| PORT HUENEME — This year, the Port of Hueneme is celebrating a powerful season of giving with a series of hosted and partner-supported community events across Ventura County. In total, the Port helped distribute approximately 1,000 frozen turkeys and holiday meal kits to military families, seniors, farmworkers, local residents, and community members.
Throughout November, Port Commissioners, staff, volunteers, and sponsors came together to support multiple food distributions, each focused on uplifting and empowering families during the holiday season. These efforts included the Drive Out Hunger military and veterans meal giveaway, local community holiday distributions, and nonprofit-supported events across Oxnard and Port Hueneme, ensuring families from all backgrounds could enjoy a holiday meal at home. |
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Food distribution volunteers gather for a group photo
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| “This season reminds us why community matters,” said Jess Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “Giving back is part of our mission. We’re not just a port, this is our home, and these are our neighbors. Supporting families during the holidays is something we care deeply about.”
Across the series of events, Port leadership and staff joined regional organizations, youth organizations, Naval Base Ventura County partners, and private sector sponsors to expand the reach of food support across the region. |
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Oxnard Harbor District Board members Jason Hodge and Celina Zacarias celebrate after a successful food distribution event.
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| “These events reflect the heart of the Port,” said Commissioner Jason Hodge. “Our community shows up for us every day and during the holidays, it’s our honor to show up for them.” |
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Volunteers work together to prepare frozen turkeys and meal kits
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| “This initiative is about compassion and dignity,” said Commissioner Celina Zacarias. “Many families are facing challenges. A simple gesture, a turkey, a meal, a kind word, can bring joy and comfort during the holidays.” |
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The Port’s leaders, staff, and commissioners with Drive Out Hunger volunteers
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| On Tuesday, November 25, the Port co-hosted a Thanksgiving meal for about 500 members of our unhoused community at Casa Lopez.
A volunteer at the event, Ignacio, said it was “really beautiful to see everyone come together and support one another, especially during the holidays when so many people are struggling. Being here today, serving food, handing out pies, helping wherever I’m needed, is my way of giving back. I’ve been in a place where I needed help before, and being able to pay it forward and be part of this community means a lot to me.” |
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Volunteers assisting in passing out desserts at Casa Lopez
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| “Happy holidays to everyone in our community,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director. “It’s an honor to lend a helping hand and spend time with our neighbors. We’re thankful for the partners and volunteers who make these moments possible.” |
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A volunteer helps distribute a meal to a military member at the Drive Out Hunger event
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| Miguel Rodriguez, the Port’s Director of Community Relations & Workforce Development, shared: “As the holiday season begins, we recognize the many needs facing our community, and it is our honor to help bring a little comfort to our neighbors during this time- especially for those whose work was impacted by the recent rain. We extend our thanks to our partners at Oxnard High School Girls Flag Football, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Southwinds Community Council, and our dedicated Port staff for coming together to make this effort possible.”
The Port of Hueneme will continue uplifting the community into the new year through education initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, food distribution events, and regional workforce programs. |
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| About the Port of Hueneme: The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. Ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 25,000 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first Port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. |
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