Channel Islands Harbor Holiday Food & Toy Drive Provides Much-Needed Donations

Ventura County families in need will receive much-needed food and toys this holiday season thanks to the 3rd Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive hosted on Dec. 3, 2022 at Fisherman’s Wharf in the Channel Island Harbor.

An estimated 1,100 high quality toys were collected to benefit the Spark of Love Toy Drive. More than 4,300 lbs of non-perishable food and money donations of nearly $28,000 were given to benefit the Food Share of Ventura County. The money donations alone will provide nearly 85,000 meals to Ventura County families.

The Ventura County Harbor Department and the Harbor & Beach Community Alliance (HBCA) teamed up to host the food and toy drive.

“The holidays just got a lot brighter for so many Ventura County families,” said Jennifer Caldwell, Food Share’s Chief Development Officer. “We can’t thank the HBCA and the volunteers enough for such an incredible event that is going to help feed so many.”

Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer Brian McGrath said the efforts at the Channel Islands Harbor will help benefit thousands of children in need in Ventura County.

“We are honored to have amazing partnerships such as the Harbor Department,” McGrath said.

During the event, donations were accepted at a drop off location at Fisherman’s Wharf by more than 50 HBCA and community volunteers, Harbor Department staff, and fire department volunteers.

HBCA member Rene Aiu said the donations exceeded expectations.

“There were 40 giving-community volunteers who helped make this event happen along with members of the Harbor Department, Fire Department and the Food Share organization,” Aiu said. “So many generous donors came and made the holiday merrier for many families in our community.”

Harbor Department Director Michael Tripp said he couldn’t be more happy with the outcome.

“The community and volunteers really stepped up to help deliver what we hope will be joy and great memories for families in need this holiday season,” Director Tripp said. “I would like to thank the HBCA and community volunteers for their efforts.”