While the holidays may excite your imagination with the endless feasts and shower of presents to come soon, remember to be selfless this season. Serving your community isn’t as intimidating or laborious as it seems. Here are three different ways you can give to those in need:

Help Throw a Holiday Party at the Boys and Girls Club of Venice

The Boys and Girls Club of Venice has served youth including Venice High students for over 50 years. The club is hosting its annual Club Holiday Party from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Friday, Dec 14, which is the last day of fall semester. If you like working with people, especially children, there are many fun, festive volunteering opportunities to help out at the party.

Teens can walk in after school to help prepare food and set up activities before the party begins. Each room at the club hosts a different holiday-related activity.

“Last year, activities in the Learning Center included helping younger members write letters to Santa and make holiday decorations. The art room saw kids making gingerbread houses and decorating Christmas tree ornaments,” said Director of Teen Services Sean Mulligan.

If you would like to volunteer at BGCV, you may contact Sean Mulligan ([email protected]). Teen volunteers should fill out a BGCV membership application available in the Parent Center (Shop 1A) or at the club located on 2232 Lincoln Blvd. near Venice Boulevard.

Donate clothing to Gay-Straight Alliance for LGBT Youth

When’s the last time you went through your closet? If you haven’t done so recently, consider bringing your old clothing to school to benefit the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Youth Center located in West Hollywood. According to the center’s website, about 3,500 LGBT youth are struggling with homelessness in Los Angeles. These teens may not be welcome in their homes during the holiday season because of their sexuality, leaving them neglected in unsafe streets. Plus, donating to the Teen Center would allow you to support someone your age.

The LGBT Los Angeles Center has several locations, but only its Youth Center houses clothing donations. The closet of donated clothing opens twice a week to members who depend on the center to receive casual wear and professional attire for job interviews. The center also accepts new underwear, socks and shoes.

From Dec. 4-11, the Venice High Gay-Straight Alliance is accepting clothing donations in sponsor Mr. Cristobal Vicente’s Room 204. You can also donate to bins found in several classrooms all over campus. By donating those old clothes that you’ve outgrown, you have provided a young person the opportunity to better his quality of life.

For more information on how you can donate clothing to LGBT youth, visit the Los Angeles LGBT Center website. You can also reach the Youth Center through their phone number (323) 993-7400.

Roll a Burrito in the Share-A-Meal Food Truck in Venice

Share-A-Meal gives volunteers a fun and intimate opportunity to feed the hungry. Every weekday, the organization’s bright orange food truck stops at different locations. However, Thursdays are when the truck serves the Venice community on 3rd Ave. and Rose Ave from 6:45 pm to 9:00 pm.

Early volunteers roll the burritos; all ingredients and equipment are provided by Share A Meal. Volunteers who arrive later help distribute food and water to people in the streets. It’s a great way to come together with friends or family to prepare and serve a meal to those on the streets.

To sign yourself or a group up, visit the L.A. Works website. This is an ongoing weekly opportunity that goes into 2019.