Giving Thanks & Giving Back: Celebrating the Season Through Community Support

As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a community defined by generosity, connectedness and compassion. This time of year invites us to reflect on our blessings — including the vibrant network of nonprofits that strengthen the Monterey Peninsula every day.

How You Can Support Local Charities This Season

We want to highlight some of our team’s favorite local organizations that make a real difference — and share how you can support them, especially during this year’s Monterey County Gives! campaign running November 13–December 31, 2025.

Monterey County Gives! is a powerful way to amplify your year-end giving. With 213 participating nonprofits, the campaign spans key areas including animals, education and youth, community services, health and food and much, much more. Best of all - every donation receives a partial match up to the first $75,000 per organization. A gift now goes even further, and makes a bigger impact.

Here are some of our favorite local nonprofits, why they matter and how you can support them:

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

What they do: Habitat helps local families achieve stable, affordable homeownership by building homes in partnership with residents.
How to give: You can make a tax-deductible donation online or by mail.
How to volunteer: Habitat welcomes volunteers of all experience levels. Individuals can help at construction sites or in their ReStore.

Visit their website here: Habitat Monterey Bay

First Tee – Monterey County

What they do: First Tee fosters youth development through golf-based life skills programs, helping kids learn confidence, leadership and resilience.
How to donate: You can support their mission by donating via their online donation form.
How to volunteer: Whether as a mentor, tutor, coach or event volunteer, contributions of time are deeply valued.

Visit their website here:  First Tee — Monterey County

The Quail Lodge Scholars’ Cup

What they do: The Quail Lodge Scholars’ Cup awards scholarships to Monterey County students.
How to give: Donations are managed through the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). You can give directly to their MGA2 – The Quail Community Impact Fund.

Visit their website here:  Community Foundation for Monterey County

AIM for Youth Mental Health

What they do: AIM advances mental health research, education and advocacy for children, teens and young adults.
How to support: You can donate online, set up a recurring gift, give stock, or even consider planned giving.

Visit their website here:  AIM Youth Mental Health+1

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

What they do: POMDR rescues senior dogs and supports older pet owners, providing medical care and adoption services for pets who might otherwise be overlooked.
How to give: Their donation page offers one-time gifts, monthly giving, tribute gifts and options to sponsor a dog.
Other ways to help: Volunteer with their Helping Paw program which provides veterinary care and support for pet caregivers in need, or consider fostering a dog in your home.

Visit their website here: peaceofminddogrescue.org

Monterey County Food Bank

What they do: The Food Bank provides healthy food to families facing food insecurity across Monterey County — over 95% of donations go directly to food assistance.
How to give: Donate online, send a check or join their monthly giving program called “Partners Ending Hunger.”

Visit their website here:  Food Bank for Monterey County

Hospice Foundation

What they do: The Hospice Foundation supports compassionate care for individuals and families during end-of-life, helping them find peace, dignity and comfort.
How to support: Donations help fund patient care, provide grief support for families and education for caregivers.

Visit their website here: https://hospicefoundation.org/donate/

Why Your Support Matters — Especially Now

By giving during Monterey County Gives!, your donation does more than support one cause — it’s multiplied. This campaign’s matching funds create a powerful incentive to give right now. Plus, your generosity helps build a stronger, more compassionate community whether you're helping a family find a home, a young person develop confidence, a senior keep their beloved pet or a neighbor put food on the table. This Thanksgiving season, let’s work together and donate our time, our money and our resources. Our generosity can ripple across the Monterey Peninsula, turning gratitude into meaningful change for those who need it most, because when we lift one another up, we ensure that the spirit of Thanksgiving lasts far beyond the holiday.