The holiday season always brings a rush of activity, but for many it’s also a time for families to give back and look for ways to help others. According to the most recent census data (which was compiled pre-pandemic) in Fresno County, one in four households faced food insecurity on a regular basis. Below, I’ve rounded up five great ways to give back in the coming days, if you’re in a position to do so.
- Donate shelf-stable foods
In our area, food insecurity is high — and getting worse. November is a perfect moment to pitch in, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner. At the eclectic and friendly Sour Milk Gift Shop (located at 1474 N Van Ness, Fresno 93728, in the Tower District) you can drop off non-perishable, non-expired food items and receive 10% off your in-store purchase in exchange. It’s a win–win: you shop local and give back at once. - Help provide for Thanksgiving gatherings
Another way to help: the folks at Reclaim Therapy Collective (2001 N Van Ness Blvd., Fresno 93704) are collecting non-perishables to build Thanksgiving meal kits. They’re asking for things like mashed potatoes, stuffing or dressing, green beans, macaroni & cheese, sweet potatoes, bread/rolls, corn, and fruit salad. Offering actual holiday dinners turns a food donation into a meaningful celebration and a sign of relief for those wondering if they’ll be able to celebrate the season this year with a warm meal and good company.
- Reach out to our rural neighbors
The organization CASITA (Community Growth Accountability Student-Focus Investing in Education Transformative Change & Accessibility, which is coincidentally located in a little house) supports residents of Laton (a small rural city about 40 minutes southwest of Fresno) with everything from warm clothing to prom dresses to pantry items. They’re aiming to provide five (and potentially ten) families with everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner, and they’ve mentioned their coat closet is practically empty. CASITA provides resources for the nearly 700 local students in the area. You can donate directly to CASITA, (their address: 6501 E Latonia St., Laton, CA 93242) or if you’d like to join the personal campaign of a local influencer Jackie Paolinelli, who is raising funds for this cause and donate cash through her, you can find out more information here. Working with rural communities is one of the most impactful ways we can offer help. - Help our animal shelters residents stay warm and comfortable
Our local shelters are extremely impacted — and you don’t need to adopt or foster to help. Both Fresno Humane Animal Services (1510 W Dan Ronquillo Dr., Fresno 93706) and Valley Animal Center (3934 N Hayston Ave., Fresno 93726) are in need of donated blankets, towels, and raised style beds (Kuranda or Coolaroo style) so that the animals can stay warm and less stressed during the colder months. A simple drop-off can make a big difference for pets awaiting adoption. - Give students a boost with a suit!
The Foundation for Fresno Schools is hosting its annual suit drive — collecting gently worn suits and dress clothes that can help students who need something to wear for a job interview or a formal event. Donations will be accepted at Neighborhood Thrift stores’ two locations in Fresno. Specifically: 353 E Olive Ave., Fresno 93728 and 3139 W Shaw Ave., Fresno 93711. Drop-off dates are 11/10-11/21, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
It feels good to give, but even better when the giving is smart and local. These five ideas are practical, accessible, and close to home. Whether you drop off pantry items, warm blankets for shelter animals, or a suit for a student — these are meaningful ways to show up for our community this season. Thanks for caring, thanks for acting — and here’s to making a difference together.
Natali Carrera is a proud Fresno native and passionate advocate for her community. A Fresno State alum and lifelong cheerleader for all things local, Natali has been a featured blogger for FresYes for over 10 years, where she writes weekly about food, coffee, family fun, and shopping local. When she's not sharing her latest discoveries, you’ll find her cheering on her teenage son at his baseball games alongside her husband of 22 years. Natali is also the founder and CEO of Success Together, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents through education.
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