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Oct 13, 2022

The holiday season is a time to celebrate and make cherished memories with family and friends. It’s also an excellent time of year to support the local community. Several events will take place through the end of the year, covering various interests and groups. Browse through our list below if you’re someone who is looking to help organizations in the El Monte area. 

An Evening With Our Blue Heroes

Two people standing below where the phrase "PASSION LED US HERE" is printed on the ground

Image by Ian Schneider is licensed with Unsplash License

The Arcadia Police Foundation works with the men and women of the police force to ensure they have the training and equipment they need to perform their jobs safely. The foundation also works to bridge the gap between the police force and community members. 

At An Evening With Our Blue Heroes, you can enjoy a gala in support of the Arcadia Police Foundation. This elegant event will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Arcadia at the Le Meridien Hotel at 130 West Huntington Avenue. If you’re planning to attend the event, tickets are $150 for each person.

You can also become an event sponsor, which reserves a table for ten in your name. Four sponsorship levels range from Bronze, with a $1,500 donation, to Diamond, with a $10,000 donation. It’s important to note that there will be no ticket sales at the door because Le Meridien Hotel needs a head count before the event starts. The gala will be in the hotel’s ballroom, so you can dance and mingle while raising money. The dress code for the evening is formal.

Heartful Hands 19th Annual Toy Drive

Many children look forward to receiving a gift under the tree. You can help make their wishes come true by being part of the Heartful Hands 19th Annual Toy Drive. This festive event works to benefit the Jonathan Jacques Children’s Cancer Institute’s Adopt-A-Family program. This program pairs community members with families of children receiving care. 

The outdoor toy drive will be in Long Beach on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Vista Del Mar Hotel Maya at 700 Queensway Drive. If you want to attend, you must bring at least one gift. The focus is mainly on teenagers, but you can bring gifts for any age. Gift cards are an excellent option if you’re unsure what to get. If you choose to bring any other type of gift, please don’t wrap it.

As you plan your outfit, keep the festive side of the season in mind. The night will include fun and socializing with a champagne bar, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. You can buy tickets for the toy drive or donate online.

5K Turkey Dash and 1K Trot

Raise money for the South El Monte Parks and Recreation Division while you lace up your shoes and go for a run. The 2022 Turkey Dash and Trot will be on Saturday, November 19. The trot will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Turkey Dash at 9:30 a.m. Both races will start in front of South El Monte City Hall at 1415 Santa Anita Avenue.

If you want to participate, you can register online for the event or fill out the paperwork in person at the South El Monte Community Center. The fee for the event is $5 for residents with proof of residency. Racers from outside South El Monte will pay $10.

Clay Shoot Benefiting Special Olympics Southern California

As the calendar flips to December, you can head to Sylmar and support Special Olympics Southern California. Special Olympics is an international organization that allows athletes of all ages to compete with their peers, regardless of their disability. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and fundraisers throughout the year to support the athletes in their chosen sport.

The Knights of Columbus and Law Enforcement Torch Run are teaming up to host a Clay Shoot. This exciting event will allow participants to raise money while sharpening their vision. The shoot will be in Sylmar at Moore N Moore Sporting Clays Inc. at 12651 Little Tujunga Canyon Road. The event will start at 8 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2022, and end at 2 p.m. The day will start with breakfast before the shooting begins. Each participant will receive 100 shells and have the chance to shoot 100 clay targets. 

A hearty lunch is on the menu to close the event. If you’re looking for a unique holiday picture, a tactical Santa will be on hand to take pictures with kids and family members. A few of the many Special Olympics California athletes the event supports will also be on hand. 

Spirits of the Holidays

Another opportunity for lending a hand in the community during the holidays is the Spirits of the Holidays benefiting the Real Way Foundation. These folks work with job seekers to improve their resumes and interview skills. They can also provide financial services and education for members of the community. 

The festive fundraiser will be held in Newhall at the Hart Hall Museum at 24151 Newhall Avenue on December 3, 2022. This jam-packed evening of entertainment, fun, and fundraising will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party will include food and live entertainment. Along with dinner and music, you can purchase additional beer and wine sales tickets throughout the evening. An auction and raffle will also boost the contribution for the night.

If you want to become a VIP for the evening, you can enter the celebration starting at 6 p.m. If you choose this option, you’ll enjoy entertainment from a private entertainer. There will also be an unlimited wine selection and craft beers to enjoy and pair with various foods before the party starts.

Whether you’re passionate about raising money for athletes or job seekers, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends and family while supporting your favorite causes. As you fill in your social calendar for the end of the year, consider attending one of the charity events around El Monte this holiday season. Each event is unique and will let you leave knowing you’ve done your part to help your community.