Philanthropy Projects
Donations To Local Nonprofits
In 2026, SWC donated $12,000 to several local nonprofit organizations, including Southwestern College Food Pantry, Greater San Diego Reading Association, and Adrian’s Way. Some members have supported these organizations as volunteers as well. Southwestern College Food Pantry provides free access to produce, shelf stable pantry items, menstrual products and hygiene items. Southwestern Community College District is the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, providing services to a diverse community of students.
Adrian’s Way of National City stocks a pantry room for Sweetwater High School, providing the following: food, beverages, toiletries, school supplies, clothes and shoes. Our members are also actively involved in Adrian’s Way. Adrian’s Way representative also spoke to SWC this year about Adrian’s Way and SWC’s valuable contributions.
Our members are also involved with Greater San Diego Reading Association, a nonprofit literacy organization in Chula Vista, that collect and then provide books to infants and young readers. SWC also donated money to this important organization. One of our members is actively involved with this organization.
SWC works closely with Bonita Museum, located in the heart of Bonita. The Bonita Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, for public education and enjoyment, the culture, history, arts, crafts and aesthetic facets of our region. Due to our ongoing strong alliance with Bonita Museum, they are one of the benefactors of our yearly donations. The Museum Director was a guest speaker at a recent General Meeting. Some of SWC members often volunteer at the Museum.
Community Service Initiatives
A long-standing SWC tradition, members participated in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in partnership with South Bay Community Services to support individuals and families in need during the holiday season. The drive focused on collecting bags of essential side dishes, including instant potatoes, stuffing, canned green beans, canned corn, gravy mix, and egg noodles. In 2025, the Food Drive resulted in the collection of a record 124 donation bags, reflecting the strong commitment of SWC members to addressing food insecurity.
SWC also continued its long-standing partnership with Meals on Wheels through the
collection of We Care bags. Meals on Wheels is a nationally recognized program that delivers nutritious meals and supportive services to homebound and vulnerable seniors while helping reduce isolation and promote independence. The We Care bags, distributed by Meals on Wheels volunteers, provide comfort items and personal care necessities. In 2025, SWC collected a record-breaking 70 bags, further demonstrating its dedication to supporting local seniors.
In addition, SWC proudly supported the Toys for Tots program in 2025, helping bring holiday joy to children in need through this U.S. Marine Corps initiative. Member participation reached a record level, with donations totaling 170 new toys and 18 gift cards valued at hundreds of dollars, making a meaningful impact on local families during the holiday season.
