Santa Cruz Gives Back: How To Make A Difference This Season And Beyond

Giving Tuesday is all about generosity — and some of the most meaningful giving happens right here at home. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus from finding deals to doing good. But there’s no reason to wait — or stop once the day has passed.

This year, Patch and T-Mobile are spotlighting organizations in the Santa Cruz area that are making a difference and helping others in need. These local groups are doing important work, and there are plenty of ways to support them — from donating and volunteering to spreading the word. This isn’t a complete list, but it’s a great place to start, so be sure to reach out to each organization directly to learn how you can help.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County connects generosity with local impact by helping residents give strategically to causes they care about. For over 40 years, the foundation has supported nonprofits, awarded scholarships and strengthened the county through trusted partnerships and community leadership. Donors can create lasting change by starting a fund, contributing to existing initiatives or planning gifts that sustain Santa Cruz County for generations to come.
Learn more: cfscc.org

Dientes Community Dental

At Dientes Community Dental, everyone in Santa Cruz County has access to affordable, high-quality oral healthcare. Serving patients of all ages through local clinics and outreach programs, the organization helps children learn without pain, adults gain confidence and seniors enjoy healthy meals. By supporting Dientes through monetary donations, you help make prevention more common than treatment and give every neighbor the dignity of a healthy smile.
Learn more: dientes.org

Housing Matters

Housing Matters helps individuals and families in Santa Cruz County transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The organization offers education, outreach and support programs with opportunities to volunteer, donate or join community events.
Learn more: housingmatterssc.org

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

Serving all of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter provides rescue, care and adoption services for thousands of animals each year. As the county’s only open-admission shelter, it offers 24-hour rescue and a safe haven for stray and injured pets. Donations, volunteers and foster families play a vital role in providing comfort, care and second chances for animals in need.
Learn more: scanimalshelter.org

Santa Cruz SPCA

The Santa Cruz SPCA gives animals a safe place to heal and thrive while helping them find loving homes. Through adoption, education and community support programs like the Pet Food Pantry, the organization works to keep pets and families together. Volunteers can make a difference by walking dogs, socializing cats, fostering animals or lending a hand at events and in the shelter.
Learn more: spcasc.org

Save Our Shores

Save Our Shores works to protect the Monterey Bay by inspiring community action and environmental responsibility. Volunteers play a key role in keeping local beaches clean and gathering data that informs policy and awareness efforts. Whether joining a cleanup, adopting a beach or becoming a Sanctuary Steward, supporters help sustain a healthy, resilient coastline for all.
Learn more: saveourshores.org

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

Guided by the belief that everyone deserves nutritious food, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County feeds neighbors today while pushing for policies that end hunger at its roots. Volunteers keep the operation moving as they sort produce, pack boxes and support distributions that reach 70,000 people monthly. You can pitch in at weekday food packs or Saturday sorts, help at community sites or join farm gleaning crews to harvest fresh food for families.
Learn more: thefoodbank.org

Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center

Focused on building strong families and healthy relationships, Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center empowers women, children and families across Santa Cruz County. The organization offers early education, youth programs and services for survivors of domestic violence, along with family support and community resources. Volunteers can lend their time to educational programs, help local families access essential services or provide monetary donations.
Learn more: wafwc.org

Give back in whatever way feels right for you — together, we can make an impact in Santa Cruz.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.