'Tis the Season to Lend a Hand

Hi neighbor -

Does this holiday season seem busier to you for some reason? I seem to have more to do every season but in my busy preparations I try to reflect on the year that is about to end and all the opportunities which make me grateful. In this time of reflection I also try to find ways that I can give more back to my community and maybe help those that may need a helping hand.

The list below are some programs that are happening this holiday season where you can help those in need. There's also a list of some local soup kitchens and food banks that are always looking for donations or volunteers. If you want to learn more you can click on any of the links. And I know there are a lot more to add to this list so if you know of one and don't see it on our list please let us know so we can add. You can reach out on Facebook or Tweet us.

Happy season of giving! And till next time...

1. 2011 Riverside County Food Drive: Take a Bite Out of Hunger – Drop off food donations now through the end of December.

2. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) Food Bank/Holiday Food basket - They also accept grocery store gift cards!

3. KTLA Season of Sharing - Benefits three food banks including Second Harvest Food Bank Inland Empire. Drop off locations at Jerome’s Furniture in Corona and Murietta and Stater Bros in Grand Terrace.

4. 2011 Care to Share Holiday Program – There are lots of ways to help. You can make a monetary donation, purchase a gift for a child, purchase a gift card and send to St. Martha Catholic Church in Murrieta or sponsor a food box from the Western Eagle Foundation.

8. Western Eagle Foundation (Temecula)

9. Hope Foods Inc. (San Jacinto) - Companies donate over produced products, near expiration date products, discontinued products or they just desire to donate. Supermarket chains donate their surplus and damaged items. Local farmers donate produce before their surplus spoil.

10. FIND Food Bank – (Eastern Riverside County/Southern San Bernardino County) - For the past 27 years FIND has provided much needed food assistance, nutritional education and basic essential items to those in need in Eastern Riverside and Southern San Bernardino.

11. Senior Citizens Service Center (Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and surrounding areas)

12. GAP Food Bank – (Rancho Cucamonga)

13. Big Bear Foursquare - Distributes food every Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m.

14. Second Harvest Food Bank – Serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties