Over the last 67 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica has been privileged to bring hundreds of thousands of young people from all over Los Angeles into our family. And for the last 20+ years we’ve also helped them create a memorable holiday season during times of need through our annual Family Assistance fund drive. All told, we support approximately 500 families at varying levels through this campaign. View photos from this year’s activities on Facebook.

Every year, we provide deserving families with some very special surprises including new clothing and groceries to purchase what they need to prepare a festive holiday dinner. If we can raise enough funds, we provide additional support to families with dire needs. Some years this has meant purchasing much-needed appliances to replace old ones, providing bunk beds to families with insufficient bedding for the children, or helping homeless families into a better living situation.

In addition, our staff hosts annual Thanksgiving and Holiday dinners for our Club members and their families. We fill the Main Branch gym with more than 350 youngsters sharing a meal and good times together. At the holiday dinner, each child receives gifts and educational items, as well as joy and the warmth that comes from enjoying the holidays with those one cares about.

How you can help:

Make cash contributions: We need funds to pay for items our families need, such as clothing, housing and school supplies, food and other extraordinary needs. We also need to cover the cost of the meals we serve during our Thanksgiving and Holiday dinners. All contributions will be matched up to $10,000. Make your contribution online now.


http://www.smbgc.org/2011/11/09/family-assistance/