Sign Up Now to Get Help and Help Others

We’ve all seen the destruction and loss caused by last weekend’s storms and flooding. Many of you have reached out to offer help and support – thank you.

Our Volunteer Mobilization team is working closely with a coalition of Watsonville nonprofits and County agencies to launch disaster clean-up Operations in Pajaro and Watsonville. And, we’re still partnering with our partner organizations to assist neighborhoods and families in San Lorenzo Valley, Capitola, and Aptos.

To all who have donated time, resources, funds, and compassion to our neighbors in need –THANK YOU.

Unfortunately, there is much more work to be done.

Please keep reading to learn how you can get help, volunteer, and donate.


GET HELP WITH CLEAN-UP

You don’t have to clean up alone. 

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County provides trained, compassionate volunteers ready to shovel mud and debris, fill dumpsters, and clean, protect, or discard items.

  • If you need assistance with clean-up for a home or business, request free support here (thank you to Community Bridges for organizing Help Requests).
  • Community Bridges also offers up-to-date information on available Flood Recovery Resources, including interviews with insurance and flood claim experts. Click here to learn more.


VOLUNTEER

Clean-ups will hopefully begin the weekend of March 25th, but may be delayed by more rain. Sign up now and a volunteer coordinator will contact you.

Please register as a volunteer and you will be alerted when new projects are announced. Volunteers will be needed for weeks to come.


DONATE

Donate Items

A large-scale effort to collect food, clothing, and household items for families is underway. A larger donation warehouse is expected to be open next week. This weekend, community groups have stepped in to help but have limited capacity for storing and sorting items so if you donate please only bring new items (they cannot wash cloths).

If you purchase items and gift cards and plan to drop them off next week – we will alert our community when new donation centers open.

  • The Homeless Garden Project is accepting the following items at their farm from 10AM – 2PM, Intersection of Deleware Ave and Shaffer Rd in Santa Cruz
  • You can call or text to connect with Raíces y Cariño in Watsonville and request to make a donation this weekend (831) 288-3105

Here is a list of the items most needed – please donate NEW items unless otherwise specified.

  • towels
  • blankets
  • sweatshirts, socks, and underwear for all ages and sizes
  • diapers & diaper cream
  • baby soap
  • toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Grocery gift cards to local and chain stores are most desired
  • New or lightly used playpens and portable cribs
  • Gallons of water

Donate Funds

Donations to the Volunteer Center Disaster Recovery Operations ensure volunteers are safe and equipped in the field as they begin to clean-up the aftermath of these catastrophic storms. Donating online is quick, easy, and your gifts will go to work in our community right away.

Please – Donate Today!


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