What You Can Do to...feed the hungry, help a child, inspire a teen-ager, cheer the lonely, clean the ocean, befriend an old person or share the healing beauty of art...

Some children have never received a gift-wrapped present. Some families are going without dinner today.

This is the time of year for sharing not only with our loved ones, but with those without family and friends and with those who are ill, out of work or homeless.

The following holiday wish lists from local charities suggest ways to brighten the holiday season for others--and for yourself--by sharing your money or your time.

Reach Out to Kids

* Caring for Babies With AIDS provides residential and outreach programs for HIV positive or ill newborns and children who are indigent, abandoned or homeless. The program also provides services and support to families of children with AIDS. The organization needs baby food, infant formula, disposable diapers, new clothes for children from birth to 12 years old and toys. Other needs are linens for junior and twin beds, and gift certificates for Lucky Supermarkets, Stride Rite Shoes and Target Stores. Office items needed are a fax machine, laser printer and IBM compatible computer. For preferred brands of food and toys and other information, call (213) 931-9828.

* Children’s Bureau of Southern California provides child protection services and programs to prevent neglect and abuse of children. Needs include infant supplies and clothing for children, toys, books and household items. Information: Julia Clark, (213) 661-1015.

* Crittenton Center for Young Women and Infants provides long-term residential treatment and foster family placement for teen-age girls, pregnant teen-agers, and teen-age mothers and their babies. For babies and toddlers, the center needs baby swings, dolls, cloth books, car safety seats, cribs and crib comforters, bumpers and sheets, diaper bags, diapers, clothing, carriers, layette sets, pacifiers, riding toys, strollers and stuffed animals. For the mothers, the center seeks alarm clocks, bicycles, dresser scarves, desk lamps, games, curling irons, hair dryers, sheets, socks, irons, large duffle bags, jeans, pajamas, sweat pants, sweaters, white T-shirts, winter jackets, picture frames and wristwatches. Also on the center’s wish list are a 27-inch TV, a VCR, bookcases, kitchen utensils, a microwave oven, pots and pans, a stove for the classroom kitchen and a Thighmaster. Information: (213) 225-4211.

* Tuesday’s Child helps children affected by HIV/AIDS whose families often lack basic necessities. The agency needs canned and other non-perishable foods, new clothing, books and toys for infants and children. Information: (310) 204-2081.

* The Child Study Center of St. John’s Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica provides services for children 3 to 18 who are being treated for psychological and development problems. The center needs new toys, books, games, stuffed animals, watches, sweaters and backpacks. Information: Gretchen Frank, (310) 829-8678.

* The Jeffrey Foundation needs toys, books, games and clothing (all sizes) for young people 2 to 18 who have multiple handicaps. Volunteers may sign up for the foundation’s holiday workshops to help gift-wrap toys, make holiday crafts and pack food baskets for the needy. Workshops are 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 4 and 11. Volunteers may also help coordinate the annual Christmas party to be held Dec. 18. Information: Carol Saenz, (213) 965-7536.

* Hollygrove provides residential care for abused and neglected children in Hollywood. Among its needs are educational software, backpacks, children’s dictionaries, encyclopedia sets, magazine subscriptions and washable sleeping bags. Also wanted are non-stick cookware and microwave ovens, and volunteers to repair bicycles. Household items in good condition may also be donated to Hollygrove’s Thrift Shop. Information: Bob Morgan: (213) 463-2119.

* Red Cloud American Indian Society in Irvine collects and ships clothing and toys to Native Americans in the coldest and most economically deprived areas of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Needs are new heavy blankets, shoes, heavy clothing for adults and children, and children’s books and toys. Information: (714) 833-3865.

* Covenant House--California, in Hollywood, provides services and seeks shelters for homeless teen-agers. The youths need new underwear, socks, jackets, sweaters, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs and hairbrushes, shampoo, sports equipment, and arts and crafts materials. Information: (213) 957-7426.

Assist the Needy

* Los Angeles Regional Foodbank needs donations of non-perishable food. People who would like to help can also conduct food drives at their companies, schools or churches. Information: (213) 234-3030.

* Ocean Park Community Center in Santa Monica provides a network of emergency shelters and services for homeless adults and families, runaway and abused youth, battered women and their children, and homeless mentally ill women. Its various agencies aid more then 10,000 people each year. The Homeless Drop-In Center for adults and families needs new unwrapped toys, men’s and women’s winter clothing, toiletries, canned food, diapers, socks, underclothing, rain gear, blankets, grocery certificates and turkey baskets. Information: (310) 450-4050. Stepping Stone Youth Crisis Shelter serves runaway and abused teen-agers. It is seeking donations of new clothing (sweat shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts, jeans, jackets, socks and underwear), backpacks, book bags, hair dryers, portable radios, sneakers, and arts and crafts supplies. Information: (310) 450-7839. Campion Counseling Program provides psychological help. It seeks a Macintosh computer, typewriter, stuffed chairs, small living room chairs, a coffee maker, hot plate, toaster oven, file cabinets, art supplies and framed art posters. Information: (310) 394-5403. Sojourn Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children needs diapers of all sizes, washcloths and towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, detergent, radios, cassette players, an electric can opener, and pots and pans with lids. Information: (310) 399-9232. Turning Point Shelter, a 35-bed shelter for homeless men and women, needs new underclothing and socks for men and women, other clothing and umbrellas. Information: (310) 394-3947. Daybreak Day Center and Shelter for homeless mentally ill women needs new socks, underwear (including bras--all sizes), shirts, jackets, umbrellas and toiletries. Information: (310) 450-0650.

* North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry collects and provides food to families in need. Donations of canned and non-perishable food items are sought. Information: (818) 760-3575.

* Beyond Shelter’s Family Friends Program needs volunteers and organizations to sponsor homeless families with children under 18. The agency helps families get out of emergency shelters and into permanent housing. Sponsors prepare and deliver kits with pans, utensils, towels, lamps and other household items. Holiday baskets and toys are also welcome. Information: Edna Glikmann, (213) 252-0772.

* Lamp Village on Skid Row provides housing and employment, drug recovery and support services to the homeless and mentally ill. Clients need tennis shoes, socks, towels and cakes of soap. Information: Edna Williams, (213) 488-0670.

* Assistance League of Southern California has programs throughout Los Angeles for children, senior citizens and families in need. Its Operation School Bell could use new books and toys for children and teen-agers. Sweaters, slippers and plants for senior citizens are also welcome. Volunteers are needed to help with holiday gift wrapping. Information: (213) 469-1973, Ext. 243.

* Haven House in the San Gabriel Valley takes in battered women and their children, who often come to the shelter with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Donations of underwear and bras, one-size-fits-all socks for women and children, sweaters, dresses, jeans, tennis shoes for women and children, lipsticks, combs, hair dryers, robes and gift certificates for grocery stores are needed. Also on the wish list is a new VCR. Information: (818) 564-8880.

* The Lynn Resnik Christmas Drive for new, unwrapped toys and used clothing will benefit several charities. Donations for young people from infancy through age 16 are requested and will be distributed to Childrens Hospital’s Children’s AIDS Center, Caring for Babies With AIDS, North Hollywood’s Imagine School for homeless children and Your Loving Neighbors’ Project. Information: (213) 848-9816.

* L.A.--The Works coordinates volunteer projects throughout Los Angeles to feed the hungry; work with disadvantaged students, the elderly and the handicapped, and help revitalize communities. Information: (213) 465-4097.

* Shelter Partnership Inc. provides technical assistance to organizations that offer shelter and social services throughout Los Angeles. For information on volunteer needs: (213) 747-1686.

* St. Francis Center for families in crisis seeks donations of used furniture for families who lost their belongings in a Downtown hotel fire earlier this month. It also seeks canned and other non-perishable foods (rice, noodles, macaroni, tuna, soup), and all kinds of new or used clothing and kitchen utensils. Information: (213) 747-5347.

* Project Literacy Los Angeles needs volunteers to help gift-wrap packages at Barnes & Noble bookstores in Culver City, the Beverly Connection, Santa Monica and Studio City during the holiday season. Proceeds from gift wrapping will benefit the project’s educational programs. Information: Donald Colhour, (213) 464-3927.

* People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) is holding its ninth Imaginary Feast fund-raiser. Give a donation for a dinner you’re not required to attend and the funds will be used to help others. PATH was founded by Westside churches, synagogues, businesses and organizations to help the homeless get back on their feet through emergency shelter assistance, affordable housing and counseling programs. Send donations to PATH, 10497 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90024. Information: (310) 996-0034.

Cheer the Elderly

* Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center needs food for holiday baskets to be delivered to needy homebound seniors. The center is collecting canned goods and packages of cereal, pasta and other non-perishable items. Contributions may be dropped off at 6501 Fountain Ave. between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Dec. 10. Information: (213) 465-2158.

* Volunteers of America wants to take an unwanted old car off your hands. Cars that run will be used to deliver meals to the elderly; those that don’t will be sold to fund the Senior Nutrition Program. The agency will tow cars without charge. VOA can also refer volunteers to senior citizens in need of visitors. (213) 389-1500.

* Sunset Hall, a retirement residence, is looking for volunteers to play bridge and other games, run a discussion group and adopt a senior. Also welcome are storytellers, singers, magicians and other entertainers. Information: Priscilla Yablon, (213) 387-6581, Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Public Guardian volunteers visit people who are wards of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. There are more than 2,200 Public Guardian clients living in board and care facilities throughout the county. Volunteers may give as little as an hour or two a month. Information: Joan Vitale or Chris Marshall, (213) 974-0543.

* Pasadena Senior Center needs volunteers for its Friendly Visitor Program, which offers companionship for elderly shut-ins. Information: Ginger Miller, (818) 795-4331. (In other areas, contact nursing homes, retirement homes or senior citizen groups, many of which seek volunteers to visit or entertain lonely elderly people.)

* Organization for the Needs of the Elderly seeks volunteers over the holidays and throughout the year to call or visit seniors, deliver meals, coordinate trips and work on other services. Information: Milet Parker, (818) 705-2345.

Help the Sick

* Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center invites the public to get involved with patients at its hospitals during the holiday season. The Pediatric Pavilion needs new toddler toys, dolls, board games, hand-held electronic games and fireproof decorations to brighten wards. Also wanted are volunteer clowns, magicians, musicians and caroling groups in December and assistance with special events and parties. Information: Marjorie Edmondson, (213) 226-3698. General Hospital is asking for toys and children’s clothing for the families of needy patients. Also wanted are food gift certificates (available from the hospital’s Adopt-A-Family holiday program). Information: Margie Dolinski, (213) 226-6945. County/USC’s Psychiatric Hospital patients need new adult T-shirts, men’s and women’s athletic socks, cosmetics and cosmetic bags, perfume in unbreakable containers, videos (travel, musicals, comedy), playing cards, wrapped candy, stuffed animals and soft toys, children’s books, coloring books, board games, transistor radios and boxed stationery. Holiday carolers, clowns and visitors are invited to visit with patients. Information: Kristina Stewart, (213) 226-5621. 5P21 Rand Schrader AIDS Clinic serves families in which parents and children are afflicted with HIV or AIDS. Its Adopt-a Family program collects donated gifts so needy parents can be Santa to their children. Names and ages of children and their gift requests are available. Food gift certificates are also needed. Information: Bonnie Stover, (213) 343-8390. Women’s Hospital needs toys and layettes for premature babies, toiletries, slippers, lap robes, shawls, afghans and knitted sweaters for patients. Information: Marti Garrido, (213) 226-3468.

* Identity in Existence Artwork Shops (IDEAS) Associates is a nonprofit agency that supports artists living with HIV/AIDS and artists who respond to AIDS through their work. Needed are art supplies and spaces for gallery shows, workshops and theatrical rehearsals. Volunteers with fund-raising expertise are also needed. Information: (818) 386-1803.

* Los Angeles Free Clinic seeks computers and software, printers, fax machines, telephone answering machines and photocopiers for its office. Other clinic needs are a heart monitor, wheelchair lift for a van, filing cabinets, plants, a public address system, phlebotomy chair, VCRs, clothes racks and magazine subscriptions. Used items in good working condition are welcome. For needy clients, the clinic seeks donations of clothes suitable for job interviews, socks and underwear, jeans, sweaters, jackets, clothing for infants and children, RTD vouchers and non-perishable food items. Information: Lisa Luboff, (213) 653-8622.

* Venice Family Clinic is seeking volunteer doctors, nurses, optometrists, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers (especially Spanish-speaking). Also wanted are new socks and underwear for adults; new toys, books, clothing and games for children; disposable and cloth diapers; school supplies, and canned food. The clinic also needs a fax machine, tools, a new tape recorder and a file cabinet for medical records. Information: (310) 392-8630.

* Independence Center provides services for young adults with learning disabilities. Items needed--new or in good working condition--are a Macintosh computer, laser printer, TV, VCR (for vocational training), a van, furniture and housewares. Information: (310) 202-7102.

* The AIDS Service Center in Pasadena invites the public to participate in a posada at 5 p.m. Dec. 4. Proceeds of the walk will help support people with AIDS. The event is also to honor those who have died. Information/registration: (818) 796-5830.

Buy Cards for Charity

* Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) helps people with AIDS keep their pets by providing pet care and foster homes when needed. Those who would like to contribute may purchase a holiday card designed by Joe Monroe for $10. The message reads: “Holiday Greetings! This festive season a generous donation has been made in your name by (--------------) to P.A.W.S./LA.” Information: (213) 876-PAWS.

* AIDS Project Los Angeles will also send cards for $10 apiece. The cards were created by Phoebe Beasley and Andy Sklar. The inscription reads, “With Best Wishes This Holiday Season, a donation has been made in your name to AIDS Project Los Angeles.” Information: (213) 993-1330.

* Skid Row Access Inc. provides opportunities for residents of Skid Row to focus their creativity and to generate income by designing holiday cards. Prices vary. Designs include a Nativity scene, holly and a Star of David. Information: (213) 624-1773.

* U.S. Committee for United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has holiday cards and gifts for sale at its Antique Guild location, 8800 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. Proceeds benefit children in developing countries. For other store locations, call: (310) 277-7608.