North County in the spirit of giving: Holiday traditions that warm the heart
By Camille DeVaul · Sun Nov 23 2025
As the holidays arrive, North County comes alive with the true spirit of giving—where running shoes, turkey costumes, and open hearts all play their part in making the season brighter. Whether you’re lacing up for a trot around Atascadero Lake, donning your finest wrestling gear for Turkeymania, or helping spread cheer at the Day of Giving, every event celebrates the generosity that defines this community. And on Thanksgiving Day, as hundreds gather around tables at Centennial Park, Paso Robles’ long-standing tradition of sharing a meal with friends and strangers alike reminds us that the greatest gift of all is connection. This season, there’s no shortage of ways to give back, and every act of kindness helps make the holidays a little warmer for everyone.
7th annual ECHO Turkey Trot
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 (and their pets!) 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.
20th Annual Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club Turkey Trot
The Paso Robles Youth Wrestling Club is bringing the energy (and the spandex) 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, November 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
Day of Giving with Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles
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, December 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.
Registration will be open from November 1 through November 20, with donation boxes placed at local businesses during the first week of November and wish lists available on the Toy Bank’s website by mid-November. Around the same time, donation boxes will also be distributed to collect coats for Coats for Kids. Learn more, register for assistance, or find ways to help at prtoybank.org or coatsforkidsslocounty.org
41st annual Thanksgiving for Paso Robles
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 cherished event welcomes everyone to the table, ensuring that no one spends the holiday alone.
Held at the Centennial Park Activity Center on Thursday, November 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
Dinner Details
Sit Down Meal
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 at 600 Nickerson Road in Paso Robles.
To-Go Meals
There will be a limited number of to-go meals available for pickup. The to-go window will be open from 3 to 4 p.m., or until all meals are gone — whichever comes first!
Delivery
For those who are homebound, there are volunteers to deliver a warm Thanksgiving meal. The deadline to request delivery is by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 24.
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