Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) Working to End Poverty in Southern California

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency — but it is far more. It is an economic crisis. A social crisis. And a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary General

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant surge in the number of vulnerable clients who need emergency services. As other agencies closed, our essential team members remained on the front lines, walking alongside both at-risk and marginalized clients, many for the first time. The highest demand is for warm meals, emergency shelter, hygiene products, diapers, wipes, formula, and rental assistance. The need may seem insurmountable, but we know generosity has the power to unite and heal communities. Your gift can shift the narrative, check the list below or donate now to make a difference today.

WHAT LSSSC NEEDS

Anything Warm*

Coats / Jackets

Gloves

Scarves

Socks

Rain boots

*Please only new or lightly used

Anything Dry

Umbrellas

Sleeping bags

Blankets

Comforters

Tarps, tents, and other shelter materials

Canned Goods**

Chili

Ravioli Spaghetti-O’s

Tuna

Soup

Chef Boyardee pasta meals

**Pop Tops please

Paper Goods

Bowls

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Plastic forks

Plastic spoons

Napkins

Hygienic Supplies

Wet Ones (travel packs or singles)

Disinfectant Cleaner

Deodorant (Men’s and Women’s)

Blessing Bags

Food-to-Go

Sack Lunches

Breakfast: Oatmeal packets, muffins, pastries, etc.

Fruit cups

Pre-packaged meals: lunchables, salad bowls, etc. Home-cooked and hot meals (we’ll place them in reheatable to-go boxes)

Download The List For Distributing To Your Team

Ambassadors are short-term volunteers who open doors for our organization in the community, introducing new people at our bi-monthly Fostering Community Care event. These are one hour awareness events only (no solicitations are made) to expose people to the great work of LSS Community Care. To become an Ambassador here are your responsibilities:

1 – Attend at least one Fostering Community Care event during the calendar year
2 – Host or invite and bring 10-15 guests to one Fostering Community Care event within 3 months of your attending one yourself.
3 – Inform your invited guests of what the Fostering Community Care meeting will be about, and let them know that they will receive a follow up call from the organization
4 – Ambassadors will complete their commitment after bringing 10-15 persons within the 3 month time period. An Ambassador has the option to complete after one term, continue for another 3 month term or move into another role on the team.

Become an Ally

Allies are community members who want to be in a supportive, intentional, befriending relationship with an individual or family working to get out of poverty.

Other ways to help the Southern California Family Support Initiative

Be an Ad-Hoc Ally – share your special skill or talent
Be a member of your local Community Leadership Team
Assist with weekly Child Care/Children’s Programs
Be a Community Spokesman – talk about the initiative and recruit others to join
Financially Sponsor a Family Leader
Facilitate/assist with Training Our Leaders and Allies
Behind-the-scenes work – internet research, graphic design, writing

We are actively seeking individuals and groups to be a part of our on-going mission to serve those in need. LSS administers over 50 specialized programs and services throughout the Southern California region. Contact your nearest LSS Center to hear about the local opportunities they have available.

Be a positive role model
Give back to others and help change lives
Transform communities
Spend your time doing something rewarding
Meet new people
Have fun
Learn new skills, share your talents, build your resume

The life you change most – may be your own!