Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What geographic area do you serve?

A: Encinitas, Carlsbad and Rancho Santa Fe.

Q: Do you accept fruit other than citrus?

A: Yes, we gladly accept any fruit or vegetable that is ripe and ready to eat (please no over ripe food).

Q: What pickup container should I put my fruit/vegetables in?

A: Box or paper bag.

Q: Are there other donations Operation HOPE Vista and Solutions for Change need?

A: Yes. A list is provided below. If you choose to donate additional supplies, please leave them on your doorstep with your fruit donation and we will deliver them to the centers.

Q: Can I donate supplies and not fruit?

A: Yes. Please schedule a pickup date HERE and we will gratefully collect your donations.

Q: Who are the volunteers that would pick my fruit?

A: The community is anxious to help! We have a list of adult volunteers and under adult supervision, we have a number of student volunteers who are anxious to help.

Q: What is the minimum and maximum amount I can donate?

A: There is no minimum, all donations are appreciated, accepted and will be put to good use. 

Q: How can I help?

A: Spread the word to your friends and neighbors, volunteer to be a picker, start a garden and share the fruits of your labor!

Other Supplies Needed

Bedding (critical need): 

Sheets (Twin/Queen) Blankets (Twin/Queen) 

Pillows Pillowcases 

Mattresses (Twin/Queen) Mattress Covers 

Comforters (Twin/Queen) 

Towels & Washcloths 

Cleaning Supplies:

Pine Sol Oven Cleaner 

Lysol Brooms/Mops 

Windex Clorox Wipes 

Laundry Soap Sponges 

Dish soap Comet 

Shower Curtains Simple Green 

Paper / Plastic Products: 

Toilet Paper

Paper /Plastic Plates 

Paper Towels

Paper/Plastic Cups 

X Large Trash Bags (33 gallons)


Personal Hygiene Products:

Toothbrushes/Toothpaste Disposable Razors 

Soap Kleenex 


Feminine Products 


Shaving Cream 

Deodorant (Men/Women)

Shower Shoes 

Body Lotion 

Pantry Needs:

Canned fruit & vegetables





Salt & Pepper 

Peanut Butter


Pasta and Sauces


Fruit Juice/Juice Boxes


Spices Cereal 

Juices & Nutritional Snacks for Pre-school 

Baby Needs:

Diapers (large: 4 and 5) 

Baby Wipes 

Baby Food 





Residential Housewares:


Cooking Utensils 

Pots & Pans

Cutlery Sets 

Can Openers


Coffee Makers

Dish Racks 


Waste Baskets 


Bathroom rugs