Clockwise from top left : Treating a pinniped at Pacific Marine Mammal Center ; learning to garden with Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach ; spending time with the residents of Blue Bell Foundation for Cats
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The only establishment of its kind in Orange County , the Pacific Marine Mammal Center has made a name for itself throughout its 51-year history . The nonprofit ’ s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured pinnipeds dealing with everything from infections and pneumonia to net strangulation and malnourishment , with the goal of returning them to the wild . Release days are especially thrilling . Research and education are also important to the center , with programs like Ocean Heroes and Camp Pinniped taking local youth behind the scenes to learn about marine science and the hospital ’ s operations ; a special education program passport event gives kids a way to track their learning . This holiday season , check out PMMC ’ s 2022 Holiday Catalog to purchase apparel , home goods , jewelry , stuffed animals , holiday decor from Laguna-based Iconic Ornaments and more , all benefiting the nonprofit . Philanthropists can also purchase adoption kits or memberships , or donate to program scholarships or help cover the cost of food for PMMC patients . “ Proceeds from the holiday catalog fund our hospital ’ s operations as well as give-back programs that inspire those who need it most — like Healing Seals , a program that brings the PMMC experience into pediatric hospitals , and Sea Lions for Service Members , a healing experience for post-combat veterans transitioning back to civilian life ,” says Glenn Gray , CEO of the PMMC . Find the catalog at pacific-marine-mammal-center . myshopify . com . ( pacificmmc . org )
BLUE BELL FOUNDATION FOR CATS For more than 30 years , Blue Bell Foundation for Cats has helped provide shelter and care for senior cats whose owners pass away or can no longer take care of them . The group was started by Bertha Yergat and is now run by Susan and John Hamil , who help ensure that the property , set in Laguna Canyon , is a sanctuary for the pets that live there . Set amongst fresh greenery and gardens , the cats live cage-free with cat trees / perches and comfortable beds , high-quality food , screened-in porches , around-the-clock health care and more . Loving volunteers help make the organization what it is . Community members may donate to several funds via the nonprofit ’ s website , including the Veterinary Medicine Endowment , the Blue Bell Gardens Fund , the Campus Renovation Fund , a Gift of Love and more . But , this winter , financial contributions benefit another endowment . “ Holiday donations … [ will ] go towards our Community Cat Fund , which underwrites the cost of our Lifetime Care Program for senior , unadoptable cats from local shelters that are accepted as residents ,” says Jenna Mikula , the nonprofit ’ s assistant director . “ This year , we placed Claude , a blind old gentleman found wandering the streets . He has turned out to be an extremely affectionate lap cat and the Community Cat Fund ensures we can continue to provide happy endings for cats like Claude .” ( bluebellcats . org )
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH Children and teens are front and center at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach , where a number of programs are in place to help empower local youth . Aside from being a safe place , the organization helps kids learn life skills , discover their talents and prepare for the future — all while having fun and developing new hobbies . There are three locations in Laguna Beach , including the Bluebird branch , The Port High School Student Union for teens at Lang Park , and the Laguna Canyon branch , which is home to the club ’ s preschool and transitional kindergarten as well as The Loft ( an exclusive hangout for middle school students ). After-school enrichment is a large part of the nonprofit ’ s offerings , in addition to programming on leadership , career prep , health and wellness , fitness and the arts . Give a donation to the club ’ s endowment fund to support its mission of empowering youth to help them reach their full potential . Donors can also opt to purchase an item from one of
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER ; COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH
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