By: The Dirt

In Yolo County, there’s a vast disparity between those who can afford the Holiday season—and those who can’t.

Yolo County has the highest poverty rate in the state at 20-percent, according to County data. In 2023, more than 11-percent of Yolo County’s children were living in poverty, and in January of this year, nearly a thousand people were experiencing homelessness.

Also in Yolo County: the spirit of giving and many opportunities to lend a hand.

Adopt a family with STEAC

STEAC, the Short Term Emergency Aid Committee, works to pair families who are able to help with those who could use a hand during the holiday season. In its 57th year, the STEAC Holiday Program hopes to provide support to more than 500 families.

Families and individuals who qualify are matched to anonymous adopters who purchase food and gifts based on their specific wishes. Adopt a family on your own or as a group at steac.org, and a STEAC Holiday Program coordinator will reach out with more details. Drop off days for food and gifts are December 10—12.

If you are not in a position to adopt right now, but want to support STEAC, monetary donations are helpful. For gift card donations, $30-$50 cards are most useful for clients.

Donate online at steac.org/donate, through Venmo @STEAC, or mail a check to 1712 Picasso Ave., Suite D, Davis, CA, 95618.

Support the Yolo Food Bank

For families facing food insecurity, the holidays can amplify struggles. That’s why the Yolo Food Bank is hosting its most ambitious fundraiser ever: raising $275,000 this Winter to feed neighbors in need.

The Yolo Food Bank serves more than 30,000 families each month, and the extra push during the holiday season goes a long way.

Donate online at yolofoodbank.org/ygg24.

The Yolo Food Bank also offers many in person volunteer activities including harvest events, warehouse work, and food distributions.