(The) Leap Foundation –The Leap Foundation’s mission is to help high school and college students, as well as recent graduates get ahead in life. They do this by hosting a 5-night, 6-day seminar during the summer where the curriculum is based on experiences of those who have accomplished great success – both professionally and personally. They help because they value mentoring, achievement, and strong personal morals in today’s youth.  Donations can be mailed to The Leap Foundation, 2080 Century Park East, Suite 1601, Los Angeles, CA 90067.

(The) Los Angeles Youth Network?LAYN is one local grassroots organization that helps address the issue of 12,000 Los Angeles homeless youth.  Over 80% of  LAYN’s youth exit their program to live successfully with their families, in foster or group home placements, or independently. LAYN works within a comprehensive network of medical, social and legal agencies to help put together a healthy home situation. They empower our youth with a step-by-step understanding of how to take care of themselves.   You can reach The Los Angeles Youth Network via the web at:  www.layn.org or by phone at 323.467.8466.

Heifer International—For 65 years, Heifer’s formula remains the same.  They give families in need a hand-up, not just a hand-out.  This empowers the families to turn a life of hunger and poverty into one of self-reliance and independence.  With the gifts of livestock and training, they help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways.  This holiday season consider donating a heifer which gives milk or chickens that produce eggs or sheep that provide wool.  You can reach Heifer International via the web at :  www.heifer.org or by phone at:  1.800.698.2511.

Much Love Animal Rescue –is a 100% non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse and neglect of domestic animals. Much Love is run entirely by like-minded professionals who volunteer their time and resources to help save the lives of these animals. Since 2000, they have successfully placed over 2,000 animals in loving homes. You can reach Much Love Animal Rescue via the web at:  www.muchlove.org or by phone at:  1.310.636.9115.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter–Since 1947, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter has provided information and assistance to people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. They reach out to more than 101,500 people touched by MS by offering much needed services and funding top-rated research. You can reach The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter via the web at:  http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/CAL/index.aspx or by phone at:  1.800.344.4867.

Operation Smile– For 20 years, Operation Smile has operated with a simple philosophy:  That all children deserve to live their lives with dignity.  By providing children with a simple, 45 minute surgery that corrects their cleft lips, cleft palates, or any other facial deformaties, Operation Smile provides that dignity in the form of a smile.  This holiday season consider sponsoring a child’s new smile for $240.  You can reach Operational Smile via the web at:  www.operationsmile.org or by phone at:  1.888.677.6453.

(The) Roar Foundation –The Roar Foundation was founded by actress and animal activist Tippi Hedren.  The Foundation supports the Shambala Preserve and shares its mission to educate the public about exotic animals; to advocate for legislation to protect them; and to provide sanctuary for exotic animals who have suffered from gross mistreatment and neglect so they can regain their physical and mental health and live out their lives in dignity.  An important part of this aspect of The Roar Foundation’s efforts is the series of wildlife programs presented for local children, and other youth groups, in the Southern California region.   You can reach The Roar Foundation via the web at: www.shambala.org or by phone at:  661.268.0380.

(The) Surfrider Foundation— For 25 years, The Surfrider Foundation has been at the forefront of environmental protection.  Through conservation, activism, research, and education, the Foundation has been dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves, and coastlines.  The Surfrider Foundation focuses its work on four initiatives:  clean water, beach access, beach preservation, and protection of special places.  You can reach The Surfrider Foundation via the web at:  www.surfrider.org or by phone at 1.949.492.8170.

YWCA Los Angeles –The YWCA of Los Angeles was founded to help improve women’s lives and remove barriers to self-sufficiency with a simple mission of eliminating racism, empowering women.. The YWCA’s aim is to lift women out of poverty, illiteracy and second-class citizenship so the whole community benefits through a variety of programs such as mentoring, providing child care, and providing a job corp program. For over 100 years, the YWCA has played a vital role in the community, continuously adapting to meet women’s most critical needs.     You can reach YWCA Los Angeles via the web:  www.ywcagla.org or by phone at 213.365.2991.