The Goodness in MB

Manhattan Beach is full of giving. Philanthropic efforts are everywhere, from the fundraising of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, Manhattan Beach Youth Athletics, the Manhattan Beach Centennial Foundation and the like to heartwarming smaller-scale efforts by area youth, including American Marytyrs' student efforts to raise money for breast cancer on behalf of Redondo Beach resident Karen Beebe.  

Here are a few more notable acts of giving.

1. Manhattan Beach dentist Arash Panah is offering the second annual "Dentistry from the Heart" Friday, Dec. 16, providing 100 people with free dental care. His office is at 200 N. Aviation Boulevard, Suite A; (310) 937-6453.

2. Manhattan Beach police officers and volunteers visited the homes of about 18-20 non-ambulatory and socially distanced senior citizens who live in MB last weekend. MBPD's Andy Harrod spearheaded the effort about six years ago, working in partnership with the Beach Cities Health District. On- and off-duty officers hand out a small gift bag containing personal items and a 2012 calendar donated by South Bay businesses.

3. On Monday, Dec. 5, students and staff at Pennekamp Elementary School celebrated a kindergarten student's return to school after a successful surgery by wearing hats all day. What a wonderful way to support another person!

4. The Operation Jack Marathon & Half Marathon returns to Manhattan Beach on Monday, Dec. 26 for its second annual staging to raise money for autism charities. Event organizers expect to raise more than $30,000 from entry fees, donations & sponsors. MB resident and 2010 Palos Verdes Marathon winner Pat Sweeney has entered along with 2010 100 Mile Trail Champion Dave James and Sam Felsenfeld, whose autistic son Jack is the impetus for San's effort to race at least one marathon a week in 2010 (61 total for the year) to generate attention that will raise funds and nationwide awareness for Train 4 Autism.

5. Small gifts and acts of kindness have a way of making a lasting impression.

On a busy summer's day during my dog walking of 2009, I stopped into Grow: The Produce Shop to grab a piece of fruit and simply grabbed one piece of fruit. At the checkout stand, the Grow staff member asked if that was all I had to which I replied, "Yes." He told me to take it.

Recently, I went to the Manhattan Postal Center to fax a document but didn't have the $3 in cash necessary to pay for the fax. I offered a credit card and owner Steve Finestone, one of the nicest men around, told me to pay him with cash next time I was in.

Manhattan Beach is a great community to live in. Thanks to everyone who makes it such a wonderful place to be!