During the holiday season, people often look forward to the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, the sight of twinkling lights everywhere and, of course, ripping open the gifts they have wished for all year long. Yet, for countless individuals and families, the holidays aren’t always a time of joy. For many, this season can be overwhelming with loneliness, financial issues, food insecurity, and more. Instead of bringing cheer, it can serve as a harsh reminder of the difficulties they face.
In the season of giving, holiday charities bridge the gap between those who have plenty and those who are in need. Several local organizations have created meaningful ways for people to spread joy during the holiday season that you too can participate in. These charities represent the true spirit of the holidays: kindness, compassion, and support.
This 2024 holiday season represented a variety of opportunities for giving. From volunteering to holding concerts, organizations used the holiday season to their advantage in helping the community.
The Pasadena Humane Society’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide offered a place where people could purchase items for homeless animals. The guide included essential supplies such as pet beds and food for animals staying at the shelter, all necessities they cannot survive without as they wait for someone to give them a new home.
Operation Santa, run by the Pasadena Jaycees since 1934, has touched the lives of thousands of children. First, children in Pasadena send letters to Santa, or the organization. Then, toys are purchased and donated. Finally, the hundreds of volunteers, dressed for the occasion as Santa, deliver toys to children’s homes on Christmas Eve.
At the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, the organization strives to create memorable holiday moments for the families staying at the House. During the 2024 season, they invited the community to join their Annual Holiday Campaign, encouraging people to host toy drives, donate requested gifts that were found on a wishlist, and make donations to the House.
Meanwhile, the Casa of Los Angeles sold cards digitally and printed them for people to share with family, friends, and colleagues. Every contribution directly benefited children and their families in LA County’s child welfare and juvenile justice system.
These different programs showed numerous approaches to holiday giving, addressing problems our community faces not just during the holiday, but every day. While some focused on just material needs, like the Pasadena Humane Society’s supply drive, others asked for time and effort, like the Pasadena Jaycees’ Operation Santa.
Although the holiday season has now come to an end, each of these organizations continue their work throughout the year. Those interested in supporting these charities can reach out and learn more about what they do to help our community.
