Giving back to the community can take various forms, and depending on your interests and the unique nature of your Woodland Hills neighborhood, you will find many opportunities to help those around you – especially during the holiday season, when generosity is needed the most.

The following suggestions by the Woodland Hills Magazine staff will get you in the mood for in-kind giving that moves seamlessly from you to your local organizations – and into the hands of those in need.

Spark of Love Toy Drive, sponsored by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, ABC7, Toys for Tots, and Southern California firefighters, will celebrate the 32nd year of collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in L.A., San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties. Over the years, the Spark of Love Toy Drive has successfully collected and distributed nearly 11 million toys. This year, you can donate to Spark of Love by dropping off your toys at your local neighborhood fire station, texting “SPARK” to 24365, donating online, or bringing them to one of the upcoming Stuff-a-Bus events.

Angel Tree Toy Drive, sponsored by The Salvation Army, is a program that helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year; once a child or senior adult has been registered and accepted as an “angel,” their Christmas wish list is shared with donors in your community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys. The gifts are then distributed to the family to place under their family Christmas tree – but the donations collected during the holiday season not only help provide gifts to children who would otherwise go without, but they also help provide food, shelter, and utility assistance to those who need it most every day of the year. Every dollar dropped into a red kettle helps give local families the Christmases they deserve and the year-long support they desperately need.

West Valley Food Pantry works to end hunger in the San Fernando Valley by providing food and supportive services for individuals and families in need. How can you get involved? Sign up to volunteer for the Pantry and take advantage of the opportunities for individuals and groups; you can also donate food, funds, and more. In 2022, nearly 24 percent of households in L.A. County were experiencing food insecurity, a massive increase from the 16.6 percent in 2021, and when we all see an increased need like this in the community, we have to join forces and get to work bringing this number down.

Ronald McDonald House SoCal provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare, and with the support of the SoCal community, they bring this mission to life through seven Ronald McDonald Houses, three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, serving families across Southern California. Your donation can help them reach even more sick children and their families, ensuring they have the support they need during their most challenging ordeals.

As we enter the holiday season and new year, many neighbors struggle to afford basic necessities, including nutritious meals. You can make a difference by getting involved in one of the many programs around Woodland Hills.