In the giving spirit? Here are 18 SLO County charities in need this holiday season
Longtime charities, agencies and nonprofit organizations work year after year to help children, families, veterans, the unhoused and others in need in San Luis Obispo County. Mostly, it’s the same people year after year.
SLO County is fortunate to have charities like the SLO Food Bank, the Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast or the California Highway Patrol’s CHiPS for Kids program, homeless service organizations, Toys for Tots organizations, the Salvation Army and smaller food banks. The entities are numerous and dedicated people volunteer their time for them.
As the holiday season continues, here’s an opportunity to connect with those organizations to help them give back to our communities.
Most of the local groups say that monetary donations are the safest and easiest way to give. Volunteers for charities are also needed and appreciated.
Here are some of the many local SLO County groups that could use a helping hand in 2024.
SLO Food Bank
What: The SLO Food Bank collaborates work with a network of community partners to alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County and build a healthier community. Monthly, the SLO Food Bank provides nutritious food to more than 39,000 people experiencing hunger through its’ Neighborhood Food Distributions, Senior Home Delivery Program, Children’s and Seniors’ Farmers’ Markets and its Hunger Relief Network of over 70 nonprofit partners.
Now through Dec. 31, when you sign up as a recurring donor, your donations will be tripled, up to $500,000, thanks to the Balay Ko Foundation.
Where: 1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Info: 805-238-4664 or slofoodbank.org
Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast
What: The Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast (CRNCC) serves more than 35,000 children annually, in conjunction with participating agencies and school districts.
The charity is accepting new children’s clothing, diapers, blankets and school supplies, as well as new, unwrapped holiday toys for children and gifts for teens and tweens.
If you’d like a give a monetary donation, go to the Clothing Closets website or contact Lisa Ray directly.
CRNCC also partners with the California Highway Patrol’s CHiPs for Kids program.
The Free Christmas Toy Giveaway is Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. at Oceano Elementary School in Oceano. The toy giveaway is first come, first serve. Children receiving the gifts must be present.
Contact Lisa Ray for details at lisa@childrensresourcenetwork.org
Info: 805-709-8673 or website: clothingclosets.org
CHP CHiPs for Kids Toy Giveaway
What: Local San Luis Obispo County CHP offices are collecting new, unwrapped toys this holiday season.
The goal of the CHiPs for Kids annual toy drive is to continue to build a positive relationship between law enforcement and young children, to develop trust and help ensure children enjoy the holiday season. They will collect new, unwrapped toys up to Dec. 22.
The last weekend of the program will be at the Walmarts in Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria with CHP officers on hand to accept toys on Dec. 13, 14, 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Donation dropoff points are at the San Luis Obispo CHP office, 675 California Blvd., the Templeton CHP office, 101 Duncan Road, and the SLO CHP Coastal Division office, 4115 Broad St. B-110, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info: Contact CHP Coastal Division area office 805-706-3303
ALF Food Pantry
What: ALF Food Pantry is celebrating 40 years of service to Atascadero, California Valley, Creston, Santa Margarita and Templeton. It was the Atascadero Organization of the Year for 2024, receiving proclamations from SLO County Board of Supervisors and recognition by the California State Congress. It provides to households, families and individuals in need of food and groceries
ALF Food Pantry is accepting in-kind food donations. No glass containers or expired items will be accepted. Donate money online via the alffoodpantry.org Pay Pal link, send a check by mail or drop off your donation at the ALF Pantry 5411 El Camino Real.
Where: 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed weekends and all major holidays
Info: 805-461-1504 or alffoodpantry.org.
El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO)
What: The El Camino Homeless Organization offers services to individual and families experiencing homelessness out of campuses in Paso Robles and Atascadero to help them find stability and housing. ECHO’s mission since 2001 is to empower people in SLO County to make positive change by providing food, shelter and supportive services.
The main items needed are socks, boxers and unisex sweatpants and sweatshirts. Check its website for a list of all needed items. Volunteers are also needed.
To make a monetary donation, visit the secure online ECHO donation page or mail checks to P.O. Box 2077, Atascadero, CA 93423.
Where: 6370 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero, or 1134 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles
Info: 805-462-3663 or echoshelter.org
Salvation Army
What: The Salvation Army accepts monetary donations, as well as new toys for children age 1 to 13, (children age 14 on need gift cards), clothing, shoes, food and hygienic items at its San Luis Obispo location. They also need frozen turkeys for the Christmas holidays.
To apply for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program visit saangeltree.org to register for the toy giveaway and family gift baskets that will be distributed on Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 815 Islay St. in San Luis Obispo.
The Salvation Army urgently needs volunteer bell ringers this year. The bell-ringing campaign runs until Dec. 24 at 2 p.m.
Salvation Army of San Luis Obispo Corps Community Center
Where: 815 Islay St., San Luis Obispo
When: Call for hours of operation. Closed weekends and all major holidays.
Info: 805-544-2401 or sanluisobispo.salvationarmy.org/san_luis_obispo_corps
Salvation Army of Atascadero
Where: 8420 El Camino Real, Unit G, Atascadero
When: Call for hours of operation. Closed weekends and all major holidays.
Info: 805-703-4359 or atascadero.salvationarmy.org
Salvation Army of Arroyo Grande Service Center
Where: 1550 West Branch St., Arroyo Grande
When: Call for hours of operation. Closed weekends and all major holidays.
Info: 805-270-3555 or arroyogrande.salvationarmy.org
Salvation Army of Morro Bay Service Center
Where: 540 Quintana Road, Morro Bay
When: Call for hours of operation. Closed weekends and all major holidays.
Info: 805-703-4359 or morrobay.salvationarmy.org
Salvation Army of Paso Robles Service Center
Where: 711 Paso Robles St., Paso Robles
When: Food Pantry is open Tuesday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. No walk in, call for an appointment. Closed weekend and all major holidays.
Info: 805-769-4731 or pasorobles.salvationarmy.org
Loaves & Fishes
What: Loaves & Fishes is a family center that specializes in serving families with food and other services through personal attention. It serves the working poor, young parents trying to make ends meet and elderly folks living on a fixed income. Its highest goal is “to serve people well by providing the best quality food, just as we would provide to our own families, and caring for people, as we care for our own families.”
All support comes from the community. We are not funded by government grants. Making a monetary donation is the most helpful.
You can donate online via the Loaves & Fishes website, or drop off a monetary donation during business hours. Mail checks to P.O. Box 1720, Paso Robles, CA 93447.
Where: 2650 Spring St., Paso Robles
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and Wednesday 5:30 to 7 p.m. Closed on Friday, holidays and weekends.
Info: 805-238-4742 or loavesandfishespaso.org
Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles
What: Families with children living in Paso Robles, San Miguel, Shandon, Bradley and Heritage Ranch benefit from the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles program
The Toy Bank accepts donations all year. To find its online wish list, make a donation or discover where to drop off donations, visit prtoybank.org or Facebook.com/ToyBankGreaterPasoRobles.
People can give monetary donations online via PayPal at Paso Toy Bank website or mail checks payable to Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, P.O. Box 2801, Paso Robles, CA 93447.
Info: Email info@prtoybank.org to coordinate a donation pick-up or drop-off. Website: prtoybank.org/toys
Marines’ Toys for Tots program
Atascadero Toys for Tots
What: The Marines’ Toys for Tots program works in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero to supply Christmas gifts to families in need. The Atascadero campaign covers Santa Margarita, Atascadero, Templeton, Pozo, Creston and California Valley. Requests for toys are only accepted through atascadero-ca.toysfortots.org under the “Request a Toy” tab and need to be received by Dec. 15.
The group is currently collecting toys at locations around town and welcomes monetary donations to help purchase needed toys. It is especially in need of gifts for infants and teenage boys and girls.
Please visit the Atascadero Toys for Tots website and click on the “Donate a Toy” tab to see collection box locations or to make a monetary donation.
Info: 805-391-4430 or atascadero-ca.toysfortots.org
Cambria/San Simeon Toys for Tots
What: The Marines’ Toys for Tots drive sponsored by Cambria’s American Legion Post No. 432 is accepting donations through Christmas. Visit the Cambria Toys for Tots website to make a monetary donation and to find a donation location.
Info: 805-927-1876 or cambria-ca.toysfortots.org
40 Prado Homeless Services Center
Where: 40 Prado Homeless Services Center, 40 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo
The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) is collecting donations for the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center. The items most needed at the shelter are sleeping bags, tents, new underwear of all sizes for men and women, men’s clothing, socks, travel-size hygiene products and coffee.
Check the 40 Prado website to see the complete list or to make a monetary donation.
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Info: 805-544-4004 or capslo.org/donate-homeless
5 Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC)
What: The 5 Cities Homeless Coalition is transforming the lives of those who are homeless or facing homelessness throughout San Luis Obispo County.
The coalition accepts donations of new socks, sweatpants, sweatshirts, rain ponchos, hygiene items and more. To donate your items, contact Stephanie LeBlanc at 805-550-8701 or email stephanie.leblanc@5chc.org.
Monetary gifts can be made online via the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition website, or mail checks to 5CHC, P.O. Box 558, Grover Beach, CA 93483.
When: 1 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday
Where: 100 South Fourth St., Grover Beach
Info: 805-574-1638 Email: info@5chc.org or Website: 5chc.org
Hope’s Village of SLO
What: Hope’s Village of SLO is “dedicated to establishing a safe, healthy, and drug-free village where people will live in dignity and in peace, where their voices will be heard, and where they will have hope in their hearts for a brighter future,” according to the group’s vision statement.
Make a tax-deductible donation to help our homeless neighbors still living on the streets at hopesvillageofslo.com/donate.
Info: Contact Becky Jorgeson at 805-234-5478 or beckyrjorgeson@yahoo.com.
Lumina Alliance
What: Lumina Alliance, formerly RISE and Stand Strong SLO, offers programs and services for survivors of sexual assault and abuse and intimate partner violence.
Lumina Alliance is hosting a gift card drive to support survivors this holiday season. Gift cards of any denomination for food, gas and general merchandise stores are the most helpful.
Drop off monetary donations and gift cards at Lumina Alliance’s San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles offices or mail them to Lumina Alliance, P.O. Box 125, San Luis, Obispo, CA, 93406. Online monetary donations can be made at the Lumina Alliance website.
Where: 51 Zaca Lane, Suite 150, San Luis Obispo
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday
Info: 805-781-6400 or luminaalliance.org
Meathead Movers
What: Meathead Movers, a SLO County-founded moving company, is holding a donation drive for two local non-profit organizations. The moving company is calling on the community to donate essential supplies to CAPSLO (40 Prado) and gift cards for Lumina Alliance this holiday season (see those organization’s sections to learn more about what each needs).
All donated goods can be dropped off in the lobby of Meathead Movers.
Where: 3600 South Higuera St., San Luis Obispo
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Info: meatheadmovers.com
Woods Humane Society
What: Donations made during Woods Humane Society’s Home for the Holidays drive can give hope, joy and love to homeless and neglected dogs and cats and help them find a home in time for the holidays. Donate online at WoodsHumaneSociety.org.
Where: 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, and 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.
Info: 805-543-9316 (San Luis Obispo), 805-466-5403 (Atascadero) or woodshumanesociety.org
Transitions-Mental Health Association
What: A nonprofit organization that serves San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties, Transitions-Mental Health Association (T-MHA) is dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community, and family support services.
Do you have a home, apartment or piece of property you can donate to its Supportive Housing programs? It is always looking for ways to house more and more of our clients.
Email Michael Kaplan at mkaplan@t-mha.org for details. You can also check the T-MHA website to see a complete list of items to donate or to make a monetary donation.
Where: Transitions-Mental Health Association, 784 High St., San Luis Obispo
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Info: 805-540-6513 or t-mha.org/donate.php
