Lend A Hand Ending Hunger

Myriad opportunities exist for those who seek to play a role in ending hunger and homelessness in Laguna Beach, said Faye Chapman, who chairs the city’s Housing and Human Services committee.

November is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness month, which kicked off with this past week’s World Hunger Bowl fundraiser.

Donations can be made at the Laguna Food Pantry, 20652 Laguna Canyon Rd. Monday through Sunday between 8 and 10:30 a.m. and at the Laguna Beach Unified School District’s offices, 550 Blumont St., during business hours, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. “The most needed items are, canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, pasta sauce and cereal,” says Barbara McMurray, Pantry supporter and volunteer.

Volunteers can sign up to be a guest chef at lunch or dinner for the Friendship Shelter by calling 949 494-6928 or emailing [email protected].

The Alternate Sleeping Location, which houses homeless year round, is accepting donations of socks filled with toiletries, at the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, 362 Third St.

The Friendship Shelter will hold its annual “Home” gala on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. Tickets of $250 per person can be purchased at: friendshipsheltergala.org or by calling 949-494-6928.

A free screening of the R-rated Robin Williams film “The Fisher King,” takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd.

The annual Laguna Beach Community Thanksgiving potluck dinner will be held on Thursday, Nov. 27, at Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Dr., co-sponsored by The Friendship Shelter. Contact [email protected] or Kristin Purll, 949-494-8061, at the church office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to volunteer.