For many of us, the holiday season is a time of joyousness. We visit with family and friends, celebrate with food and libations, and exchange gifts to the peals of laughter from our children.
But for many people, this is not a time of celebration. This period is a time of increased stress and struggle.
Over 9% of people living in Santa Clarita Valley live in poverty. That is more than 17,000 men, women, children, and seniors.
There are also many people that live above the poverty line but still face insecurity in their access to food, housing, and healthcare.
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on our good fortune and to consider how we can help others in need.
The Paseo Club is a social club dedicated to the health of its members and the community of the Santa Clarita Valley. Many staff and members are involved in volunteering and community outreach, which is why we want to share this resource with you.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to where you can donate your time, money, or gifts during Thanksgiving and the holiday season in the Santa Clarita Valley. You will learn about the organizations, the fundraisers, and how you can get involved.
Where to donate at Thanksgiving in the Santa Clarita Valley
Every year JCI (Junior Chamber International) organizes a holiday toy drive for children in Santa Clarita.
For its 24th year, JCI is teaming up with local businesses and individuals to collect, sort, and wrap toys to give to children that are in need.
They have 25 drop-off locations, including the Paseo Club. This year they are hoping to get over 300 toys.
There are four volunteer opportunities as well.
- Santa's Helpers Gift Sorting Party
When: Sunday, December 11, Time: TBA
Where: Hello Subaru of Valencia
24000 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
- Santa's Helpers Gift Wrapping Parties
When: Monday, December 11 to Friday, December 16, Time: TBA
Where: Hello Subaru of Valencia
24000 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
- Santa's Helpers Transform the Space (Decorations)
When: Saturday, December 17, Time: TBA
Where: Hello Subaru of Valencia
24000 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
- Santa's Helpers Event
When: Sunday, December 18, Time: TBA
Where: Hello Subaru of Valencia
24000 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Age restriction: 18+
JCI is a membership-based non-profit that supports underprivileged children from infants to 18-year-olds in the Santa Clarita Valley.
The Festival of Trees is a multi-day event with several donation and volunteer opportunities.
Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley hosts this fundraiser. Their mission is to enable all young people, especially those in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
The Festival of Trees is November 18, 19, and 20th, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Canyon Country Community Center.
There are four options available to support the Boys and Girls Club at this event.
Magic of the Lights Gala
Dress in your most festive attire and join supporters for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and live music at the Magic of the Lights Gala. There will be a live auction for large trees and a silent auction for gingerbread houses and tabletop trees.
When: November 18 at 6:00 pm
Pre-purchased ticket of $150 or sponsorship is required.
Holiday Hocus Pocus
Holiday Hocus Pocus is a family-friendly event of delightful magic and entertainment. Four entertainers will perform, and comedy magician Brian Hoffman will emcee.
When: Saturday, November 19 at 7:00 pm
Purchase tickets in advance for $10.
Community Days General Admission to the Festival of the Trees
View elaborately decorated trees, gingerbread houses, and vignettes created by professional designers. They will be on display and available for silent auction bidding!
When: Friday, Nov. 18, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm
Sunday, Nov. 20, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm
Admission at the door: $10 for adults, $5 for children, seniors, & military
(Silent Auction Closes Sunday at 5 pm)
Jingle Jam
Find your flapper dress or sharp-looking zoot suit and get ready for an afternoon of dancing to the music of the Big Band era.
When: November 20 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm during General Admission
Admission at the door: $10 for adults, $5 for children, seniors, & military
To learn about becoming a sponsor, contact Ali Cambell. The Boys and Girls Club is always accepting monetary donations.
Legacy Christian Academy has connected with the women’s shelter, Hope Gardens Family Center. Hope Gardens is located on 71 acres in Sylmar and is transitional housing that is part of Union Rescue Mission.
From now through December 15th, Legacy is collecting lightly used or new (preferred) blankets and school supplies for the children. Drop your donations off at the front desk of the Paseo Club. A staff member from Legacy will pick them up and bring them to Hope Gardens.
Santa’s Helpers at the Paseo Club
Paseo Club is working with local non-profit JCI as a Santa’s Helper. Members are encouraged to donate gifts for children this holiday season. Bring donated items to the front desk of Paseo Club from December 1st-22nd. Possible gift ideas include:
- Book
- Yo-yo
- Legos
- Slinky
- Puzzle
- Jump rope
- Spinning top
- Cards and games
- Small clothing items
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Small doll or stuffed animal
How to contribute to a better Santa Clarita Valley
It can feel like life is too overwhelming to fit in any new responsibilities. This sentiment can be especially true during the holiday season. But just an hour or two of your time can make a huge difference in the lives of someone in your community.
Whether you choose to make a cash gift, help at an event, or donate a toy or clothing item for Christmas, there are many simple ways that you can get involved in supporting those in need.
The Paseo Club is a social club that has been helping people meet their fitness goals for almost twenty years. Members enjoy indoor and outdoor gym areas, tennis and pickleball courts, a junior-Olympic size pool, and over 60 fitness classes each week.
If you are interested in joining a fitness center that values health, wellness, and community, then the Paseo Club may be the place for you.
Come in for a tour today to see the facilities and meet staff and instructors.
To learn more about the Paseo Club, check out these three articles.
- Top activities for seniors at the Paseo Club
- What is happening at the Paseo Club in November?
- What is Blood Flow Restriction Training? (Cutting-edge trends in fitness)
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