North County celebrates Season of Giving
By Camille DeVaul · Wed Nov 26 2025
Give back with festive fun runs and wrestling-themed trots to heartfelt volunteer efforts and community meals
NORTH COUNTY — As the holiday season arrives, North County is gearing up for a celebration of community, generosity, and togetherness. From fun-filled Turkey Trots in Paso Robles and Atascadero to the long-standing Thanksgiving tradition in Paso Robles, residents of all ages have opportunities to give, share, and connect.
We have gathered some of North County's favorite nonprofit fundraisers and events that start this Thursday.
Now in its 41st year, Thanksgiving for Paso Robles continues to embody the heart and spirit of the community. Each year, more than 1,500 residents come together to share a warm, homemade Thanksgiving meal, free of charge and full of fellowship. This event welcomes everyone to the table, ensuring that no one spends the holiday alone.
Held at the Centennial Park Activity Center on Thursday, Nov. 27, the dining room will be open from 12 to 2 p.m., with to-go meals available at 3 p.m. Volunteers and donors make this beloved celebration possible, giving their time, talents, and resources to serve others with care and kindness.
Community members are encouraged to get involved — whether by volunteering, delivering meals, or making a donation to help fund the feast. Families, students, churches, and local businesses all play a part in keeping this tradition alive year after year. To learn more, visit thanksgivingforpasorobles.com
All are welcome to enjoy a traditional sit-down Thanksgiving meal at no cost from 12 to 2 p.m. at Centennial Park Activity Center, 600 Nickerson Road in Paso Robles. A limited number of to-go meals will also be available for pickup from 3 to 4 p.m., or until all meals are gone, whichever comes first.
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a burst of fun and feathers at the 7th Annual ECHO Turkey Trot, happening 8:30 a.m. at the Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand. This beloved North County tradition invites runners, walkers, and wobblers of all ages to hit the path in their most festive turkey attire.
Hosted by the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), the event combines fitness and community spirit to support local individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The 5K fun run/walk is the perfect way to start your holiday with heart and maybe win big! Prizes will be awarded for the best turkey costumes in adult, child, and pet categories, so don’t be afraid to strut your stuff.
There’s a suggested donation of $20 per person, and every dollar helps ECHO continue its vital work providing shelter, meals, and resources to those in need. Learn more at echoshelter.org
The Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club is bringing the energy with its 20th Annual Turkey Trot: Turkeymania! Lace up those running shoes, rip those yellow shirts, and slap on a headband for Paso’s most entertaining Thanksgiving season tradition.
The morning kicks off Thursday, Nov. 27, at 7 a.m. with registration, followed by races, fun runs, and walks starting promptly at 8 a.m. at the Food 4 Less parking lot off Creston Road. Whether you’re running the 10K, 5K, or Family Fun Run, you’ll be supporting the Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club, a nonprofit that directly funds the PRHS Wrestling program.
Expect plenty of prizes and laughs along the way, including first-place medals for each 10K division. This year, to honor the late and great Hulk Hogan, the trot will include a Hulkster Costume Contest — so break out those blonde wigs and best wrestling poses! The first 100 participants will snag a limited-edition Turkeymania T-shirt. To learn more, visit raceroster.com/events/2025/111525/20th-annual-paso-robles-youth-wrestling-club-turkeymania
For more than 30 years, the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles has made the holidays brighter for families in need, providing toys and clothing to over 500 families and 1,400 children each year across Paso Robles, Shandon, San Miguel, Bradley, and Heritage Ranch.
This year’s Day of Giving returns on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Paso Robles Event Center, where Toy Bank will once again partner with Coats for Kids of SLO County to serve more than 700 local families. Volunteers will gather to distribute toys, coats, and warm clothing, ensuring that every child can celebrate the season with comfort and cheer.
Celebrating over 35 years of service, Coats for Kids continues its heartfelt mission of keeping North County families warm through donations of jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Entirely volunteer-run, both organizations put every contribution directly into the hands of local families.
There are many ways to get involved — by volunteering, donating, or purchasing toys from the Toy Bank’s Amazon or Target wish lists, which ship directly to the nonprofit. Donation boxes can also be found throughout Paso Robles this season.
Learn more, register for assistance, or find ways to help at prtoybank.org or coatsforkidsslocounty.org