HOLIDAY HELPERS

TOYS

Toys for the Needy, sponsored by the Los Angeles Fire Department, has drums at all fire stations to collect new, unwrapped toys for children from infancy to teenage. Donations will be accepted beginning today and continuing until at least Dec. 20. Call (818) 786-5170 or (213) 626-2871.

Toys for Tots, sponsored by the U. S. Marines Reserve Center in Encino, is collecting toys through Dec. 22 at a number of locations, including at Best Buy, 21601 Victory Blvd., Canoga Park, and 26531 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita; Wards, 14665 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City, and 6601 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park; and the Volt Service Group, Suite 112, 21515 Vanowen St., Canoga Park. Call (818) 705-1318, Ext. 26.

The San Fernando Valley Child & Family Guidance Center is accepting food donations, holiday gifts for children up to age 18 and monetary donations by Dec. 10 at its offices, 9650 Zelzah Ave., Northridge 91325. Turkeys may be dropped off until Dec. 17. Call (818) 993-9311.

Walden Family Services is accepting monetary donations and new, unwrapped toys for foster children of all ages. Toys may be dropped off by Dec. 13 at Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave., or by Dec. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at Walden Family Services, Suite 204, 11150 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills 91345. Call (818) 365-3665.

YOUTH GROUPS

The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank needs volunteer coaches for sports teams and tutors to help children with homework. Money is needed to keep the club running. Sports equipment, arts and crafts supplies, tables, chairs and game room equipment are also needed. The clubhouse is at 2244 N. Buena Vista St. Send donations to P. O. Box 1476, Burbank 91507. Call (818) 842-9333.

Catholic Big Brothers needs volunteers 18 and older to serve as big brothers to children 7 to 14. 8134 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 304, Panorama City 91405. Call (818) 908-5041.

Jewish Big Brothers of Los Angeles offers Jewish children from single-parent homes, ages 6 to 18, a big brother to take them to such places as the zoo or movies. Volunteers must be at least 21 and are asked to give four to six hours a week for a year. The screening process is extensive. In addition, men and women volunteers are needed for a nondenominational sports mentor program for at-risk children. The next five-week session starts Jan. 10. Call (213) 761-8675, Ext. 13.

THE HOMELESS

L. A. Family Housing Corp., a homeless-support organization that runs the Valley Shelter in addition to transitional housing and low-income housing units, needs volunteers to participate in its “Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays” project. Volunteers will provide gifts and / or holiday food baskets. 7843 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Call Lori Ross at (818) 982-4091.

Loaves and Fishes in Van Nuys, a food pantry and clothing distribution center that operates under the umbrella of Catholic Charities, serves people on limited incomes and the homeless of all denominations. Volunteers are needed to interview applicants, fill food orders, sort and organize the pantry and clothing, help with office work and run a jobs desk. Donations of food are welcome at any time, but especially during the holidays. 14650 Keswick St., Van Nuys. Call (818) 997-0943.

Women’s Care Cottage, which offers shelter and help to homeless women and their children, needs nonperishable food and “street food” that does not need to be cooked or opened with a can opener. Donations of new clothes and toys are also needed. Volunteers are needed one day a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its resource center at 6040 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Call (818) 753-4580.