In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it. ~Marianne Williamson
 This is the season when people seem to be more inspired to find ways to give back with both their time and their donations. It is more important than ever since the needs only increase both in our community and throughout our world. We invite you to share how your family chooses to give back during the holiday season on our Family Favorites page so we can all learn from each other. Two years ago we started a Families In Philanthropy group with five other families and each quarter, we find a service project to do together. It has been great to watch this group of kids bond over helping others.
There is a great book out that we recently reviewed, How to be an Everyday Philanthropist - 330 Ways to Make a Difference in your home, community, and world-at no cost. Read the review to find out more and feel inspired >>
Our Mom In The Spotlight found a way to give with her business... Adriana Shuman is the owner of Summer For Kids boutique in Montecito. Adriana takes giving back to her community very seriously... to celebrate her store's one year anniversary, Adriana and her husband will donate their profits as well as her salary to children's charities. >>
Ideas for giving back...
We have a page dedicated to families giving back locally throughout the year. A few immediate ideas include:
ATTEND A FUNDRAISER
- El Camino Elementary School gets help from storyteller Michael Katz... he will perform a benefit at the Goleta Community Center tonight at 7 pm. All proceeds will go to El Camino Elementary School for their technology programs.
- Cold Spring Elementary School will be hosting the Gazebo Jamboree Marketplace to earn money for the Unity Shoppe this Saturday from 10am-5pm.
DONATE
- Musical Instruments Give the gift of music by donating new or used musical instruments for students in Santa Barbara School District music programs. Dig out that clarinet, violin, guitar, drum, keyboard -- and drop it off at the Granada from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8. Volunteers from the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF), the Granada, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, and NotesForNotes will staff a curbside collection site in front of the theater. Or call (805) 618-1021 to arrange for a pick-up at your home or office.
- u2u - Drop off new and gently used toys now through December 14 at La Cumbre Plaza's Guest Services. The toys will be delivered to Ensenada, Mexico in time for Christmas. If you wrap the gift, please put a tag on it that specifies the gender and age range the gift would suit. Soccer gear will also be accepted at the donation box. Soccer gear is collected and distributed world-wide throughout the year.
 The Mobile Waterford Program is seeking donations of school supplies and computer accessories. They are a non-profit organization that provides accessible English language instruction to underprivileged families by driving a van equipped with 8 computers to these families neighborhoods. The goal is to dramatically reduce the number of children who enter kindergarten with no skills in English. >>
- Support the Boy Scouts Troop 105 Christmas Tree Lot at St. Raphael's Church Parking Lot. All profits fund Troop activities for a full year! Ask them how you can donate a tree to local families! Print out and bring the Parent Perks coupon!
- Stuff The Bus - drop off unwrapped toys and gifts for children ages infant through 11 years now through December 15 at any Starbucks, Peoples' Self-Help Housing, SB Police Dept, SB Museum of Natural History, or Ty Warner Sea Center. Volunteers can participate in sorting and wrapping the toys and gift cards on December 16th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., which will then be transported to PSHH affordable rental complexes that afternoon, in time for their site holiday celebrations.
 Read more about Laura Sobell's Medical Fund and how you can support her >>
- The Foodbank is holding its Holiday Food Drive, November 1 through December 31. Drop off your food at the Foodbank or at one of the green barrels outside of your local grocery store.
- SB Community Academy Blood Drive December 16 from 3-7pm details >> if you can't make it to the blood drive, make an appointment to donate blood or platelets at the blood bank in downtown SB by calling 965-7037.
VOLUNTEER
- Select Staffing Santa Barbara International Marathon needs volunteers to set up on Sunday morning and to work at the water stations during the marathon on December 6.
- Open House Volunteer Day-Angels Bearing Gifts: Help us satisfy our beneficiary wish lists this year! Saturday, December 5 from 10am-2pm Drop in anytime and we can put you to work helping us prep for gift giving. Shoppers welcome (we will provide you with a list and funds to be used for the items). TCRC Annex at 505 E. Montecito Street (corner of Olive Street) SB Wrapping Party December 17 at 5:30pm.
- Visit the VolunteerSBC website for more ideas like being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Bell Ringers may volunteer as individuals, as a family or larger group at a location near you! You can sing carols, play an instrument and RING the bell - spreading Christmas Joy and reminding our community that the Greatest Gift you can give is Sharing and Caring for your fellow man.
This is a fabulous month for events and performances! Scroll down so you can see some of the highlights. This weekend is one of my favorites to kick off the season, the Downtown Holiday Parade! This is also the weekend for the long anticipated marathon with family events all day Saturday and the run on Sunday.
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