Community Resource Drives
The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland hosts community resource drives throughout the year, providing community members across the East Bay access to essential needs.
As the cost of living increases, it is vital to host these drives to ensure immediate access to food, clothing, menstrual products, skincare, holiday toys, and more are provided.
Holiday & Toy Festival
Our community celebration brings together families for a joyful day filled with light refreshments, hot cocoa, face painting, games, cookie decorating, books, groceries, and toy distribution. More than just fun activities, this event offers a welcoming space where neighbors can connect, children can play, and everyone can feel supported during the season.
Persimmon Food Pantry
Our Persimmon Food Pantry provides free, nutritious groceries to individuals and families in need across Berkeley and Oakland. More than just food, it offers dignity, care, and a welcoming space for community members to find support during challenging times. By addressing food insecurity, we nourish both body and spirit while working toward a healthier, more equitable community.
Current Resources Available
Community members are welcome to inquire about the resources we have available on hand. Some things we can offer include:
Bay Area Resources Packet
Up to 30 minutes of assistance in making need-based phone calls to other organizations, shelters, personal contacts, etc., considering outstanding, timely tasks and projects that need to be completed by YWCA staff
Up to 5 pages of printouts
A quick bathroom visit
Hygiene Pack/Menstrual Kit
Snacks and Water (as available)
Skincare/Makeup Products (as available)
Past Events
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Persimmon Food Pantry
Monday, August 4, 2025
11:00 AM 6:00 PM
In response to the growing community needs, we are having our second food pantry event on August 4th to support local families and individuals facing food insecurity. The program is open to all - participants must sign up in advance to reserve a spot while supplies last.
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Open House 2025
Monday, August 25, 2025
11:00 AM 4:00 PM
Meet our dedicated staff, explore our historic building, and discover our empowering programs. Enjoy free food, pick up free menstrual and health products and take part in the fun at our community Swap Meet and wellness activities.
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Swap Meet
Monday, August 25, 2025
11:00 AM 4:00 PM
You don't want to miss our Swap Meet in celebration of National Secondhand Wardrobe Day! Bring clothing, books, home goods, and more to swap, sell or share. Vendor tables are available - sign up early to reserve your spot!
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Persimmon Food Pantry Drive
October 15 and 16, 2025
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
In response to the growing community needs, we are having a food pantry drive event to support local families and individuals facing food insecurity.
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Turkey Food Pantry
Friday, November 21, 2025
11:00 AM 6:00 PM
We’ll have fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and more—free of charge to support our community. Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to come early!
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Holiday Festival
Saturday, December 20, 2025
11:00 AM 3:00 PM
Enjoy light refreshments, hot cocoa, face painting, games, cookie decorating, books, groceries, toy distribution, and much more.
This event is first-come, first-served. You’re welcome to call or email if you plan to join us, but it’s not required.
FAQs
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FAQs *
Can I donate items? If so, what items are accepted?
Yes, you can donate items! We accept unopened, non-perishable food (canned goods, grains and pasta, snacks, etc.). For a more in-depth list, click here.
With specialized events, we may also accept items like clothes/coats, school supplies, and toys. When we accept these specific items, we will share them on our website and social media for appropriate drop-off times.
If you are curious about donating something not listed here, please contact us via phone (510) 848-6370 or email us at info@ywca-berkeley.org.
What opportunities are there for collaboration?
At the YWCA, we are always looking to collaborate and partner with individuals and local community organizations who share our commitment to empowering and supporting our community. If one of our programs aligns with your mission and work, we would love to connect — please fill out our contact form to start the conversation.
For our resource drives, we are currently welcoming donations and collaborative partnerships, particularly in support of our Food Pantry and Menstrual Equity initiatives.
We gratefully accept both in-kind and monetary donations for our programs. In the past, local businesses have generously contributed items for events, sponsored initiatives such as our Food Pantry, and supported programs like our high school Shadow Day Program. These partnerships make a meaningful impact, and we look forward to building new relationships that strengthen our community together.