It’s time for others to play “Santa” for those in need. San Dimas offers many different philanthropic opportunities to help those who need it most. Many of these opportunities to give to others are for the homeless, those who need support, seniors, animals, women, health, education, and children.

These opportunities to help those in need are volunteering at food pantries, resource centers, health providers, animal rescues, public libraries, and hospitals. These are all located in or near San Dimas and offer opportunities to assist those in need. A few of these philanthropic organizations are Sheaperds Pantry, Thaddeus Resource Center, and St. Carmen Health Providers, Inc.

Shepherds Pantry gives out emergency food, clothes, and emergency support to families who need it, they also provide support to the families facing homelessness. They have new food weekly, they home-deliver, and they provide clothes, emotional counseling, haircuts, and tutoring services. Their mission statement is “Provide emergency food, clothing, and emotional support to families in need in times of crisis; provide the tools and resources to help families become self-sufficient.” The opportunities that need the most volunteers are helping sort food, helping control traffic at their drive-thru pantry, baggers/personal shoppers for those in need, and food pick-up drivers during the school year.

Thaddeus Resource Center is a non-profit organization that provides housing, mental health services, education, life skill development, and workforce training to restore hope, inspire growth, and empower girls and women. They have a variety of needs, such as therapists, volunteer centers, special events, and more. Their mission statement is to inspire growth, restore hope, and empower girls & women through housing, mental health, education, life skills, and workforce training. The currently available opportunities are to donate, be a personal shopper for those at the donation center, provide mental health services, and volunteer virtually for another mental health center.

St. Carmen Health Provider Inc. can help manage patients’ pain and symptoms, meal prep, in-patient care, respite care, and assist patients with the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dying. Their mission statement is to help people who are faced with end-of-life care. They also help walk together with those we serve to provide the highest quality of care with respect and compassion.

This holiday season, consider giving to those who truly need it. You can still get gifts to your friends and family, but keep in mind, that those who actually need gifts rarely get them.