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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
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.”
“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.”
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.