Holiday Donations & Volunteering

The holiday season inspires generosity, and it is a perfect reminder that caring for our community and our environment go hand in hand. Your support can come in many forms, including time, resources, and every contribution helps strengthen the fabric of our community to support a more resilient and sustainable Thousand Oaks.

Many organizations in Thousand Oaks welcome volunteers and advance sustainability efforts:

1. Food recovery and distribution: Help rescue surplus food from local businesses, sort donations, or assist at community pantries. This work reduces waste in landfills while ensuring distribution for our neighbors in need. It’s a double win for our environment and our community!
2. Senior services: Assist with companionship visits, meal delivery, transportation support, or activity programs. This keeps resources circulating efficiently and helps improve quality of life for our older adult community.
3. Donate Thoughtfully

If volunteering isn’t feasible, financial or in-kind donations go a long way. Thoughtful giving reduces waste and gives resources to those who need them the most.

1. Monetary contributions
2. Gently used clothing and household items (extending their life and reducing landfill waste)
3. Nonperishable food like canned goods, boxed items, and shelf-stable items
4. Each year, our partner Ventura County Fire Department hosts the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Drop off new, unwrapped gifts and nonperishable food at your local Ventura County fire station, Ventura City Fire Headquarters, or participating business. Visit their website to learn more.
5. Give a second life to gently used plastic grocery bags that would end up as waste. Bags are used for packaging and distributing meals.

Plastic bag and other donations can be dropped off at:

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

1 W Avenida De Los Arboles

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Between 4:00PM-4:30PM any day

If you enjoy volunteering during the holidays, consider signing up for ongoing or seasonal roles. Many organizations offer flexible opportunities and one-time events throughout the year, and you may find that volunteering becomes something you look forward to year-round. If you would like to learn more about ways to participate, please click here to view a list of food recovery organizations and non-profits.

This season, choose one sustainable action such as volunteering, donating thoughtfully, or reusing materials. Your small efforts create real impact for your neighbors, community, and the environment.