Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

This Christmas, food banks are reporting shortages at a time when demand is higher than ever. Many families can't even pay the utility bill, much less buy gifts for their kids. Opportunities to give abound, and the need is especially urgent.

One of the reasons I give is to teach my daughter the importance of sharing with those who are less fortunate. This year, instead of just writing checks, I've been looking for concrete ways to include her in the process:

Fill up a bag for the food bank. Kids love to grab stuff off the shelves at the supermarket, so on your next Trader Joe's run, let your child choose some items to donate to the food bank. There are drop-off locations for Long Beach food banks all over town, including the El Dorado Neighborhood Library, Main Library, and Vons at 1800 Ximeno. Donations will be accepted until December 31^st.

Go toy shopping. The next time you're hanging out in the toy aisle at Target, let your kid choose a toy for a needy child. The Long Beach Police Department is collecting toys for disadvantaged kids. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys at police stations and branch libraries around town.

Buy a sheep. (Or a goat, or a pig.) I'm a big fan of Heifer, especially since I read this story in the New York Times. Heifer uses donations to supply families in third-world countries with farm animals that can sustain them for years. Kids can browse through the catalog and choose which animal to send.

What's your favorite charity? How are you teaching your kids the importance of giving this year?