Neighborhood cleanups, food drives and distribution: Things to do around San Diego Nov. 7-12

Neighborhood cleanups, food drives and distribution: Things to do around San Diego Nov. 7-12
Illustration and image by Lauren J. Mapp/Daylight San Diego

This weekend’s events include building medical kits for unhoused community members and the monthly North Park Vegan Market.


Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey


This week, San Diegans are hosting food drives to support their neighbors, leading neighborhood cleanups and curating art events. 

Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, send us the details in our online form.

Nov. 7

Thanksgiving Food Drive: Sharia’s Closet is leading a food drive to provide food for 25 families for Thanksgiving. The nonprofit is requesting non-perishable food items like boxes of stuffing, gravy packets, instant mashed potatoes and canned cranberry sauce. Donations can be dropped off through Nov. 14, and monetary donations can be made through Nov. 18. Nov. 3-18, Western Capital Mortgage, 860 Kuhn Dr., Suite 201, Chula Vista, CA 91914

Pints with a Purpose: Stella Jeans and Pop Pie Co. are donating $1 to Feeding San Diego for every pint of ice cream or slice of sweet pie sold from Nov. 7-9. Multiple Locations: Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jeans

Punk for the People: Shared Plate is hosting a fundraiser at Queen Bee's. The Punk for the People event is raising funds for mutual aid and food distribution groups in North County. There will be live performances, vendors, food, raffle prizes, activities, and resources. 6 p.m. - 11, Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St, San Diego, CA 92104

The Artist is Not Alone: The Artist Is Not Alone is hosting an event at Bread & Salt for artists and makers to discuss what inspires their work. Tickets can be reserved online, pay what you can, but $18 donations include a drink. 7 - 10:30 p.m., 1955 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113

Nov. 8

Neighborhood Cleanup & Food Drive: The Blank Panther and Panther Party of San Diego are hosting a neighborhood cleanup in the Black Arts & Culture District starting at Panther Headquarters. The organization is also accepting canned food, pasta, dry beans and rice donations for its emergency food drive. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 6 Hensley St., San Diego, CA 92102

Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Popup Winona where visitors can donate items or get needed supplies. The group is seeking donations of baby formula, bags, blankets, diapers, first aid items, harm reduction supplies, hats, gloves, hygiene products, mobility aids, rolling carts or wagons, shoes, sleeping bags, socks, tarps, tents, undergarments and water. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, California, 92115

North Park Neighborhood Cleanup: North Park Main Street is leading a community cleanup with an after party at the Walkabout Headquarters. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Cleanup: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego, CA 92104. After party: Walkabout, 4555 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116

Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups host a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and beyond every Saturday in Ocean Beach. The group invites attendees to wear pink and bring peace-themed posters. For more information, email sandiego@codepink.org. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

North Park Vegan Market: More than 60 vendors will sell vegan tacos, lumpia, cookies, dumplings and other dishes during the monthly market on the second Saturday of each month. 12 - 4 p.m., North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego, CA 92104

Nov. 9

Grocery Bag Donation: Veterans Village of San Diego is collecting reusable grocery bags to distribute food to veteran families. 4141 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92110 

Homeless Medical Program Kit Building: The Blank Panther and Panther Party of San Diego are leading an event to build medical kits for unhoused community members. The organization is also accepting canned food, pasta, dry beans and rice donations for its emergency food drive during the event. 1 - 2:30 p.m., Teralta Park, Plaza, San Diego, CA 92105

Taste of University Heights: The Taste of University Heights Open Event will include 20 restaurant and sip stops, a free shuttle, open studios and art displays. Tickets are $35 if purchased online before the event here or $40 if purchased on the day of the event. 12 - 3 p.m., Kairoa Brewing Company, 4601 Park Blvd Ste A, San Diego, CA 92116

Slow Fashion Day: Sew Loka and The Homegrown Project are holding San Diego's first Slow Fashion Day. The free event will have local vendors, an upcycled clothing fashion show and workshops on how to sew, mend and upcycle clothes. The organizers encourage people to bring an item of clothing from home to rework at their workshops. Register here. 2 - 9 p.m., 900 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA 92101

Nov. 10

Veteran & Active Duty Emergency Food Distribution: Veterans Village of San Diego is distributing food to veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Community members can walk up to the main entrance or drive through the rear parking lot to receive groceries. Proof of active duty or veteran status is required. 2 - 5 p.m., Veterans Village of San Diego Main Campus, 4141 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92110

Nov. 11

Family & Educator Training: The Association of Raza Educators and Unión del Barrio are co-hosting a training focused on defending schools from Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. 6 p.m, 2225 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113

Nov. 12

Community Connections Service Day: The Ocean Discovery Institute hosts a monthly service day where staff meet volunteers, tour the Living Lab and share about the organization’s work. 4-6 p.m., Ocean Discovery Institute, 4255 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92105

Senior Legacy Project: The North County LGBTQ Center is inviting seniors and allies for a brunch honoring their culture, history and ancestors. The event includes a show and tell during which guests will be invited to share items from their heritage as well as group discussions on supporting the LGBTQ+ community. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054

Free Meal Wednesdays: Louisiana Purchase is partnering with The Harvey Family Foundation and Black San Diego to provide free meals to people impacted by the federal government shutdown each Wednesday throughout November. Recipients must show a valid ID or EBT card to qualify, and food will be available while supplies last. The restaurant is accepting donations to support the free meal program online. 3 p.m., Louisiana Purchase, 2305 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104

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