SLO Grassroots

Following in the footsteps and tradition of Maxine Lewis, a pillar of foundation in our community, we aim to strengthen our community’s safety net to those in need by providing essential resources and support with focus on honoring the dignity and intrinsic value of all people in our community. Upon retirement of Maxine Lewis’s venerable organization, Grassroots II, Inc. Heather Todd and other passionate volunteers recognized an ongoing need in our community and felt called to continue Maxine Lewis’s work. In 2025, SLO Grassroots was born as a new 501c3 organization to carry on the legacy of Maxine Lewis’s mission, to recognize and serve those in our community who are most in need. We are a 100% volunteer run, secular organization.

What we do

SLO Grassroots takes up the mantle of Grassroots II, Inc., a non profit established in 1971 by Maxine Lewis herself after cooking two turkeys in her oven one Thanksgiving and seeing a need to be filled. We will hold our community Thanksgiving dinner the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in partnership with the SLO Elks Lodge. SLO Grassroots also provides a year-round food and clothing pantry, currently by appointment, but with our sights set on a permanent location in the future.

Pantry

Currently by appointment only, we provide food, men’s/women’s clothing and shoes, as well as hygiene items. Small household items are often available as well.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Just like it sounds, a Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings. The public is welcome. We set our sights on serving about 2000 of our neighbors, both homebound and in our dining hall. This event requires most of our financial and volunteer resources.

Christmas

For our families in need, we offer baskets filled with food for Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner. By appointment, parents can come shop for Christmas gifts for their teen children. There are many items and experiences from our generous local sponsors. All at no cost for the families.