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Help Ensure that No Child in the SCV goes to Bed Hungry
Cleaning out cupboards together is a nice way to donate to the SCV Food Pantry, but if you didn't want to eat that can of artichokes, chances are that others won't, either. Get more for your donating dollar during the burst of holiday coupons and in-store specials; have kids cut coupons and scan flyers for the best deals. One Inside SCV publisher gave each child $20, then asked her children to buy healthy foods from the store that they thought their friends would like to eat. Into the basket went no-sugar-added mandarin orange fruit cups and canned alphabet pasta. The Food Pantry is always in need of donations like canned poultry and fish; peanut butter; holiday items like low-sodium stuffing mix, canned yams and cranberry sauce; 100-percent juice boxes; unsalted nuts; shelf-stable milk and milk alternatives like soy and almond; whole-grain pasta; canned stew; oatmeal; brown rice; olive oil; low-sodium canned beans and soups; low-sugar cereals; granola bars and microwave popcorn.
www.scvfoodpantry.org

Volunteer with Children and Horses
For families with kids ages 14 and over, helping out at Carousel Ranch can be a fulfilling way to spend time during breaks, after school and on the weekends. Work in the office, help with the grooming and care of the therapy horses. www.carouselranch.org/volunteer

Be a Neighbor's Bridge to Home
Since 1996, Bridge to Home has provided shelter to the homeless residents of Santa Clarita Valley during the winter months. What started as a volunteer effort to provide shelter during the winter months has blossomed into full-service agency providing a continuum of comprehensive support services that help individual and families transition out of homelessness. Santa Clarita's Winter Shelter opened early this year and has plans to operate until March 15, 2016. Bridge to Home is in major need of cereal, oatmeal, 8-ounce styrofoam cups, disposible plates and bowls - and cash donations are always welcome, too. They can take donations anytime Tuesday through Friday from 6pm to 7:30pm.
www.btohome.com

Support your Favorite Nonprofits this Holiday Season
Arguably the most frenzied time of year, the holidays are filled with tradition and must-dos: decorate the tree, light the menorah, shop 'til you drop, prepare fabulous feasts and entertain friends and family, just to name a few. It's also a time to be thoughtful toward those in need. Making a charitable contribution is an important part of the giving season. Beyond the warm and fuzzy feeling or the incentive of a tax deduction for a year-end donation, countless nonprofit organizations rely upon the support of caring individuals and businesses to sustain their operations and further their mission. There are tech-savvy, cool and easy ways to give - like Amazon Smile and PayForward - that can be set up to automatically give back when you make select purchases. Aside from year-end giving and click-to-donate activities, making regular contributions to the charity of your choice throughout the year can be more effective in the long run. Consider automatic monthly contributions via a credit card. Then you can be creative and use other means to do a little extra good.

MISSION VALLEY BANK IS
MORE THAN A COMMUNITY BANK
Mission Valley Bank's local roots run deep, motivated by the desire to be an integral part of the area they serve. A strong community thrives on personal relationships and Mission Valley Bank supports - and is honored to be supported by - the Santa Clarita Valley. Mission Valley Bank is more than just another local bank. They are a full-service, independent, commercial bank that is locally-owned, community minded and relationship driven. They're proud to have earned their reputation as Trusted Advisors. Mission Valley Bank is as dedicated to their customers' success as they are. They appreciate their business and welcome the opportunity to earn yours.
Mission Valley Bank Centre Pointe Business Banking Offices 775-4113