Bits 'n' Pieces

Pack and Sort Event

Food Finders, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating hunger and food waste, successfully hosted their annual Pack and Sort Thanksgiving food distribution event on Nov. 18-19 at Ernest McBride High School.

More than 350 enthusiastic volunteers gathered over two days to pack and distribute 3,000 holiday food boxes and 3,000 turkeys to 100 non-profit agencies serving communities across Southern California.

This annual event is more than just a tradition. It is a cherished opportunity for families and organizations to come together and celebrate the spirit of giving. Every year, Food Finders receives an overwhelming demand and enthusiasm for this event. It is normally completely booked in October, and some of the companies are so eager to help that they reserve their time slots a year in advance.

“We are incredibly grateful to the more than 350 volunteers, staff and board members who participated this year,” said Diana Lara, spokesperson for Food Finders. “Their hard work and commitment, rain or shine, allowed us to distribute 3,000 turkeys and food boxes to our partner agencies throughout Southern California.”

The Pack and Sort event was a remarkable display of community spirit and dedication to helping those in need during the holiday season.

“For many of the families receiving this meal, it provides an opportunity for a traditional Thanksgiving holiday as they struggle to put food on the table. Together, we are making a difference in the fight against hunger,” Lara added.

Fashion Show Supports Local Scholarships

It was a day of fundraising and style for the National Charity League South Coast Chapter’s annual Fashion Show at the Westin Downtown Long Beach. This year’s theme was “The World is Your Runway.” The event celebrated this year’s junior and senior class ladies.

It culminated six years of cultural and leadership growth within the NCL organization, focusing on the leadership pillar of teaching poise and confidence as the young ladies walked the runway. Together, the attendees raised over $13,000 for the all-new South Coast Scholarship program, a philanthropy that awards financial college scholarships to young women overcoming extreme hardship in our local communities.

The yearly event is organized and hosted by the mothers and daughters of the NCL ninth-grade freshman class. National Charity League was founded in 1925, and our mission is to foster the mother-daughter relationship through ongoing commitments to philanthropy, culture, and leadership.

The NCL South Coast Chapter was founded in 1962 and serves the communities of Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Cypress, and Long Beach. Learn more by following us on Instagram @nclsouthcoast.

Gift Card Drive for Teens

Local nonprofit For The Child (FTC) needs gift cards for teens who will benefit from their holiday gift distribution event, Santa’s Workshop. Moving toward its 50th year of service, Long Beach-based FTC provides comprehensive child abuse treatment and trauma-informed mental health care, counseling and therapy to children and families.

Each year the organization provides toys, games, arts and craft kits, and other gifts to their clients to make their winter holidays special. Last year FTC distributed enough assorted gifts for 387 children.

“We are grateful to the many groups and individuals who donate to us every year,” said Michele Winterstein, executive director of For The Child. “We have an increasing number of teens who receive our services, and what we’ve learned over the years is that the most appreciated items for them are gift cards. Not only are they valuable for the food or merchandise they really want, but it also gives them some independence and agency in their lives.”

FTC is receiving donations until Dec. 15. Cards for restaurants and retailers in any denomination are welcome. Some of the favorite gift cards are from Amazon, Walmart, In-N-Out Burger, Ulta and Starbucks.

“We can also accept donations by check or PayPal via our website’s donate tab, and we will purchase the gift cards, if that is easier,” Winterstein said.

They are also in need of volunteers to help sort and package the gifts for the families the week of December 11.

All donations should be sent or brought to the FTC office at 4565 California Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807. Interested volunteers can email Family Services Coordinator Maria Requeno at MRequeno@forthechild.org. For more information, call (562) 422-8472 or visit https://www.ForTheChild.org

FTC’s mission is simple and important. Children should be treated with respect and protected from abuse. The nonprofit 501c3 meets this challenge by providing both comprehensive child abuse treatment and trauma-informed mental health care, counseling, and therapy to strengthen families and provide the tools of healing to children.

Executive Director of WomenShelter Retires

After more than 30 years of dedicated service in nonprofit leadership, Kathy McCarrell, the executive director of WomenShelter of Long Beach, has announced her retirement, effective Dec. 29. McCarrell has been an instrumental leader in steering WSLB toward success and growth, leaving an indelible mark on the community we serve. The board of directors is launching the search to find their next leader.

Under her guidance, WSLB has had an incredible year providing more than 35,700 compassionate, direct services to families in crisis. Cherise’s Safe Home provided 4,540 safe bed nights, and almost 3,000 Long Beach middle, high school, and college students attended our dating violence prevention program designed to stem the tide of violence with primary prevention and education. McCarrell is committed to eliminating domestic violence, the healing power of prevention and protection, and our mission has been unwavering.

M. Lissette Flores, board president, stated, “We are grateful for Kathy’s dedication and service. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization in our journey of growth and innovation that will continue to inspire WSLB as we move forward. Kathy’s leadership has shaped the organization’s vision.”

WSLB remains committed to its mission of eliminating domestic violence through compassionate intervention, education, and personal empowerment, and we extend our deepest gratitude to Kathy McCarrell for her years of service.

About WomenShelter of Long Beach: At WomenShelter of Long Beach (WSLB), we are constantly advancing, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility, which makes us a stronger, more effective organization, and directly aligns with our mission to support survivors of domestic violence. We are actively building a community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Every day, WSLB staff does its best to foster a culture of open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness among individuals and groups.

WomenShelter of Long Beach is a [501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence through compassionate intervention, education, and personal empowerment. For more information, please visit www.womenshelterlb.org.