The Viola Blythe Community Service Center of Newark is a nonprofit, nonsectarian corporation organized to promote, support and advocate social and human services to any person who is in immediate need.

This mission is accomplished by a variety of programs, including emergency food and clothing distribution, referrals to other agencies, special programs that address current community needs and holiday programs at Thanksgiving and Christmas. View our 2023 Holiday Schedule.

HOLIDAY HEROES

A huge thank you to Newark Cub Scout Pack 441 and Boy Scout Troops 176 and 186 for collecting over 5,000 donated food items through their Scouting for Food campaign this year and donating them all to our center.

Please check out this video of these "busy little bees" organizing and collecting them for us.

And a huge thank you also to the Newark Police Association whose members delivered 235 turkeys to be distributed to families in need this holiday season (see picture below). Officer Karl Fredstrom, of the Police Association has chaired this program for several years. We are grateful for their support!
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Charity Begins at Home

Viola Blythe has helped thousands of homeless, hungry men, women and children for over SEVENTY years! Today, the Center continues serving people in the Tri-City area. Last year more than 8,000 people were helped by the Center with emergency food and clothing. It is only because of YOU and your continued support we are able to continue helping the community.

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How You Can Help

The Viola Blythe Center relies on the generosity of residents, schools, service organizations, churches and businesses for volunteers, funds and supplies. The services we provide and the families we help would not be possible without your help. We are always in need of food, clothing and financial assistance to sustain our programs. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization and are always welcome. Listed below are some of the ways you can help. Please call us 510-794-3437 and we can discuss your ideas or suggestions.

Get Involved

We can always use volunteers to help with processing requests, sorting food and clothing, stocking shelves, planning holiday activities and coordinating food collection

Donate your car, motorcycle, or boat and show your support for the work of The Viola Blythe Center!

Our Board of Directors

  • John Becker, President

  • Al Nagy, Vice President

  • Shirley Jankowski, Secretary

  • Mike Hannon

  • Desiree Caravalho

  • Heather Miles

  • Emma Villar

  • Brooke Crossland

Executive Director, Debra Rodriguez

Our Wish List

  • Shipping Box Tape

  • Egg Cartons

  • White Rice

  • Pinto Beans

  • Diapers – Med. & Large

  • Quart Size Zip-Loc Bags

  • Gallon Size Zip-Loc Bags

  • 55 Gallon Bags

  • Toys & Holiday Gift Cards for Teens

  • Postage Stamps

  • Paper Towels