2024 Holiday Programs in Ventura County

As the holiday season seems to begin earlier each year, 211 Ventura County is here to support those in need by providing information on holiday assistance programs, which include toy and gift giveaway programs and Thanksgiving and holiday meals. While this time of year can be joyful and filled with friends and family, it can also bring added stress—especially for those who are living paycheck to paycheck or struggling to put food on the table. For the families and individuals who the holidays intensify the strain on both finances and mental health and we’re here to help. And for those who wish to help, we can guide you to organizations proven to help the community in need.

As holiday program availability changes or becomes available, this blog will be updated throughout the holiday season. Please check back frequently.

Thanksgiving Meal Programs

• Day by Day Ministries– provides a free Thanksgiving event on November 23rd, 2024, for families. The Turkey giveaway includes 175 frozen turkeys (first come, first serve) and sides to make a Thanksgiving meal that feeds a family of five. Live Music, free food, obstacle course, games, and more are included. No application process is required; however, eligibility is limited to families residing in Squires, Cypress, Pleasant Valley, or Terrace Apartments in Oxnard. 

Phone: 805-240-6293

• Salvation Army-Oxnard/Port Hueneme– offers Thanksgiving meal served on Thanksgiving Day 11/28/2024. Meals will begin being served at 11am. Meals will continue to be served until there are none left. No application process is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Open to all. 

Phone: 805-483-9235

• Ventura County Rescue Mission– offers a Thanksgiving lunch that includes live music, face painting, balloons, and goody bags. Lunch will be held on Wednesday, November 27th, from Noon-1pm. No application process is required on a first-come, first serve basis. Open to all. 

Phone: 805-487-1234

Christmas Programs

• Ventura Toys for Tots- Provides holiday toys for children of families in need. Visit the website to find approved organizations to contact to get on the list for toy distribution. Gifts are offered for children up to the age of 14 years old.

Phone: 805-766-0029

Mental Health Resources

While for some, the holidays can be a source of joy, merriment, and connection, for others, holidays can create or increase feelings of loneliness, isolation, and financial stress. If you are concerned about your own mental health now or at any time of the year, please refer to these mental health resources available to you. 

Ventura County Behavioral Health provides a crisis hotline for anyone who needs help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug/alcohol misuse. Call 1-866-998-2243 for the free and confidential crisis and referral line.

Ventura County Behavioral Health provides mental health support to all individuals living in the community. VCBH provides a list of resources for people seeking help with their mental health. Visit the Wellness Everyday website for a list of community resources.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number recently changed from a typical 10-digit number to a 3-digit number, 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides support through a national network of 200+ crisis centers. To talk to someone, you can call 988, text 988, or go to https://chat.988lifeline.org/ to chat with someone online.