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.

2007 ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR VCDSA DONATIONS

In 2007, VCDSA provided financial support of more than $72,000 to over 120 different groups that provide a broad-range of assistance, essential programs, activities and services, most of them to citizens 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 more than $430,000 donated back to the community in the last 7 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 2007 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 when 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 $14,000 to assist youth sports, academic, music, Scouting, summer-work, at-risk and school-related programs county-wide, over $13,000 to help our local Boys & Girls Clubs. Of that amount, VCDSA had the opportunity to provide $1,500 to continue targeted training for at-risk youth in the Oak View area, and at year’s end VCDSA donated $2,000 to the Marine Corps’ Toys-4-Tots campaign to help brighten the holidays for the county’s most needy children.

AID FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VICTIMS OF ILLNESS AND INURY: The second largest portion of VCDSA’s charitable contributions, over $23,000, 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 $3,000 to the National Charities League Juniors to help make children’s cancer treatment more accessible in Ventura County, $1,000 for LA Children’s Hospital, $1,000 for St. Jude Childrens Hospital, $1,000 for a Habitat for Humanity project organized by Royal High in Simi, $1,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and $1,250 for 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 $14,000 to such worthwhile organizations in 2007. Of that amount, over $5,000 was given to help fund Thousand Oaks Police Volunteer programs, $2,000 for Citizens Patrol groups in the cities of Camarillo and Fillmore, and $1,000 to Ventura County Search and Rescue. Additional donations went to support police K-9s, 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 2006, VCDSA donated over $4,000 in those efforts, including donations directly to the stricken, and to organizations that provide additional assistance and resources for survivors.

We’re proud of the charitable work done by our Association in 2007, and every year we feel blessed 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!

VCDSA President Pat Buckley gives a check made out to the Quest Organization for burn survivors.

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 Memorial

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.