Ventura County's United Way has some wonderful ways for the community to give back to the community this holiday season, thru their two programs Volunteer Ventura County and GiftMatch. No monetary donations are wanted, you can give back with your time or new or gently used items.
GIFTMATCH
This is a unique opportunity for members of the community to donate new and gently used items to local organizations this holiday season as well as all year-round.
Here is how GiftMatch works:
Visitors to the Volunteer Ventura County GiftMatch website can browse a “wish list” of agency needs posted by local nonprofits and contact the nonprofit agency directly to fulfill those requests. From the need for audio equipment for ‘Karaoke Nite’ for autistics teens to a holiday toy drive for kids, there are many items that nonprofits are in need of this holiday season. Please note NO cash donations are allowed.
“Agencies rely on the generosity of others—especial during the holiday season,” said Yvonne Flores, Director of United Way’s Volunteer Ventura County. “It is important that we make those needs known to the community through our GiftMatch feature so that individuals in the community can help those agencies in need of assistance.”
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Also available through www.VolunteerVenturaCounty.org are holiday volunteer projects. Members of the community can search through a listing of volunteer opportunities from guiding children and adults in assembling and putting the finishing touches on poinsettia ornaments made out of corn husks during a holiday festival to helping low-income home owners make much-needed repairs.
For more information about GiftMatch and www.VolunteerVenturaCounty.org, please contact Yvonne Flores at (805) 485-6288, ext. 276 or email yvonne.flores@vcunitedway.org.
