Where to volunteer in Santa Cruz County during the holiday season

Quick Take

Santa Cruz County nonprofits have plenty of ways to volunteer in person during the holiday season, from helping seniors and children to preparing meals and writing cards for those in need.

The holidays have traditionally been known as the season of giving. For some, that means giving back with your time to help less-fortunate neighbors. From helping kids or seniors, to preparing meals, or writing cards, Santa Cruz County nonprofits have plenty of ways to give back to the community by volunteering in person during the holiday season. Lookout compiled a list of ways readers can bring some holiday cheer to those in need.

Kids and families

The Espe family from Aptos volunteered at the Volunteer Center for their Adopt a Family program. — The Espe family from Aptos volunteering with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County’s Adopt-A-Family program. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Adopt-A-Family Workshop Elves

What you’ll do: Sort donations, take inventory, assemble bikes, and prepare holiday packages for families in need.
Dates: Dec. 7-18 (gift distribution on Dec. 12, 13, 14).
Location: Capitola Mall (old Sears building), 4015 Capitola Rd.
Sign up: Email adoptafamily@scvolunteercenter.org or visit the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County’s Adopt-A-Family program pagee.

Adopt-A-Family Sleigh Drivers

What you’ll do: Pick up gifts from local businesses and deliver them to the donation center. Flexible schedule and mileage reimbursement provided.
Dates: Dec. 12-16.
Location: Routes start and end at Capitola Mall (old Sears building), 4015 Capitola Rd.
Sign up: Email adoptafamily@scvolunteercenter.org or visit the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County’s Adopt-A-Family program page.

Support asylum seekers and refugees

What you’ll do: Help with housing, food, transportation and navigating resources for individuals and families seeking asylum.
Dates: Flexible based on volunteer availability.
Location: Santa Cruz.
Sign up: Visit Santa Cruz Welcoming Network for more details.

Older adults

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Musical performance for seniors

What you’ll do: Use your singing or instrumental talents to perform for older adults in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
Dates: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 100 Pioneer St., Watsonville.
Sign up: Visit Community Bridges’ Elderday Adult Day Health Care page or contact Liliana Rensi at elenaa@cbridges.org

Warm Wishes – decorate cards at home

What you’ll do: Create and decorate thoughtful note cards to place in coats distributed during an annual coat drive. Pick up cards from the Volunteer Center or use your own small stationery.
Dates: Through Jan. 24.
Location: Drop off completed cards at 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz (second floor), Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sign up: Call or text Bridget at 831-200-3311 for questions or more information.

Help isolated seniors with transportation

What you’ll do: Drive older adults to essential appointments like doctor visits or grocery trips. Flexible schedule and mileage reimbursement provided.
Dates: Ongoing, based on availability.
Location: Santa Cruz County.
Sign up: Visit the Volunteer Center’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program page or call 831-427-3435.

Food assistance

Second Harvest Food Bank's truck was parked outside a lot where food, clothes, water and other necessities were given away. — Second Harvest Food Bank’s truck was parked outside a lot where food, clothes, water and other necessities were given away. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Hunger Fighter with Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes

What you’ll do: Help prepare meals in the kitchen or organize grocery items in the pantry for families in need.
Dates: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (year-round).
Location: 150 2nd St., Watsonville.
Sign up: Visit Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes.

Food distribution with Santa Cruz Community Health

What you’ll do: Assist with setting up tables, distributing food and helping community members carry food to their vehicles.
Dates: Every Wednesday, 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Live Oak Health Center, 1510 Capitola Rd., Live Oak.
Sign up: Visit Santa Cruz Community Health.

Help feed your community with Second Harvest

What you’ll do: Sort and pack food for distribution to over 65,000 community members every month.
Dates: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon
Location: 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville.
Sign up: Visit Second Harvest Food Bank or sign up here. You can also call 831-232-8141.

Meal service with Santa Cruz Bread and Roses

What you’ll do: Help serve free meals to those in need at various locations.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., Sundays at 9 a.m.
Locations: San Lorenzo River levee, Harvey West Park or Pogonip area.
Sign up: Visit Santa Cruz Bread and Roses or email Calia Kammer at scbreadandroses@gmail.com. You can also visit this link.

Food distribution with Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes

What you’ll do: Assist with upcoming holiday food distribution to help 750 families in need. Volunteers help with packing fresh produce and food bags and distribute food directly to families.
Dates: Dec. 16-18; two-hour shifts available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19 between 6:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Call 831-319-4570 to schedule.
Location: 150 2nd St., Watsonville.
Sign up: Fill out the volunteer form and indicate which shift you are interested in volunteering for.

Community and arts

The Homeless Garden Project store located at 1338 Pacific Ave in Santa Cruz. — The Homeless Garden Project store located at 1338 Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Homeless Garden Project Volunteer Experience Team

What you’ll do: Assist at the project’s downtown retail store by greeting customers, restocking merchandise, processing transactions and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Dates: Through Jan. 1.
Location: 1338 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.
Sign up: Visit Homeless Garden Project.

Usher at Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”

What you’ll do: Greet patrons, scan tickets and help attendees find their seats during the holiday performances.
Dates: Dec. 21-22 (various shifts).
Location: Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz.
Sign up: Visit CitySERVE.

Animals

A pup at the SPCA looking for a new forever family. — A pup at the SPCA looking for a forever family. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz SPCA

What you’ll do: TLC volunteers spend time walking, playing with, exercising, and doing one-on-one time with cats and dogs. Essential shelter help volunteers help with cleaning, feeding and giving potty breaks. There are also opportunities to foster animals in your home for a little as one night as they wait for an adoptive home.
Dates: TLC volunteer shifts are throughout the week, with particular needs midday (noon to 5 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Essential shelter help shifts are available from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Foster opportunities are ongoing. The shelter especially needs foster homes for large dogs.
Location: 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Live Oak.
Sign up: Find volunteer applications here and foster applications here.

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