The gift of giving: Where to donate in San Luis Obispo County
Many agencies, charities and nonprofit groups work hard yearround to help children, families and the homeless in San Luis Obispo County.
During the holiday season, these groups work double time to provide gifts of clothing, toys, bicycles, coats, food and much, much more.
They could use your help, whether it’s in the form of cash donations, toys or warm clothes. Or you can give your time, even if it’s just an hour or two.
Here are some local organizations that could use a helping hand. Take a few moments to check this list and give what you can.
SLO Food Bank
What: SLO Food Bank barrels are located in local groceries and supermarkets throughout the county. The Food Bank is the primary source of food for 77 nonprofit agencies which, combined with the Food Bank, reach over 30,000 people each month in San Luis Obispo County.
Where: 1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday
Info: 805-238-4664 or www.slofoodbank.org/donate
California Highway Patrol Toy Drive
What: The CHP is working in partnership with KSBY’s Season of Hope Food and Toy Drive to collect toys at Walmart in Arroyo Grande. You can also drop off toys at the CHP’s San Luis Obispo station at 675 California Blvd., open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or check the Season of Hope website for other donation drop-off locations.
Where: Walmart parking lot, 1168 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Info: 805-594-8700 or www.ksby.com/community/season-of-hope
KSBY Season of Hope Food and Toy Drive
What: Donations of new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items may be dropped off at any fire station in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Check the Season of Hope website for San Luis Obispo County drop-off locations and a list of items requested.
Atascadero Loaves and Fishes
What: This nonprofit runs a food pantry distributing groceries and other household items to people in need in Atascadero, California Valley, Creston, Santa Margarita and Templeton.
Where: 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero
When: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m, Monday through Friday
Info: 805-461-1504 or www.atascaderoloaves.org/donate.html.
Loaves and Fishes of Paso Robles
What: The North County nonprofit provides groceries and other essentials to “our neighbors in need.” Monetary donations are preferred so Loaves and Fishes can purchase the items needed for families.
Where: 2650 Spring Street, Paso Robles
When: Donation hours are 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Info: 805-238-4742 or https://loavesandfishespaso.org/donation
Salvation Army
What: Salvation Army is seeking bell ringers, and collecting toys and other donations for Toy Giveaway Day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 at the San Luis Obispo Salvation Army.
Salvation Army of San Luis Obispo
Where: 815 Islay Street, San Luis Obispo
When: Drop off toys or monetary donations 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Bell ringers are stationed at Ralphs, Vons, Grocery Outlet, Beverly Fabrics & Crafts and Best Buy in San Luis Obispo, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
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: 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday through Thursday. Bell ringers at Vons, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.,Grocery Outlet, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Kmart, 10:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., daily except Sunday.
Info: 805-466-7201 Office will be closed week of Dec. 16
Salvation Army of Arroyo Grande
Where: 1550 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande
When: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, noon to 3 p.m. Friday. Bell ringers at California Fresh Market in Pismo Beach, Walmart in Arroyo Grande and Von’s in Grover Beach and Nipomo, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Info: 805-481-0278
Salvation Army of Paso Robles
Where: 711 Paso Robles St., Paso Robles
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Bell ringers at Walmart, American Mattress, Albertsons and U.S. Post Office.
Info: 805-238-9591
Salvation Army of Morro Bay
Where: 540 Quintana Road, Morro Bay
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Bell ringers at Spencer’s and Albertsons, both in Morro Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ralphs in Los Osos, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Info: 805-772-7062 Office will be closed week of Dec. 16.
Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles
What: The 25th annual Community Day of Giving is on Saturday at the Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., starting at 8:30 a.m. Donate new or gently used coats, sweatshirts and sweaters for the Coats for Kids program. Toys are needed.
If you have a large number of toys, you can drop off at Paso Robles Fire Department at 900 Park St. Monetary donations may be sent to the Toy Bank, PO Box 2801, Paso Robles, CA 93447.
Info: 805-423-1272 or https://www.prtoybank.org/donations
Christmas Dinner for the Homeless
What: This event features a Christmas Day dinner for local homeless people as well as new, warm winter clothing and sleeping bags.
Where: Odd Fellow’s Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo
When: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 25
Info: 805-594-1999 or www.unitedwayslo.org/carepackages
40 Prado Center, San Luis Obispo
What: The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) is collecting donations for the homeless shelter. You can find a list of items needed at 40 Prado online. You can also make a monetary donation online. The families at 40 Prado are receiving gifts from local churches for this holiday season.
Where: CAPSLO, 1030 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Info: F805-544-4355, Ext. 121; hwogan@capslo.org or capslo.org/donation-homeless
El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO)
ECHO currently operates a safe and secure overnight 50-bed shelter to meet the immediate needs of families and individuals who have become homeless located in Atascadero, CA.
Where: 6370 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero
(If you mail a check, mail to P.O. Box 2077, Atascadero, CA 93423)
When: Donation hours 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Info: To make a monetary donation or purchase a gift card visit the ECHO website. The main items they need are sleeping bags, unisex sweatpants or sweatshirts, and long underwear. If you have questions contact Dana Wilkinson at 805-539-7857.
Stand Strong (formerly Women’s Shelter) holiday donations
You can donate online at the Stand Strong website, drop gift cards in the mail, or bring them to their office.
Where: 51 Zaca Lane, Suite 150, SLO
When: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Info: To donate personal items (new or gently worn) or supplies please contact Gabrielle Rivera 805-748-6401 Ext. 231.
SLO Sheriff Bike Giveaway
This program was set up 30 years ago to promote the holiday spirit by giving away refurbished bicycles and new helmets to children in need in San Luis Obispo County. Due to the generosity of the people of this County, the program has continued to be a big success.
Where/When: There are two different dates and location for the bicycle giveaways. Wednesday, December 18, 9 a.m. at the Sheriff’s Honor Farm. The second giveaway is Thursday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market.
Info: 805-781-4547 to contact PIO Tony Cipolla. To donate a bike or make a monetary donation visit the SLO Sheriff website:
DO YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER?
Many agencies need more volunteers this time of year. Visit this website to see where you can volunteer your time: SLO Volunteer website.
HELP OUR PETS
Woods Humane Society
Where: 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA and 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA
Info: 805-543-9316 (SLO) and 805-466-5403 (Atascadero)
Call the shelters to inquire about what items they need. Check the Wood’s Humane Society website to donate online.
This story was originally published December 13, 2019 at 5:15 AM.