It’s officially the holiday season! At Maryvale, we love feeling the joy, celebration, and spirit of giving that comes with December, Advent, and the Christmas holiday. We also take this time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to provide meaningful programs and services to Los Angeles’ vulnerable communities.
The holidays provide an excellent opportunity to build a supportive network and promote a shared commitment to improving the world. Acts of service during the holidays can profoundly impact individuals and communities in various ways, making it a meaningful and rewarding endeavor for everyone involved. There are a great many reasons why people should consider engaging in acts of service during the holidays. Acts of service bring people together and create a sense of community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter for unhoused people, participating in a community clean-up, donating Christmas gifts, or organizing a charity event, showing that you care about your community strengthens the bonds you feel with your neighbors and can bring unlikely people closer together.
Have you ever noticed how – despite how busy December is – the holiday season can be a time when people reflect on their blessings and express gratitude with openness? This sense of thankfulness makes it all the most meaningful to give back to those who are less fortunate. Families can benefit from participating in acts of service together and grow in their empathy and compassion for others. Offering time, care, and support provides a firsthand experience of the challenges others face, encouraging a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and fostering a more compassionate community. In particular, engaging children in acts of service helps them develop empathy, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility toward others. These experiences contribute to the formation of well-rounded young people who understand the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world. Plus, when parents encourage acts of service during the holidays, they set a positive example for their families. Participating in selfless actions is inspiring and can have a ripple effect.
For some, the holiday season can be a lonely time, emphasizing the importance of human connection. Being an active, generous community member can help combat loneliness. It feels good to use your time and energy to serve others, and it can be a great way to tap into your skills. From offering organizational help to cooking skills, in-person support calls for careful, thoughtful, skillful participation. Professional skills such as legal help, accounting, translation, and teaching can also make a huge impact. If getting yourself or your family to a volunteer site is not possible, there are even some ways to volunteer from home, as many organizations have remote staff and are equipped to welcome volunteers who engage virtually. By providing services to people in need, everyone can contribute to creating a more inclusive and caring society.
Here are some opportunities to show up and care for your community in Los Angeles this month:
- Get involved with our work at Maryvale! To learn about our volunteer opportunities, please contact Christina Moore at (626) 537-3314. Our volunteer opportunities include:
- Read with the children.
- Engage in play with the children in the classroom or play yard.
- Preschool play yard planting.
- Help collect donations for a reading space for the parents to read with the infants/toddlers.
- Work in the classroom under the supervision of the teacher.
- Share a special skill or share about your career with the classroom.
- Prepare meals, deliver food, offer mentorship, or engage in virtual support through LA Works.
- Help with meal services, clothing sorting, event preparation, clean-ups, tutoring, and more through Midnight Mission.
- Be a volunteer driver to help a neighbor in need get where they need to go – such as a medical appointment, a grocery run, or a visit to friends or family who don’t live within easy reach.
- Assist at the Downtown Women’s Center, where volunteers can help with food prep and donation sorting and offer professional services, from translation to legal support.
- Facilitate community programs and contribute to family wellness through Union Station Homeless Services.
- Prepare, package, and deliver meals via the Los Angeles Food Bank.
Engaging in acts of service during the holidays – or any time – creates lasting memories for families and communities. Whether you’re volunteering as a family, participating in a charitable event with friends, or helping neighbors in need, these experiences contribute to a sense of fulfillment and connection. The memories created through acts of service often become cherished traditions that are passed down through generations. We encourage the families in our community to come together to make a positive difference and enrich the lives of others while tapping into fulfillment and joy in the true spirit of giving.
