On Oct. 23, the City of Beverly Hills and its Human Relations Commission will host a new donation drive called “Day of Giving.” The event will be held at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market as a part of the Commission’s Embrace Civility Month. Residents and community members are encouraged to bring in donations of non-perishable food items, canned goods, toiletries, gently used jackets, blankets, dog toys and towels.
The Human Relations Commission declared October as Embrace Civility Month in 2017. Throughout the month, the commission holds events, puts up signage and interacts with the community to promote good camaraderie in Beverly Hills. The commission aims to foster an environment that prioritizes civility, respect and good manners.
Every resident is encouraged to participate in the Civility Month Challenges posted to the Community Life Instagram page to employ polite practices in everyday life. “The goals of Civility Month are not just for the month, it’s an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of being a civil neighbor and practicing responsible actions,” Communications and Marketing Coordinator Dana Beesen told the Courier.
Donations collected at the Day of Giving will go directly to the city’s non-profit partners, People Assisting the Homeless, Safe Parking LA, and Los Angeles County Animal Shelter. Human Services Administrator Rachel L. Evans hopes that the community will rise to the occasion and exemplify the qualities that Embrace Civility Month promotes. “This is exactly what we encourage the community to do and what the commission and we stand for, promoting positive acts in the community,” Evans told the Courier. “I encourage folks to come out and support these wonderful organizations and talk to the commissioners to learn more about the organizations. If they can donate at the same time, that would be wonderful.”
The commission will also award a Beverly Hills community member with the eleventh annual Embrace Civility Award. The award is given to an individual or a group who demonstrates positive behavior and has contributed to the well-being of their community. The recipient will accept the award at the Nov. 1 City Council meeting.
“While our commission encourages its community members to always act in a civil and kind manner, we take the opportunity to highlight its importance and spread the message of civility throughout the entire month,” said Noelle Freeman, chair of the Human Relations Commission. “In recognition of Civility Month, we hope you will bring donations to the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on Oct. 23 to provide for people and pets in need.”
Donations will be accepted on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market on Civic Center Drive.
