Making Spirits Bright: Charitable Acts for the Holidays in Irvine

In Irvine, the holiday season is filled with opportunities to make a difference for those in need. From food donations to toy drives and family support, there are plenty of ways to bring joy and hope to our community.

For those looking to provide food for families facing hunger, OC Food Bank’s annual Hope for the Holidays campaign offers a wonderful way to help. Their food drive includes both virtual and in-person options, making it easy to contribute, whether you’re donating non-perishables or sponsoring a family in need. The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County also has numerous drop-off locations around Irvine for food donations, making it simple to share some holiday cheer close to home.

Toy drives offer a heartwarming way to brighten the season for children in need. The City of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee are partnering on a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit local military families. Donations can be dropped off at the Irvine Civic Center or Police Department.

Support for local families goes beyond food and toys. Families Forward runs a “Holiday Wish” program that matches hundreds of families with donors who shop for their wish list items. Volunteers are essential to the process, helping organize, sort, and distribute gifts at their Irvine office. With programs like these, Families Forward ensures that every family feels cared for and supported during the holidays.

From helping a family put food on the table to giving a child a gift to unwrap, there are plenty of ways to give back this season. The chance to support our community is as close as a local drop-off spot or a volunteer shift, reminding us all that the holidays are truly about the spirit of giving.