The LSS Long Beach Center sponsors the “Saturday Club” every week at Trinity Lutheran Church, from 9:30 – 12:30 PM. This outreach program addresses the needs of the whole family in several ways: literacy training (ESL) for adults; educational & craft activities for children; lunch for the entire family; presentations concerning health, wellness and family issues; small discussion groups; and special outreach events.
A Very Special Christmas
Our 22nd Annual Christmas Celebration was held at, and in partnership with, Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 14, 2019. More than 30 families attended. It was a very special Christmas for those who participated because many had experienced economic hardships and some had lost employment. As a result, they did not have enough money for Christmas gifts.
Pastor Scott Fritz prayed for the families before the meal, and the children were thrilled by a special appearance of Rover, the Dog. The children enjoyed their meal with their families, and then worked on Christmas crafts, (coloring, Christmas ornaments, etc.). Finally, volunteers took the children to pick out their personal Christmas gifts.
This annual effort brought together volunteers, individual donors, Lutheran Churches and schools from Long Beach, and the surrounding South Bay community. Together, they made this gathering a time of love and compassion, and provided gifts for over 120 children.
On the day of the event, City of Long Beach Firefighter, Will Nash, provided an additional 300 toys from the ABC Channel 7 Spark of Love Toy Drive. This allowed us to give toys to those children and families who were not able to attend our celebration.
Long Beach Community Support
On a daily basis, our Long Beach Center assists and supports women, men and children who face serious and frightening issues: chronic homelessness, mental and emotional health struggles, trying to re-enter society after being incarcerated, addiction recovery, and assisting them in accessing benefits to which they are entitled. Additionally, intensive case management is provided by LSS staff, to offer as much compassion and direction as possible.
The surrounding neighborhood has struggles of its own. Many neighbors come to our food pantry and clothes closet, just to find the basics for a week or so.
Special community events, like the Annual Christmas Celebration, allows us to reach out to those who live and offer to them the same kinds of services and resources that will make their lives more fulfilling.
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