While you are preparing to enjoy the winter holidays with your family and friends, please take a moment to consider a donation to one of the following organizations for their food and toy drives.
MONTEREY COUNTY
Deputy Deer Toy Drive-Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
- Dates: Daily through December 13
- Drop off locations: https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=989412699888460&id=100064592176179&_rdr
- Can donate toys or use QR code at link to donate directly through Amazon
- More info
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District Holiday Toy Drive
- Dates: Daily from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.
- Drop-off Locations: All Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District stations.
- Contact: Division Chief Justin Reyes at (831) 214-3256 or jreyes@mcrfd.org.
- Details: This annual toy drive benefits the Kinship Center of Monterey County.
- More Info
Monterey Fire Department Holiday Toy and Food Drives
- Dates: Runs through mid-December for the toy drive and early January for the food drive.
- Drop-off Locations: Monterey Fire Department stations.
- Details: The department collects food and toy donations during the holiday season.
Operation Give Back in conjunction with Monterey Zoo
- Dates: Runs through December 31
- Drop-off Locations: Monterey Zoo
- Details: Bring a new, unwrapped jacket, pair of shoes, or toy to Monterey Zoo and you’ll receive $5 off admission. Items will be given to Lowe Packaging Group’s Operation Give Back campaign for distribution.
- More info
Sgt. Magana’s Toy Drive
- Toy drive for children in East Salinas.
- Dates: Through December 23, 2024.
- Drop-off Location: Salinas Police Dept., 312 Alisal Street, Salinas
- Contact: (831) 758-7965
- Details: New, unwrapped toys
- More Info
The Food Bank of Monterey County
- Food drive benefits thousands of Monterey County families. Financial donations are especially welcome because for every $1.00 you donate, the organization can distribute $5.00 worth of food.
- Dates: Through December 24, 2024.
- Drop-off Location: 353 W Rossi St Salinas, CA 93907
- Contact: (831) 758-1523
- Details: Canned goods as well as financial donations needed.
- More Info
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Second Harvest Food Bank Holiday Food & Fund Drive
- Dates: Runs through January 15, 2025.
- Drop-off Locations: Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA 95076.
- Contact: Tina Chavez at (831) 783-5320 or Paul Peters at (831) 783-5329.
- Details: Participants can start a food and fund drive with their network to support the food bank.
- Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County Holiday Toy Drive
- Dates: Now through December 15, 2024.
- Drop-off Locations: Any of the seven Central Fire District stations.
- Contact: Information available on the Central Fire District’s Nextdoor page.
- Details: Collecting new, unwrapped toys, as well as batteries, wrapping, and tissue paper for local youth in need.
Adopt-a-Family Program by Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
- Dates: Adopters deliver items during designated drop-off days in December.
- Drop-off Locations: Volunteer Center’s warehouse; specific address provided upon registration.
- Contact: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County.
- Details: Adopters provide families with holiday packages that include food gift certificates, clothing items, gifts for each child, and household items.
Santa Cruz Gives
- Dates: Campaign runs during the holiday season; specific dates to be confirmed.
- Drop-off Locations: Donations are made online.
- Contact: engagement@scvolunteercenter.org.
- Details: A holiday fundraising program that makes it easy for donors to support local nonprofits.
Check the respective organizations’ website or contact them directly for the most current information.
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