November offers a bounty of opportunities for Santa Cruz County residents to gather and be in community with one another. From local fundraisers and volunteer opportunities to seasonal celebrations, here are some ways to get involved and give back this month.
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Here are some wonderful November events hosted by Lookout partners and local organizations:
Adopt a Family | Nov. 1 – 30
Support children and families in need this holiday season by adopting a family. Fill out the online form to be assigned to a family, or select one online. Once matched, stop by the donation center between Wednesday, Dec. 9 to Monday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Capitola Mall to drop off your donations. You can find more drop-off information here.
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services – Shelter to Home: Fall Giving Dinner | Nov. 5
Come together in celebration with Pajaro Valley Shelter Services for a Giving Dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m to participate in raising funds that support and give back to local families.
UCSC Family Day Beach Cleanup | Nov. 7
Join the Volunteer Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a beach cleanup during UCSC’s family weekend. Bring your friends and loved ones to help keep Main Beach clean and connect with the community in a way that makes a difference. All cleanup supplies will be provided.
43rd Annual Wine & Roses Fundraiser | Nov. 7
The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley is hosting its 43rd Annual Wine and Roses fundraiser. From 4 to 7 p.m., enjoy fine wine, cuisine, games, and an auction to support the health and wellness of local children. Find tickets and more information here.
Goat Hill Fair Antique & Vintage Show | Nov. 13 – 14
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds hosts a variety of antique vendors and food options for the community to explore during this two-day vintage shopping fair. Browse the offerings Friday Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets start at $15 for both days.
Resource Center for Nonviolence: 50th Anniversary Celebration | Nov. 15
The Resource Center for Nonviolence is celebrating 50 years of promoting social change and collective action this November. Community members are invited to enjoy dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and hear from keynote speaker Claudia De la Cruz, an educator, organizer, and former presidential candidate.
Roaring Camp Railroad – Holiday Lights Train | Nov. 27 – 28
Roaring Camp Railroad’s seasonal Holiday Lights Train offers guests a one-hour ride through a festive holiday display, with themed cars and apple cider available. Tickets include a $10 MyBoardwalk card to use for individual rides and games at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
SPCA: Foster Orientation | Nov. 30
Looking to foster a local shelter animal? Join the Santa Cruz Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for a virtual orientation on Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m. and learn more about how you can help. Fill out the online foster application here to receive the meeting link.

