HODG Shabbat

I just read an article about a poll that was just done that showed that most Americans don’t think the Dem party shares their priorities. Most people apparently think that the Dems are too focused on issues like abortion, equity and… climate, instead of cost of living. 

On one level, I get it. You can’t feed your family or pay your rent, you’re not gonna focus on climate. But on another level… we're talking about being able to live on this planet... well, I don’t have to tell you.

The thing to ask is: what do we do about it? If so much of America is more worried about the price of eggs.  And rent. And everything else?

My answer -- and I'm sure there are others -- is:  support our climate leaders. They need us now more than ever. Which is why for our next HODG shabbat we have invited the folks from EarthJustice and Climate Changemakers.  

Earthjustice is a non-profit legal group that is dedicated to litigating environmental issues.  Earthjustice has been critical in many precedent-setting, and planet-protecting cases. In fact, they were the attorneys for the first supreme court case to ever address climate change (Mass vs EPA, 2006)  Earthjustice is on the frontline of fighting against the current administration.  They will be talking to us about how they are doing that and how they will continue to advance clean energy.  

We've also invited Climate Changemakers to join us.  While Earthjustice is focused on fighting for climates in the courts, Climate Changemaker is focused on the legislative branch and on harnessing the energy of us – engaged constituents – to hold elected officials accountable.  Climate Changemakers has easy, quick ways that each of us can do our part in protecting our planet, while also – because why can’t dems do both??! – lowering the cost of living. Many of us already know CC, but it's been a while, and I don't know how many of us are still doing their One Hour Of Action (We need to get back on that!)

So, please join us for Shabbat Dinner and some great conversation with folks who are the real bisons in all this.
 

HODG SHABBAT with 

EarthJustice and Climate Changemakers

Friday, Feb 21

6:30pm

153 S. Norton Ave
Bring a drink or dessert to share.

Los Angeles Homeless Count

Here's how it works -- you and a friend or two drive to the "deployment area" where you will be given instructions how to count, and a turf.  You go to the turf and assign jobs: One of you will be the counter, one of you will be the recorder and one will be the driver.  And then you drive the turf.  That's it. 

I have only ever gone to the Hollywood Count, which is taking place on Feb 18 this year.  But if that doesn't work for you, there are areas all over the city that are counting -- from MacArthur Park to Mar Vista to Sherman Oaks. 

So here's what I rec: go to the website, sign up for the place and day you want.  Then rope in a couple friends to join you.  And thank you!  I won't be able to do the count this year, but I am so glad you can!!
 
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Tues Feb 18 - Wed Feb 19 - Thurs Feb 20.
8pm
All across LA. 

Hollywood Area: 
First Presbyterian Church
1760 N. Gower St.
(the are still 37 volunteers short)

Los Angeles Homeless Count

Here's how it works -- you and a friend or two drive to the "deployment area" where you will be given instructions how to count, and a turf.  You go to the turf and assign jobs: One of you will be the counter, one of you will be the recorder and one will be the driver.  And then you drive the turf.  That's it. 

I have only ever gone to the Hollywood Count, which is taking place on Feb 18 this year.  But if that doesn't work for you, there are areas all over the city that are counting -- from MacArthur Park to Mar Vista to Sherman Oaks. 

So here's what I rec: go to the website, sign up for the place and day you want.  Then rope in a couple friends to join you.  And thank you!  I won't be able to do the count this year, but I am so glad you can!!
 
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Tues Feb 18 - Wed Feb 19 - Thurs Feb 20.
8pm
All across LA. 

Hollywood Area: 
First Presbyterian Church
1760 N. Gower St.
(the are still 37 volunteers short)

Los Angeles Homeless Count

Here's how it works -- you and a friend or two drive to the "deployment area" where you will be given instructions how to count, and a turf.  You go to the turf and assign jobs: One of you will be the counter, one of you will be the recorder and one will be the driver.  And then you drive the turf.  That's it. 

I have only ever gone to the Hollywood Count, which is taking place on Feb 18 this year.  But if that doesn't work for you, there are areas all over the city that are counting -- from MacArthur Park to Mar Vista to Sherman Oaks. 

So here's what I rec: go to the website, sign up for the place and day you want.  Then rope in a couple friends to join you.  And thank you!  I won't be able to do the count this year, but I am so glad you can!!
 
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Tues Feb 18 - Wed Feb 19 - Thurs Feb 20.
8pm
All across LA. 

Hollywood Area: 
First Presbyterian Church
1760 N. Gower St.
(the are still 37 volunteers short)

Postcarding for Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge

This could be the biggest, highest stake election this year. Currently the Wisconsin Supreme Court has 4 liberal and 3 conservative judges. One of the liberal judges terms out this year. So whoever wins the seat, will seize majority of the court. The liberal candidate – supported by Dems – is Judge Susan Crawford. Electing her will preserve the liberal majority along with abortion rights in the state and lead to new congressional maps that could help Democrats flip two Republican-held House seats. Which heaven knows we need!

We have connected with Judge Crawford’s campaign to see how we can best help her. In the meantime, we are gathering this weekend to write postcards to WI Democrats.

POSTCARDING for WISCONSIN

Sunday, February 16

10am - noon

815 N Stanley Ave LA 90046

Bring a friend! The more the merrier!

No dogs, please.

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

Bake Sale + Blood Drive for Wildfire Relief

Hello HODGers!

We're planning a Bake Sale + Blood Drive for Wildfire Relief, and we would love your help! (Blood donations are down and desperately needed due to the fires, and who doesn't love a sweet treat to get their blood sugar up after donating... a win win!) 

DATE: Saturday, February 15

TIME: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

LOCATION: 208 N. Larchmont Blvd, L.A., 90067 (Larchmont Village)

BENEFITTING: The Fuerza Fund, supporting wildfire-impacted families and workers.

BAKE SALE:

We'll need bakers to donate goodies and folks to work on the day. The sign up sheet is here, and you'll see different tabs for Bakers and Shifts (set up, breakdown, and 2-hr sales shifts in between). Feel free to sign up for as many baked goods and shifts as you like, and feel free to share with any friends who might be interested! 

Some general info: 

• Drop-Off: We will happily accept your baked items at the Larchmont location on the day-of (preferably between 9-10am for kick-off, but restocking during the day would also work). We can also make arrangements for items to be dropped off the night before. 

• Individual packaging is greatly appreciated, to make sales easier - options such as these clear treat bags or these individual cupcake boxes (Michaels is having a great sale!). (Pooling resources might be helpful here, since they tend to come in large quantities!) 

• Ingredient lists encouraged (either on individual stickers or listed on a sheet of paper) 

• Some ideas for what to bake: Brownies, Cookies, Rice Krispie Treats, Mini-Bundt Cakes, Cupcakes, Slices of Loaf Breads, Dog Treats (a bigger list of suggestions here)

• We also welcome cakes or pies, which we will sell whole at a higher price (lots of options for cake boxes such as this one)

• We welcome traditional/standard ingredients, or alternative options (vegan, gluten free, nut-free)

• When signing up, scan through what others' are bringing - if ten people are already bringing Rice Krispie Treats, we're probably covered on that front ;-) 

BLOOD DRIVE:

Specific guidelines have recently changed & many can now give blood again!

✓  FREE for everyone:  no fees or cost whatsoever to give blood

✓  All are invited: ages 16, 17, 18, & up  [no upper age limit!]

✓  Only 16 year olds specifically require a signed Parent Consent hospital form  [download form here]

✓  Even first-timers are welcome: donors able to find out their own individual blood type within about a week

✓  Most common medications no problem (aspirin, cholesterol, blood pressure, birth control, pain pills, antidepressants/anxiety, thyroid, even diabetics taking insulin)

✓  Ink-work tattoos & ear/body piercings are allowed (as long as it was a professional licensed shop & no amateur settings, i.e. home/garage or incarceration)

✓  The actual blood donation process itself only takes about 10 mins & is fairly simple

✓  All donors be sure to have photo I.D. or a picture of it on their smartphone is okay (driver license, Calif I.D., or a passport will work best)

✓  Adios to finger-sticks!  The non-invasive finger sensor device is the newest innovation for easy iron readings & makes it a cinch

PLEASE RSVP TO DONATE BLOOD HERE

The following helpful link is from our Nutrition Dept of Registered Dieticians:  good for anyone who’s ever had decreased iron, which can fluctuate monthly/throughout the year and yes they most definitely can try again (most people don’t have actual diagnosed anemia).  And I’ve met vegetarians/full-vegans who don’t eat even any meat yet still have sufficient iron to give blood just fine:

Iron • detailed info & beneficial food list

From the Red Cross:

“Severe winter weather and wildfires have forced thousands of blood donations to go uncollected. There is a critical need for platelets, as well as an emergency shortage for types O negative and B negative blood. Donors are needed TODAY!”

Feel free to email us with questions: hangoutdogood@gmail.com.

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

Postcarding for Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge

This could be the biggest, highest stake election this year. Currently the Wisconsin Supreme Court has 4 liberal and 3 conservative judges. One of the liberal judges terms out this year. So whoever wins the seat, will seize majority of the court.  

The liberal candidate – supported by Dems – is Judge Susan Crawford. Electing her will preserve the liberal majority along with abortion rights in the state and lead to new congressional maps that could help Democrats flip two Republican-held House seats.  Which heaven knows we need!

We have connected with Judge Crawford’s campaign to see how we can best help her.  In the meantime, we are gathering like BISON and writing postcards to WI Democrats.

** Yes, it’s Superbowl Sunday but the game isn’t until the afternoon. 

POSTCARDING for WISCONSIN

Sunday, February 9

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave

Bring a friend! The more the merrier!

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

HODG Antisemitism Zoom

Yep, we are still at it, and we’d love you to join our group as we try to better understand the Middle East and tackle rising antisemitism here at home.  For this meeting we have invited STEPHEN SMITH to give us a refresher on the history of antisemitism.  Stephen is a Holocaust expert with a focus on genocide studies at USC.  He is actually teaching an introduction to antisemitism course at USC this semester, so it’ll be like we’re undergrads again – without the tests!
 

HODG ANTISEMITISM LEARNING GROUP

Monday, Feb 3

7 -8 pm

All are welcome **

** there are 2 requirements to join the group: 1. You believe Israel has a right to exist.  2. You consider Hamas a terrorist organization.  That's it.  Oh, and 3. You will respect and accept that other people might not agree with you.

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

Donate Backpacks to Middle Schoolers

The amazing Melissa V has been talking with Pasadena Unified Schools to see what they might need post-fires. They responded by asking for backpacks and school supplies for Eliot Middle School, which was an Arts Magnet located in Pasadena.  It was damaged beyond repair and is apparently the school with the most students who have suffered the most.  Melissa’s contact at the school sent her a supply list, which you will find below.  
 

BACKPACK DRIVE FOR ELIOT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Donate new backpacks + school supplies to middle schoolers who have lost their homes AND their schools in the fires. 

DEADLINE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Drop-Off Addresses

Helen Eigenberg: 611 Lillian Way, Hancock Park 90004
Peggy Baily: 4627 Wortser, Sherman Oaks, 91423
Melissa Valencia: 2927 N. Coolidge Ave, LA (Frogtown) 90039
Elise Hsu: 12312 Allin St, Culver City, 90320
Zoe Corwin: USC office: Waite Phillips Hall, 701
3470 Trousdale Parkway USC Campus

Book Drive for Kids Who Lost Their Homes in the LA Fires

Dear Friends,

We are collecting books for kids who have had to leave theirs behind in burning houses.

Here’s what we are after:

1.  Books for kids ages 0-18!

2.  Gift Cards for indie bookstores. We recommend Octavia’s Bookshelf, Book Alley, and Vroman’s on the East Side; Children’s Book World and Diesel on the West Side.  However many gift cards you do, denominations of $20 or $25 would allow us to spread them across families.

Books/graphic novels that are fun and distracting will be best.

Kids are always excited to have new books … but gently used is also great.

In Altadena, we will be distributed primarily by Foothill Family Services, which is already deep into working at the evacuation centers and with families who are dispersed from the fire.  If we have enough books for small children, we will send some of them to Families Forward, as well.

In Pacific Palisades, we are working towards finding the best distribution mechanism, and will have that in place, soon.  If you have a great contact, please email me directly (julie@mockingbirdpictures.com).

DEADLINE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH

PLEASE, if you can, also deliver a list of what you are dropping off (Titles, Authors, and even age range for the reader, if you know it).  This will help our volunteers sort everything properly. 

Drop-Off Locations:

Adele Romanski — Mount Washington 

453 Mavis Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90065

Cindy Willard — Pasadena

500 Del Rosa Drive

Pasadena, CA 91105

Gary Foster — Venice

729 Indiana Avenue

Venice, CA 90291

Dave Koplan - Sherman Oaks

4135 Fulton Avenue

Sherman Oaks CA 91423

Julie Lynn — Hollywood Hills (+ Hollywood)

3020 Lakeridge Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90068

Laura Rister — Larchmont Village (+ Hancock Park)

137 North Lucerne Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90004

Linda Goldstein Knowlton — WeHo (+ edge of BevHills)

9004 Rosewood Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90048

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

Target Gift Card Drive for Those Affected by the Wildfires

This is wonderful Julie Goldman’s brain child and I fricking love it.  She is collecting TARGET GIFT CARDS.  She is going to hold them for a couple weeks, then give them to organizations that are directly working with affected folks. 

A friend of mine sent me a FB post from a mutual friend who lost their house in the 2017 fires (I can't remember where those even were!) Here's what she wrote about donations:

I’ve known Julie for decades.  You can trust her.  In fact, I've never known her to steal someone else's Target gift cards even once!   If you are interested in participating in this powerful action, here are the guidelines:

– All gift cards must be TARGET.  

– All gift cards must be for $100 or less.

– All gift cards should be dropped off either at Julie’s place: 608 N. Edinburgh, LA 90948, or at her work: Sotheby International Realty: 13501 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks 91420

– OR, if you don’t have time/ability/whatever to go to Target and get gift cards yourself, you can Venmo Francine and she will buy the gift cards and get them to Julie.  Francine also has never been known to gift cards from anyone.  Venmo Francine at:  @Francine-Tansey.  

– The Deadline for gift cards is Jan 17.  That’s this coming Friday.

GIFT CARD COLLECTION for FIRE AFFECTED FOLKS

Buy Target Gift Cards, $100 or less

Drop off  with Julie
608 N. Edinburgh, LA 90048
OR
Sotheby International Realty 13501 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks 91420

Or Venmo Francine: @Francine-Tansey

Deadline: Jan 17.

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

Antisemitism Learning Group

If the surge of antisemitism, and the war in the Middle East has your head spinning, and you wanna learn more, please come join the AntiSemitism Learning Group. Lisa Hofheimer is our amazing leader. She has spent decades in the field of Jewish philanthropy and education and knows everyone and almost everything about the topic. Plus, she’s delightful.

We meet evenings on zoom and either discuss issues of the day, but mostly hear from experts about various issues pertaining to this complicated topic. We represent a wide array of POV.  Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be Jewish.  Our only requirement is that you believe that Israel has a right to exist and that Hamas is a terrorist organization. If that’s you, come join!

Our next meeting is next week!
 

The HODG ANTISEMITISM LEARNING GROUP

Wednesday, January 8

8pm - 9pm

All Welcome! 

Come join us and learn about this complicated topic!

A MORNING OF LUNCH MAKING

We did this last month and it was so easy and so fun that we decided to make it a regular thing. Basically instead of making your Sunday lunches at home and dropping them off at the nearest hub – which you totally can still do!! And should if that works better for you!! — you can instead make 300 lunches with friends and neighbors. Here’s how it works:

– Sign up on the google doc – or if google docs freak you out, email us –  and bring a large amount of one item. Like 50 cuties. Or 100 bags of potato chips.  

– Show up on Sunday morning at 10am.  We will have sandwich making, bag decorating and bag filling stations.  Everyone will join a station and before we know it we’ll have made 300 lunches! 

– As always these lunches will be going to the Hollywood Food Coalition.

– The blood drive is at the same time so maybe do both (wink wink).

– This is a great activity for younger kids.  

HODG’s MORNING of COMMUNITY LUNCH MAKING

Sunday, Jan 5

10am - noon-ish

153 S. Norton Ave

Kids welcome.  No pets, please.

Sign up to bring item here.

HODG’S BIG-HEARTED, BAD-ASS BLOOD DRIVE

It’s the FIRST blood drive bank of the New Year! The bad-ass HODG BLOOD BANK!

If you are able, please sign up to donate blood on Sunday, January 5.

The mobile van from Cedars will be at: 153 S. Norton Ave from 10am - 4pm.

We will have delicious popsicles and other delish food :)

If you cannot give, send your kids. (Anyone over 16 can give)

Also, please send this link to your neighbors.

Bring picture I.D. [driver license/or/passport works best or a photo of the I.D. on a smartphone will work]

✓  Welcome Back blood donors: specific guidelines have recently changed & many can now give blood again!

[FDA updated new guidance regarding eligibility criteria may allow one to participate with blood donation if previously not able to]

[i.e.  Great Britain/Ireland/U.K. residents–travelers  ·  Covid–19 illness  ·  Same–sex partners  ·  Inclusive gender–neutral questions]

Everything completely free for those who successfully donate blood, no charge at all for any of the following:

✓  Free for everyone – no fees or cost whatsoever to give blood

✓  All are invited:  Ages 16, 17, 18, & up  (no upper age limit & a local gentleman gives blood he’s over 90!)

✓  Only 16 year olds specifically require a signed Parent Consent  [download form here]

✓  Even first–timers are definitely welcome – donors able to find out their own individual blood type within about a week

✓  Most common medications no problem (aspirin, cholesterol, blood pressure, birth control, pain pills, antidepressants/anxiety, thyroid, even diabetics taking insulin)

✓  Ink-work tattoos & ear/body piercings are allowed (as long as it was a professional licensed shop & no amateur settings, i.e. home/garage or incarceration)

✓  The actual blood donation process itself only takes about 10 mins & is fairly simple

✓  All donors be sure to have photo I.D. or a picture of it on their smartphone is okay (driver license, Calif I.D., or a passport will work best)

✓  Adios to finger–sticks!  The non-invasive sensor device is the newest innovation for easy iron readings & makes it a cinch

The following helpful link is from our Nutrition Dept of Registered Dieticians – good for anyone who’s ever had decreased iron, which can fluctuate monthly/throughout the year and yes they most definitely can try again (most people don’t have actual diagnosed anemia).  And I’ve met vegetarians/full-vegans who don’t eat even any meat yet still have sufficient iron to give blood just fine:

Iron • detailed info & beneficial food list

Thank you very much for supporting this important cause.

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

SHOE DRIVE

SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition describes itself as responding to homelessness proactively, compassionately, and effectively. It makes sure people living on the streets get help, whether it’s a cup of coffee and a smile, connection to services, or necessities for daily living.

But we’re told they sometimes have to make sure a participant’s shoes are completely disintegrated before they give them another pair, because otherwise there won’t be a pair for those who haven’t got any shoes at all.

So…SHOE DRIVE!

We’re looking for used shoes in adult sizes, so please check your closets from now through Jan. 3!

Either drop them off with your Sunday lunches on Jen’s doorstep: 153 S. Norton Ave.

Or any time at Rhonda’s front door at 1238 Meadowbrook in the Olympic-LaBrea neighborhood.

If you have a lot of shoes, call Rhonda at 323-804-1698 and she’ll gladly pick them up.

GROCERY GANG DROP-OFF

Come participate in our monthly Grocery Gang Drop-Off!

The HODG Grocery Gang buys groceries from a list of non perishable items and drops them off to one of our homes on the 10th of every month. Groceries are then delivered to formerly unhoused folks living in PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) run by a non-profit called A Community of Friends. The groceries go to two of their buildings: one on Gower and the other on Hudson — where clients live and make their own meals.

If you’d like to participate - please email Pegah at: hangoutdogood@gmail.com

FYI for newcomers: You do NOT need to buy everything on this list.

You can purchase whatever you’d like for either 1 person = 1 bag or as many as you’d like.

Drop off/Instacart on the 10th of every month by 12pm

THE GROCERY GANG SHOPPING LIST

Chicken/Tuna Creations (ready to eat package-starkist)

Canned fruit/cups

Canned beans

Canned vegetables

Bag of rice

Breakfast Cereal

Crackers

Oatmeal- instant pouches 

Grits- pouches

Bread

Jam/Jelly

Peanut Butter

Hamburger Helper

Pasta

Granola Bars

Apple Sauce

Juice Boxes (eg: Capri Sun)

Milk (Boxed, shelf)

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR OUR YOUTH

Calling all bakers!

HODG is teaming up with My Friend’s Place and The Center in Hollywood to provide cakes for their monthly birthday celebrations. MFP and The Center help youth and adults who are experiencing homelessness move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency— and birthday cakes are a little “slice” of joy we can help provide.

Please sign up here if you’re interested in participating.

You don’t need to be an expert baker to join in! Whether from scratch or from a box or even from the bakery down the street, we just need seven or eight cakes (or cupcakes equivalent) to offer 60-100 servings for the guests of My Friend’s Place and The Center each month.

You can email lorettaramos@gmail.com for more info.

Thank you so much!

Team HODG

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004