Happy Holidays everyone! This is one of my most favorite times of the year here at the Channel Islands Harbor. Boat decorations are going up, the weather is remaining pleasant, and the community comes together to support great causes all while having fun.

Channel Islands Harbor Food & Toy Drive

The Harbor Department and Harbor & Beach Community Alliance (HBCA) are teaming up again to spread holiday cheer this season by hosting the 3rd Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 3, 2022 at Fisherman’s Wharf.

I would like to thank the HBCA’s volunteers and Harbor Department staff for putting a lot of time and grassroots efforts into making this event the best it can be. HBCA is anticipating to have nearly 50 volunteers at Fisherman’s Wharf during the event. Harbor Department staff has supported efforts to gather food and toys in advance of the event.

The Holiday Food & Toy Drive is important because it will benefit Food Share of Ventura County and the Spark of Love Toy Drive, an annual effort coordinated by local fire departments which provides toys to thousands of children each year.

As you may be aware, the need to support families is greater this year due to the country’s economy. Donations to Food Share are down almost 30% due to higher food costs, with less excess food from grocery stores and less monetary donations overall.  As a result, the event’s matching fund donor has generously upped the matching fund from $10,000 to $12,000 this year hoping the community will also consider giving more this year.  We understand how difficult the year has been for everyone and are looking forward to another big event.

On the day of the event, donations will be accepted at a drop off location at Fisherman’s Wharf, located on the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard in Oxnard. Volunteers will be there to safely accept the donations and provide them to Food Share and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

The goal is to raise a “boat load” of food and toys.  In addition, money donations to Food Share will be matched up to $12,000. Cash and checks may be written to “Food Share of Ventura County” and dropped off on December 3rd. Donations can also be made online by visiting: www.foodshare.com/harbor

Items Needed

The drive will include both food and toy donations to double the spirit of the holidays.

According to Food Share, the top five most needed food items are: canned tuna, chicken, and salmon; cereal (non-sugar types); beans (dry and canned); rice (in 1lb-2lb bags or mixes; and peanut butter, but all non-perishable food items are welcome.

If you want to donate toys, bring new, unwrapped toys and/or sports equipment which will “spark” happiness during the holidays.

56^th Annual Parade of Lights

One week after the Channel Islands Harbor Food & Toy Drive, the Harbor will be hosting its most well-known boat parade – the 56^th Annual Parade of Lights. The Parade of Lights is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 10^th.   This year’s theme is “Let It Glow.” We hope to have a big turnout to view the dozens of brightly decorated vessels on the water.

The holidays are a special time of year that bring together family, friends, and colleagues. I hope you can find time to come enjoy some of the exciting events we have planned.

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor’s Note: this story was published on Dec. 1, 2022.