December 10, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Making The Holidays A Special Time For Everyone, Not Just Those Who Can Afford It

Mike Newhouse.
Mike Newhouse.

By Mike Newhouse

The holidays have a way of getting us all to take stock; not only in the past year, but for times to come.

It seems to me that overall the last year has been pretty good to Venice. First of all people are more involved in our community that ever. We all know folks we agree with, and those with whom we don’t, but at the end of the day, that’s not really what’s important. What’s important is a dialogue, and that no doubt is happening more than ever.

Volunteerism seems to be up as well. Every time the Venice Neighborhood Council puts on an event, we seem to have an abundance of neighbors who want to participate, and be part of planning a productive event. I know this has been the same for many other organizations in Venice as well.

It also feels like the economy is finally starting to turn around. Many businesses are hiring, people are starting to travel again, and overall, most people I hear from tell me that they feel hopeful about the future.

These are all good signs, but by no means is this progress and optimism reaching everyone. Too many members of the Venice Family still seem to be struggling to tread water or to get ahead.  Too many still feel that government or the community are not listening to them and that they are feeling less and less a part of their neighborhood and larger community. I hope in this holiday season, and beyond, we can all focus on trying to bring everyone into the fold.

Some of these issues are no doubt socio economic based, or stem from issues that go back many generations, and cannot be easily repaired. But, what can help is even more dialogue and even more volunteerism.

The easiest example of our needs are our homeless population and those living in poverty. With the holidays coming, now is the best time of the year to focus on how each of us can make someone else’s life better. Whether it’s bringing someone a hot meal, donating food or money to a local charity such as the LA Food Bank, The Westside Food Bank, the LA Regional Food Bank, or volunteering to work at St Joseph’s, OPCC, SPY, PATH, The Teen Project, Meals on Wheels or any church in town that helps the needy, particularly during this time of year, even the smallest gesture can make a big difference.

In particular, the holidays can also be a tough time for kids in need. Many of us took for granted getting toys for the holidays, but it obviously isn’t always the case. The Venice Neighborhood Council, and in particular Mariana Aguilara and the Oakwood Recreation Center have run a wonderful Holiday Toy Drive for the past several years. I really hope, that it you are able, you can donate a new, unwrapped toy, to this wonderful annual event.

Finally, the holidays are often very difficult for those struggling with mental illness and or drug and alcohol dependence. Sadly, suicide related to these issues is often highest around the holidays. As someone who has had to personally witness the devastating effects of these struggles, especially during the holidays, I hope there are those among us that can find some time to volunteer to help our neighbors in need, whether it’s just being a supportive shoulder, or offering time to the many suicide prevention centers in Los Angeles.

In short, let’s all try to focus on what the holidays mean; not gifts in the traditional sense, but gifts in the larger sense. Let’s listen to each other, volunteer for each other, and make this a special time of the year for everyone, not just those who can afford it.

Happy Holidays my friends.

Tags: in Opinion
Related Posts

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...

Venice Shorts: Averill Defeats Tyminski 63%-37% to Become President of Venice Neighborhood Council

April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

In second bid for top spot, surfer/photographer Brian Averill coasts to an easy win against Venice attorney and outgoing Vice-President...

Column: Install at LAX Tiny Homes From The State Grant

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

By Clark Brown On March 16  Governor Newsom announced in Sacramento, his first stop on his State of the State of...

Venice Shorts: Night & Day – Flower & Lincoln Transformed, Back in Business

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

By Nick Antonicello In what was a Venice eyesore just a few months ago has been transformed into a place...

Opinion: Please Vote for Daffodil Tyminski

March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023

This is Tom Williams, your neighbor at 1011 Main Street.  With the upcoming VNC election this Sunday, I wanted to reach...

Venice Shorts: Popular Local Jim Robb Seeks Vp Slot, Endorses Brian Averill for President of the VNC!

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

By Nick Antonicello  VENICE – In a twist of events longtime Community Officer Jim Robb will now be seeking the...

Venice Shorts: Tabor Family Legacy Amara Hordt Seeks Seat on VNC This Sunday!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Local realtor looks to follow a family legacy of engaged community involvement here in Venice By Nick Antonicello VENICE –...

Venice Shorts: Erica Moore, A Cheerleader For Venice In Her Run For Community Officer!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – Local caterer Erica Moore is making a second run for the Venice Neighborhood Council, but...

Venice Shorts: Running Unopposed, Nico Ruderman’s Deep Dive Into Politics and Government Continues!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – It has been an interesting two years of political action, involvement and advocacy for Nico...

Venice Shorts: “V” for Venice Volunteer

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Media professional, local business owner and Dad, Eric Alan Donaldson is defined by his volunteerism and love of Venice. By...

Deborah Keaton, a Consensus Building Candidate for VNC Community Officer!

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Creative director, global brander and private business owner seeks a general consensus on what’s best for Venice moving forward.  By...