Press Release: Community Came Together for Annual “Treat Yourself” Event — Rain or Shine

Solano County, CA —Despite the rain, the Solano County community showed up in full force for the annual Treat Yourself event, hosted by Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano and SolTrans at the Vallejo Transit Center on Wednesday, November 5. The event connected community members in need with vital local resources, hot meals, and essential supplies.

A total of 21 partner organizations participated, including Solano Public Health, the City of Vallejo, Vallejo Adult School, and local housing and shower service providers. Together, these partners provided essential services, donated materials, and helped make the event welcoming and accessible for all attendees.

In total, 200 hot meals were served by Mensa Christi, complemented by 50 burritos donated by Mi Jalisco’s and six pizzas from Bambino’s Vallejo, ensuring every attendee enjoyed a warm meal and had food to take with them. Through generous community support, $5,600 was raised, funding the preparation of 365 shelf-stable food bags, with additional bags reserved for future distributions. SolTrans’ operations contractor, Transdev, also lent a helping hand by assembling 250food bags for the event and for upcoming Second Friday distributions on November 14 and December 12.

Attendees shared heartfelt gratitude throughout the day, one parent was connected to shelter with his two young children through iHART, while another attendee, who had gone a month without a refrigerator, expressed deep appreciation for the shelf-stable food provided. Many described the event as “a blessing” and “everything they needed in one place.”

“This event is a true testament to what we can accomplish when our community comes together,” said SolTrans Executive Director Beth Kranda. “Even in the rain, the compassion and collaboration we saw today made a lasting difference for so many. Hosting it at the Vallejo Transit Center is especially meaningful, transit is more than just moving people; it connects lives, supports opportunity, and helps communities thrive wherever it goes.”

Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano Executive Director John Watkins said, “This event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and collaboration of our partners and community members. together, we created more than a resource fair — we created a place of dignity, warmth, and connection.”

Additional food distribution opportunity, Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano, in partnership with St. Catherine of Siena Church, will host a Turkey and Meal Kit Drive-Thru Event on Saturday, November 22, at St. Catherine of Siena Church (3450 Tennessee St, Vallejo) from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until supplies last). Participants will receive a turkey, a food bag, and have access to additional community resources. The event is first come, first served, and no pre-registration is required.

Solano County Transit (SolTrans) has been the public transportation provider for south Solano County since July 2011. SolTrans provides local and Express fixed routes and complementary paratransit. The agency is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) governed by a six-member Board of Directors, composed of two representatives from the cities of Benicia and Vallejo, Solano County’s representative on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and a representative from the Solano Transportation Authority.

Press Release: Community Came Together for Annual “Treat Yourself” Event — Rain or Shine

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