website.

Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Fire Department will be celebrating their Spark of Love Toy Drive where they will collect and distribute new and unwrapped toys. Sports goods and equipment will also be provided to children and teens of L.A., San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties. You can donate by dropping off a new and unwrapped toy or sports equipment at your local fire station. To make an online donation, visit https://supportlafd.kindful.com/.

West Valley Food Pantry

West Valley Food Pantry is continuing their drive-through food distribution services throughout the holidays. They are currently in need of volunteers to help bag food, set up the drive-through, unload deliveries and distribute food to clients’ cars.

They accept unopened and unexpired food donations between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. To become a volunteer you can sign up at the pantry’s volunteer webpage.
CSUN Food Pantry

The CSUN food pantry will remain open during the holidays at their normal hours of operation, Mondays and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

They will be having a pop-up pantry on Dec. 1 and 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Laurel Hall. The pop-up is open to all CSUN students and staff. For more information, visit the pop-up pantry’s webpage.

It’s Bigger Than Us

It’s Bigger than Us will be hosting their “‘Tis the Giving Season” event where they’ll be providing communities with toys and essential resources starting on Dec. 4 through Dec. 18. For more information, visit their website.

Those considering donating can purchase something on their Amazon wishlist or volunteer at their upcoming events.

San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission will be accepting monetary donations to buy meals for those in need.

Donations will also help the organization fund its shelter, education and substance abuse recovery programs throughout the year.

To financially support, visit their website.

Valley Food Bank

The Valley Food Bank will be hosting multiple food distributions throughout the holiday season ranging from the Northridge area to Sylmar and the San Fernando area.

To find a location near you, visit Valley Food Bank’s website.