This holiday season, FilmL.A. staffers teamed up with local production companies and locations pros to take part in a holiday toy and basic needs drive for residents of the Five Acres Orphanage and Foster Home in Altadena. Five Acres houses around 80 children between the ages of 5 to 13 years of age, but the drive included 230 program residents ranging from newborns to young adults 18 years old.
As part of the ‘Angel Tree’ program each participant from Five Acres has the chance to create a small wish list of items they hope to receive for the holidays. The children’s names, ages and gift choices are added to a list and shared with partner organizations eager to help.
“At FilmL.A. we like to write the children’s names and gift wishes on slips of paper that we hang as ornaments on our Angel Tree,” said Jodi Strong, Director of Production Planning for and Angel Tree organizer for FilmL.A. “Staffers like being able to select their “child’ from the tree,” Strong said.
Many requests were for toys, books and games, but also necessary items like toothbrushes, underwear, socks and bedding.
All donations were picked up from FilmL.A. on December 15th and taken to a central location for a gift wrapping.
FilmL.A. staffers love to give back in this way. Like every year, the Angel Tree quickly emptied of ornaments. This year, staffers donated a karaoke machine, scooters, a bike and other items.
“I involve my children in the selection of gifts for other children of similar age and interests,” observed Philip Sokoloski, Vice President of Integrated Communications at FilmL.A. “The act of giving becomes a teaching moment that includes appreciating the blessings in our own lives.”
With a 128 year history of advocating for children, Five Acres also offers enrichment programs that engage children in activities such as music, art and sports. These programs allow children to connect with others in a healthy way and provide them a sense of normalcy.
To learn more about Five Acres and the programs that the organization provides please visit their website http://www.5acres.org/
One Comment on “FilmL.A. Participates in the ‘Angel Tree’ Drive, 4 Years and Counting”
It’s wonderful to hear about FilmLA staffers participating in ‘give back’ effort for foster kids. Kudos!
However… FilmLA is not the only filming related organization working on charitable efforts.
In particular, I’d like to call your attention to the Altadena Community Chest which is closely connected with Home Shoot Home location service. Since 2011, Altadena Community Chest/Home Shoot Home has worked with its clients and production companies to donate over $30,000 to Altadena non-profits. What a stellar example! One might only hope FilmLA would recognize other filming businesses and encourage them to follow suit.