This month, Sunset Strip businesses are getting in the holiday spirit by hosting special events benefiting a range of local charities. In addition to getting that warm, fuzzy feeling for supporting a good cause, some of the participating businesses are also giving extra perks back to the giver in the form of shopping discounts and complimentary drinks. Who said good deeds go unnoticed?
A collection of The Strip’s music venues, retailers and tattoo shops are hosting toy drives. Those attending shows at the Viper Room should bring an unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots this month, and as a thank you, the Viper will serve up one complimentary beverage at the bar. Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club and Starbucks locations throughout West Hollywood are also accepting donations benefitting the West Hollywood Sherriff’s Station toy drive for local families. This annual toy and food drive provides families in need with a holiday meal and two toys for each child in the family. Donations are accepted now through Dec. 23.
Those looking to knock a few items off their holiday shopping list while contributing to a good cause will want to stop by Code C on Saturday, Dec. 10 for their toy drive and party benefitting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Drop off an unwrapped gift between 3-7 p.m. and receive a 20% discount on full priced merchandise. The event also features trunk shows, complimentary holiday drinks and snacks and is hosted by actress Debi Mazar and Gabrielle Corcos of cooking show “Extra Virgin.”
Rounding out the toy drives, the Whisky A Go-Go’s Dec. 19 “Hip Hop Holladaze” show will also include a toy drive for Union Rescue Mission. Attendees who drop off a toy will receive half-priced admission to that night’s show ($5 entry).
For those who would like to give back while indulging in some mid-day relaxation, Boxwood Café by Gordon Ramsay is hosting a special “teas the season” afternoon tea service benefiting A Place Called Home throughout the month. A Place Called home is a Los Angeles-based non-profit that raises funds and provides education services for underserved individuals in the community. The holiday tea service is offered from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. daily and includes a festive, seasonal menu including an assortment of afternoon pastries, miniature tea sandwiches, fresh baked scones and a selection of teas. The cost is $28 per person ($40 per person with addition of champagne), and 15% of all proceeds will be donated to A Place Called Home.
This year Peet’s Coffee & Tea on Sunset has selected AIDS Project LA as their holiday donation recipient. Peet’s will accept donations for AIDS Project LA during the week prior to Christmas (Dec. 19-24), and to get everyone in the giving spirit, Peet’s will serve free drip coffee and tea on Dec. 24.
OleHenriksen is giving back by providing some rest and relaxation for those who have lost their job this year. The spa will randomly select 100 individuals who have lost their jobs to receive complimentary spa services. To be eligible, individuals should send your story (500 words or less) about how losing your job has affected your life, the changes you had to make and how an OleHenriksen Face/Body Spa service could brighten your day. Submissions must be received by Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6:00 p.m. via email to OHSpaDay@olehenriksen.com. Randomly selected winners will be announced Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 via email and/or telephone. Please include your first and last name, date of birth, address, phone number, email and service preference with your submission.
Last but certainly not least on the list of good deeds, Book Soup has set a goal of donating 300 pounds of canned and non-perishable goods to help support the Los Angeles Region Food Bank. Donations are being accepted in store now through Dec. 17.
For additional charity events and holiday specials, be sure to “friend” and follow The Sunset Strip on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo: Code C holiday storefront supporting the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles toy drive. Courtesy of Code C.
–C. Kemp
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