This nonprofit writing and tutoring center is a number to count on.

Founded by literary jack-of-all-trades Dave Eggers, 826LA is dedicated to providing a place where students six to eighteen years old can explore and strengthen their writing abilities. The center is designed so that children can get the one-on-one attention they might not receive in the classroom during the school day. 826 offers after-school workshops, drop-in and in-school tutoring, and coaching for those learning English as a second language—all thanks to the help of unpaid volunteers, who keep the tutoring services free and open to anyone who wants to come. Special workshops have included the standard sessions on SATs and Shakespeare, as well as not-so-standard introductions to screenwriting, candy critiquing, cookbook writing for wizards and skate-video production. The simple, cozy center feels like a cross between a one-room country school house and a shabby-chic Venice living room. The center also presents readings, signings and special events geared towards adults throughout the year. Past goings-on have featured Zadie Smith, John Doe (of the punk band X), Michael Cunningham and Arianna Huffington; Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Jenny Lewis and The Mountain Goats have played benefit concerts for the center at Largo and Royce Hall.—Elisa Jacobs