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How to donate at Thanksgiving in the Santa Clarita Valley

November 16th, 2022 | 4 min. read

By Jen Azevedo

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

Santa’s Helpers

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. 

 

Festival of Trees

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

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

 

This shelter is for women and their children — many of whom have lived on the streets of Los Angeles County. At Hope Gardens, they receive life skills training, therapy, healthcare, childcare, and meals.

 

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

View Athletic Calendar

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.

Schedule a Tour

To learn more about the Paseo Club, check out these three articles.

 




Jen Azevedo

Jen Azevedo is a tennis professional, pickleball professional, personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and the general manager of the Paseo Club. She loves the community at the Paseo Club and that it is also a safe and fun place for her daughter. Jen’s favorite activities are joining her tribe for trail races or her partners for tennis matches. Occasionally Jen slows down to relax with a book — she reads over 100 a year!