December 2022 Project:
Winterfest at CalVets

For December we'll be hosting a hot cocoa station for elderly veterans at Cal Vets, decorating mugs, making scarves, keychains, and handmade cards. These Veterans are going to love the handmade gifts and the smiles this holiday season!

WHAT WE'LL DO:

• Learn about Veterans, and why they need our help - content below

• Learn about CalVets and their amazing residents - more below

• Assemble our Cozy Cocoa Cups -supply list and instructions here

• Join us in person at CalVets if you can!

• Drop off finished kits no later than December 1st

• Keep learning and advocating for veterans - see actions below

JOIN US IN PERSON:

• Come Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 10:00 AM to serve cocoa to elderly veterans, make mugs and scarves, and meet our some of nation's heroes!

• All supplies will be provided for those attending in-person. Please sign up for the event here.

• Volunteers must be registered as FAVE Fam to participate

• We'll be on the Westside VA Campus at CalVets:

  • Veterans Home of California, 11500 Nimitz Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

• Please Note: the location can be difficult to find, the VA is large and it's easy to get turned around. Allow extra time to find the spot. Volunteer parking will be at parking lot #20 to the east of the building.

WHERE THE COZY COCOA CUPS ARE BEING DONATED:

This month our partner is Cal Vets. Their mission is: "To serve and honor all California veterans by connecting them and their families with their earned benefits through education, advocacy, and direct services." We are supporting the Westside Veteran's Home of California - CalVets where they house close to 300 veterans over the age of 55. CalVets provides more than just housing, they provide meals, healthcare, activities, and events for their residents. Many of these residents might otherwise find themselves homeless without the support of CalVets. Homelessness is a widespread problem and unfortunately veterans are more likely to be unhoused than non-veterans. There are 1.6 million veterans in California and California has the most unhoused veterans. We know that there are many things that can lead to homeslessness such as unemployment, PTSD, physical or mental disability, and social isolation. Through this project we will assist CalVets by creating a connection through a handmade mug and scarf, plus a personalized card expressing gratitude. They will be able to use these items again and again, but also be reminded of the care you spent to make something for them. It’s always important for veterans to feel connected and to know that people appreciate their service to their country. Whether you can join us in person or at home, these mugs and scarves are a very personal expression of our appreciation for these vets! 

EDUCATION + ADVOCACY MATERIAL

Veterans are the brave men and women who have been in the military. They come from the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, or Coast Guard. Many Veterans have fought in wars around the world. November 11 is Veteran's Day - a day set aside to thank those who were in the military for the scraficices they made and the bravery they showed to fight for our country. It is important to remember Veterans not only on Veteran's Day but everyday because many suffer from both physical and mental injuries that they sustained during their service to our country. Many of these injuries make it hard for them to work, have meaningful relationships, or even take care of themselves. Many veterans need our help. You probably know a veteran yourself, make sure to thank them for thier service next time you see them.

An inspiring book for all ages about the woman who saw the need to help and remember veterans The Poppy Lady, is a great way to start the discussion on how to help and thank veterans:

SESAME STREET CLIPS

These clips are great to introduce younger children and preschoolers to who veterans are:

• This Sesame Street Video is great for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children. This is a brief (less than a minute) Veterans’ Day message. 

• Sesame Street has a host of resources dedicated to military children. Many say that it is not just the service member who becomes a veteran, but their families as well. This video can help you explore issues that military families face.

• Here is another Sesame Street video examining the separation from family that some Veterans may have experienced and how the families are impacted by time apart and combat wounds. This is geared for upper elementary to middle school students. Understanding that Veterans’ needs extends to families as well helps build greater understanding and empathy. 

FOR MIDDLE GRADES

FOR UPPER GRADES

SHOW FOR OLDER KIDS AND ADULTS

WHY WE'RE HELPING VETERANS

An unfortunate truth is that here in Los Angeles 3,902 homeless veterans were reported in the 2020 Homeless Count.

Options for donating your kit
Project Due: 12/1/22

OPTION 1: BRING KIT TO IN-PERSON EVENT

Bring it completed or ready to work on to our in-person event on December 3rd at CalVets.

• Veterans Home of California, 11500 Nimitz Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

OPTION 2: DROP OFF YOUR KIT

Drop off to LA Works Office

• Hours: M - F 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Address: 570 W. Avenue 26 Suite #400, Los Angeles CA 90065

• We are located at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens.

• Our offices are inside the big white warehouse building, enter where it says “Studio Arts” and find the door that says L.A. Works.

• If no one is there, leave it on the wooden bench by the door with Attn: Shayn Ferriolo.

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Drop off to Hermosa Beach:

• Email shayn@laworks.com for the address.

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OPTION 3: MAIL YOUR KIT

Mail your kit to our office:

570 W. Avenue 26 Suite 400, Los Angeles CA 90065 (Attn: Shayn Ferriolo)

Mail your kit to Hermosa Beach:

Email shayn@laworks.com for the address

If neither of these options works for you, please reach out! We'll do our best to sort a pick-up or alternative.

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