Good deeds dominate my social media feeds and conversations with friends and family. As we navigate some troubled waters in the world, it’s good to reflect on the positive aspects of what we as humans do for each other.
From our own DJ Galaxy cooking for the unhoused to the many toy and food drives (some for our four legged friends), the holiday season brings out the best in us. But only if we choose to participate, donate and relate to what is happening around us. So it’s a time to let someone go ahead of you in traffic, to say “good morning” to a stranger, and share your gifts with those less fortunate.
And while it is “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”, let’s not get too caught up in the fervor of consumption. Let’s also do a good deed or two and make this world a better place!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Holiday Food & Toy Drives
The Barracks presents a Holiday Toy Drive on Sunday, November 27, from 2–7 pm. Bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate to Well in the Desert and enjoy the fesitivities hosted by Anita Treadmill and Mr. Barracks Leather 2023 Mark Calkins [More info].
At The Roost Lounge, they are accepting canned food and non-perishable food items now through December 20, with drop-off locations at The Roost, Roadrunner Print & Ship, and various pop-up events from Brothers of the Desert. They are also accepting new unwrapped toys for local children, benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, now through December 20 at the same locations. They are also running a separate Board Game Drive through December 12, for new unwrapped board games (not card games) which will go toward their goal of gifting a game to every student at Rio Vista and Julius Corsini Elementary Schools [More info].
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Gift & Toy Drive, “Chorus Cares,” is Saturday, December 3 from 8 am–1 pm at their booth at the Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Please bring new unwrapped gifts or toys in original packaging or gift cards up to $25 in value, to benefit Martha’s Village & Kitchen.
Dick’s Bar is having a “Stuff the Cruiser” Toy Drive with Anita Treadmill and the Palm Springs Police Department on Friday, December 9. Then, Hunters and Streetbar are teaming up for a Toy Drive all day on Sunday, December 11 in the parking lot between the two establishments. Fill the truck with unwrapped toys which will be given to Palm Springs Fire Station #2 for distribution. On Saturday, December 17, AMP Sports Lounge in Cathedral City has a Toy Drive starting at 3pm with a drag show at 5 pm.
The City of Palm Springs Parks & Rec Department is collecting unwrapped toys at four different locations through Thursday, December 15:
- Palm Springs BMW, 3737 E. Palm Canyon Drive
- Porsche Palm Springs, 3735 E. Palm Canyon Drive
- Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise / Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Sunday)
- Leisure Center, 401 S. Pavilion Way / Open 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank shelves are emptier than ever, and they’ve launched a new “Feed a Family” campaign going into this holiday season. Your $55 donation can help the food bank provide a family of 4 with all the fixings for a delicious and healthy holiday meal [Donate here].
Mizell Center can use your help, too, in filling their holiday gift bags for their 400 homebound Meals on Wheels clients. They are looking for shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, and athletic socks to be donated no later than December 7. You can drop them off at the center or even have them shipped: Attention Laura Castillo, 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a special holiday screening of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday and Saturday, November 25 & 26 in their main-stage theatre with the largest screen in the valley. Experience the film with an all local, full shadow cast directed by Katrina Storton, along with your fellow audience members. Cocktails start 8 pm with a full bar, drink specials, and hot-buttered-popcorn. Pre-show/screening starts at 9 pm. The first 100 audience members to arrive at the theatre will receive an interactive “prop bag.” A limited number of bags will be available for purchase at the show. Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert
Wildlights returns to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens this Friday and Saturday, November 25 & 26, from 6–9 pm. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Wildlights is a magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun, recognized in the Top 5 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today. Follow illuminated pathways on a journey around the Zoo with endless awe-inspiring sights and festive photo opportunities. Guests can go for a spin on the carousel, enjoy themed treats, take a free souvenir photo with Santa, and much more. In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Additional dates include December 2–3, 9–10, 16–24, and 26–30. Advance reservations required. Get tickets
For all weekend events check out GayDesertGuide.com
