As the holidays approach, thousands of local families are facing an unexpected crisis. Due to the federal government shutdown, more than 25,000 Santa Cruz County residents will not receive CalFresh (SNAP) food assistance this month. Seniors, children, and working families who rely on these benefits are left without support.
The impact is already rippling across the county – but you can help.
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County has launched an Emergency Holiday Volunteer Guide in partnership with West Coast Community Bank. This guide is your go-to resource for helping neighbors in crisis this season – updated regularly as our community partners respond to this crises.
Here are four ways you can step up today:
1. Support Emergency Food Distributions
Food pantries are preparing for double the usual number of visitors this month. Volunteers are urgently needed to help distribute groceries at regular pantry days and special CalFresh-only events. You can also deliver food directly to homebound neighbors who can’t get to a pantry.
2. Adopt a Family for the Holidays
Help make the holidays joyful — and put food on the table.
Your support provides more than gifts for over 2,000 local children. Every gift package includes grocery gift cards to help families stretch their food budget through the holiday season.
- Adopt a local family: shop their wishlist, then deliver gifts to our distribution center in December.
- Donate funds and let our Elves do the shopping for you!
- Volunteer with our merry crew: Help sort gifts, thank donors, or assist with the hotline.
- Host a Toy Drive or a Wishing Stars Display: Turn your workplace or holiday gathering into a giving event. We’ll provide a list to make it easy!
Call the Adopt-a-Family Hotline: (831) 457-9834 or visit scvolunteercenter.org/adopt for details
3. Host a Food Drive
Turn your workplace, school, or holiday party into a hub of giving. We’ll make it easy with our guide to hosting your own food drive.
4. Volunteer for your Favorite Cause
Lend a hand sorting gifts, thanking donors, or helping with logistics. Volunteer at a food distribution site, a soup kitchen, or a local nonprofit farm.
Every nonprofit in Santa Cruz County needs extra help right now, from arts to animals, food security to social justice.
And, every hour you can give makes a difference.
Search our volunteer calendar and find your way to give.
Whether you give time, funds, or supplies, your contribution matters!
Take Action Now: Explore the Emergency Holiday Volunteer Guide »
It starts with each of us, doing what we can, to be the difference.
In Santa Cruz County, we believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Your time, generosity, and compassion can bring stability, connection, and joy to those who need it most.
For almost 60 years, Santa Cruz County has trusted the Volunteer Center to help people find purpose, connection, and belonging through service. Whether you have one hour or five, there’s a way for you to make a difference.
Learn more at scvolunteercenter.org Together, we build a stronger, more connected Santa Cruz County where everyone can thrive!
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