The Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village is accepting donated food and new toys through Friday, Dec. 4.
The holiday drive, run by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, benefits the organization's Find My Genius program. Find My Genius is a no-cost after-school program that provides academic support and enrichment for children from low- to moderate-income families, according to the YMCA's event page.
Two locations accept donations. The Yarrow Family YMCA at 31105 Thousand Oaks in Westlake Village and the Simi Valley Family YMCA at 3200 Cochran Street in Simi Valley both take drop-offs seven days a week during regular branch hours, according to a community post on Patch.
What to bring
The YMCA asks donors to pack all requested food items together in one grocery bag or box. The full list includes cranberry sauce, canned green beans, stuffing mix, chicken stock, gravy packets, canned corn, instant mashed potatoes, microwave popcorn, brownie mix, hot chocolate packets, candy canes and a $50 Ralph's gift card for a turkey or ham.
The drive also collects new, unwrapped toys for elementary, middle and high school students. The YMCA lists craft kits, building sets, sporting equipment, books and STEM kits as popular choices.
Brie Crisp, marketing and communications director for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, said packaging food items together in one bag or box helps the organization distribute donations more efficiently to families, according to the Patch post.
Residents interested in volunteering can visit sevymca.org/volunteer.
Upcoming community dates
- Through Friday, Dec. 4: Southeast Ventura County YMCA holiday food and toy drive. Drop-offs accepted during regular branch hours at both YMCA locations.
