Seasonal & Holidays
Watsonville Gives Back: How To Make A Difference This Season And Beyond
Discover meaningful ways to give back — from volunteering and donating to supporting community programs year-round.
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 Watsonville 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.
Watsonville Public Library
At the heart of Watsonville, the public library brings people together to learn, create and celebrate community. Its programs and collections encourage curiosity and connection, made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers and members.
Learn more: watsonville.gov/2327/Library
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services helps families in the Pajaro Valley overcome homelessness and achieve lasting self-sufficiency through emergency, transitional and long-term housing paired with supportive services. Founded in 1983, the organization provides stability and empowerment to parents and children by promoting financial growth, dignity and community connection.
Learn more: pvshelter.org
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County works to ensure every resident has access to nutritious food, reaching 70,000 people each month through more than 100 local partners. With the help of thousands of volunteers and community donors, the organization sources over 10 million pounds of food annually to serve children, families and seniors facing food insecurity.
Learn more: thefoodbank.org
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch
Watsonville Wetlands Watch protects and restores the Pajaro Valley’s wetland ecosystems through advocacy, education and hands-on restoration. From planting native trees to engaging local students in environmental learning, the organization connects community members with the land and promotes lasting stewardship of the Watsonville Sloughs and surrounding habitats.
Learn more: watsonvillewetlandswatch.org
La Manzana Community Resources
La Manzana Community Resources provides bilingual, bicultural support to help Pajaro Valley families access necessary resources for health and well-being. Its services range from mental health counseling and parent education to housing navigation, emergency preparedness and benefits enrollment, ensuring equitable access to care.
Learn more: communitybridges.org/lmcr
Watsonville Law Center
The Watsonville Law Center offers free legal services to low-income residents of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, helping individuals and families navigate issues that affect long-term stability. Through advocacy in workers’ rights, consumer protection and equitable access to essential services, WLC helps Central Coast residents maintain secure housing, health and employment.
Learn more: watsonvillelawcenter.org
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is the community’s only open-admission, full-service shelter, providing compassionate care and second chances to more than 6,000 animals each year. Serving all of Santa Cruz County, the shelter offers adoptions, 24-hour animal rescue and foster opportunities supported by dedicated volunteers.
Learn more: scanimalshelter.org
Pajaro Valley Arts
Pajaro Valley Arts connects the community through creativity, offering free visual art exhibits and cultural programs throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. Through events like Mi Casa es Tu Casa and Take Aways: Art to Go, PVA celebrates local artists and traditions while ensuring the arts remain accessible to all.
Learn more: pvarts.org
Give back in whatever way feels right for you — together, we can make an impact in Watsonville.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
