Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association

Charitable Work

In addition to serving the community when it comes to fighting crime, members of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association enrich and contribute to the community in many other ways. Find out more information here.

VCDSA 2008 Charitable Donations: Year in Review

Even though we’re halfway through 2009, we’ve taken the time to look back to 2008 and note that VCDSA continued its proud tradition of charitable donations last year by giving over $56,000 to many worthy causes. Despite negative investment returns, especially at year-end, VCDSA was able to provide financial support to over 100 different groups that provide a broad-range of assistance, essential programs, activities and services, most of them for citizens right here in Ventura County.

VCDSA members have a right to be proud about their Association’s charitable activities, which are reflected in a combined total of over $485,000 donated back to the community in the last 8 years. VCDSA charitable giving is another way we help demonstrate that the men and women of this Association truly care about the communities in which they work, and the citizens whom they serve. The 2008 donations break down approximately as follows:

SUPPORT OF YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY

As a continuing reflection of VCDSA’s commitment to help local youth by supporting safe and healthy youth activities, and critical relief programs where young people need it most, the largest single charity fund segment of over $31,000 was donated to numerous groups that support kids in our area. Of that amount, VCDSA provided over $18,000 to assist programs for youth sports, academics, music, Scouting, summer-work, at-risk youth and school-related groups county-wide, and over $13,000 to help our local Boys & Girls Clubs that serve kids from the most needy communities. In a separate effort to help promote youth safety, VCDSA also supplied over 20,000 reflective Halloween safety bags to elementary school children across the County so they would be visible to drivers while Trick-or-Treating.

AID FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VICTIMS OF ILLNESS AND INURY

The second largest portion of VCDSA’s charitable contributions, almost $14,000, went to assist organizations that help those suffering from illness, disease, injury, and disability, and also to local groups that aid victims of crime, provide food and/or shelter for the underprivileged, and work to enhance medical care and services for local children and seniors. Donations to such groups included $2,500 to the National Charities League Juniors to help make children’s cancer treatment more accessible in Ventura County, $1,300 to the Coalition to End Family Violence, $1,000 to the March of Dimes, $1,000 to Cops Running for Charity, and $1,250 to the Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors.

ASSISTANCE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUPS

For obvious reasons, support for groups that assist the cause of law enforcement is near-and-dear to VCDSA, which is why the Trustees of the VCDSA Charitable Trust donated over $5,300 to such worthwhile organizations in 2008. Of that amount, $1,750 was given to help fund Thousand Oaks Police Volunteer programs, almost $1,000 to assist the K-9 Foundation, and hundreds more for Citizens Patrol groups, Police Activities Leagues, police explorers, and other public safety charities and non-profits.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS AND SUPPORT

When grave illness, serious injury or death strikes public safety officers from other agencies, the VCDSA Charitable Trust routinely tries to provide a measure of financial assistance and support for the injured officers, and for the survivors and loved ones of the deceased. (VCDSA charity funds cannot be used to assist VCDSA members directly.) In 2008, VCDSA donated over $6,000 in those efforts, including donations directly to the stricken and their families, and to organizations that provide additional assistance and resources for survivors.

We’re proud of the charitable work done by our Association in 2008, and every year we feel very fortunate to be able to continue helping those in need.

VCDSA CHARITABLE TRUST

The VCDSA Charitable Trust funds selected nonprofits, youth sports groups and other worthy causes that support our critical mission to help improve and keep the community safe. The Charitable Trust is supported by business and individuals and is a great opportunity for you or your business to send a positive message to the community. You can help by becoming a contributor!

HELPING BURN SURVIVORS

Every year, the VCDSA Board of Directors vote to donate tens of thousands of dollars to local non-profit organizations including local Boys & Girls Clubs, the Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and the Firefighters' Quest for Burn Survivors.

VCDSA members participate in the annual Peace Officer's Memorial Ceremony at the state capitol. Learn more here.

PEACE OFFICER'S MEORIAL

VCDSA members pay annual tribute to officers killed in the line of duty in California.

Students participate in one of several DARE courses taught by members of the Sheriff’s Department.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION

It is never too early for safety education and training. The Sheriff’s Department participates in safety instruction in the county’s classrooms and its parks and playgrounds. Deputies working as K9 handlers routinely visit county schools to reinforce the importance of public safety and the law, and DARE officers in the cities that obtain police services from the Sheriff’s Department provide classroom instruction, support, and mentoring to help youth make the right choice when it comes to drug abuse. Although budget cuts have forced a reduction of the DARE program, it remains viable in many localities and has proven valuable in helping to steer youth away from drugs.

For a list of charities VCDSA supports, please visit our Sponsored Charities page.