A volunteer assembles a Grinch-themed can tree at Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino's Can Tree Wonderland, where local businesses and community groups transform canned goods into festive displays before donating them to families in need. (Courtesy of Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino)
As the holiday season approaches, local organizations are launching drives to support families, children, seniors and pets in need. From food pantries to toy collections, these opportunities allow residents to give back from their abundance and strengthen community bonds through neighborly generosity.
Guardian Angel Program Riverside Meals on Wheels invites community members to become Guardian Angels, supporting meal preparation and delivery to homebound seniors and disabled neighbors.
Donation options: One-time or monthly gift
How it helps: Provides vital resources to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals
Monthly giving: Credit card automatically charged for chosen amount; can be changed or canceled anytime
Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino's fifth annual event invites teams to build festive trees from canned goods, followed by a community fair with activities and music.
Event: Dec. 13, noon to 2 p.m.
Team build: 9 to 11 a.m.
Participation options: Adopt a Tree ($750), Buy & Build ($650), Buy a Can ($5), or Collect & Build (host your own drive)
ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive Fire Department partners with ABC7 to collect new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens ages 0-17.
Drop-off: Nov. 10 through Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Locations: Any City fire station, Cesar Chavez Community Center (2060 University Ave.), or other city community centers
Note: If firefighters are away responding to calls, take donations directly to Cesar Chavez Community Center or another community center rather than leaving them outside the station
Fire station locations:
Station 1: 3401 University Ave.
Station 2: 9450 Andrew St.
Station 3: 6395 Riverside Ave.
Station 4: 3510 Cranford Ave.
Station 5: 5883 Arlington Ave.
Station 6: 1077 Orange St.
Station 7: 10191 Cypress Ave.
Station 8: 11076 Hole Ave.
Station 9: 6674 Alessandro Blvd.
Station 10: 2590 Jefferson St.
Station 11: 19595 Orange Terrace Parkway
Station 12: 10692 Indiana Ave.
Station 13: 6490 Sycamore Canyon Blvd.
Station 14: 725 Central Ave.
Other ways to donate:
Place a collection box at your business (within city limits)
Donate to "Shop with a Firefighter" at givebutter.com/QOOpZX or make checks payable to RCFF (Riverside City Firefighters Foundation), a 501(c)(3) organization (Fed. Tax ID #46-1442468)
Become a sponsor: Contact Gina Perez, Fire Public Education Coordinator, at gperez@riversideca.gov or (951) 826-5334
Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation collects comfort items and care essentials for seniors, youth and unhoused neighbors in celebration of World Kindness Day.
Drop-off: Nov. 13 (World Kindness Day) through Dec. 5
Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (through Dec. 4)
Locations: Riverside Medical Clinic locations and RMCCF office, 7177 Brockton Ave., Suite 105
Olive Crest's tagline "Strong Families, Safe Kids" reflects their comprehensive approach to preventing child abuse through counseling centers, preventative programs and life skills education. According to their 2025 data, the organization provided 120,129 safe days to local families, delivered 36,971 mental health hours and helped 18 children through their Prevention and Restoration of Minors in Sexual Exploitation (PROMISE) initiative.
