Community members are encouraged to donate food and help fill the shelves of the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank through the Divine Savior Collection. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

ORANGEVALE/FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Helping Hands OV is keeping the Orangevale-Fair Oaks community connected this October with opportunities to give back, have some fun and support local neighbors.

The month kicks off with Helping Hands OV’s second annual food drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at Grocery Outlet Orangevale. Community members are encouraged to donate food and help fill the shelves of the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank through the Divine Savior Collection. Every donation helps local families and individuals facing food insecurity.

On Oct. 14, Helping Hands OV will hold its monthly community meetup at 6 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 5267 Sunrise Blvd., Fair Oaks. Everyone who attends will receive a drawing ticket. Bring a donation for the food bank and receive an additional ticket. Bring a friend for another ticket and wear something Halloween-themed for one more chance to win.

Helping Hands OV will also team up with Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at Palladio in Folsom Oct. 26-30. Guests can dine at the restaurant or order takeout and use promo code 02FOLSOM to have 15 percent of their purchase donated back to Helping Hands OV.

On Oct. 30, guests can add some Halloween fun by bringing their costumed pets to Lazy Dog at Palladio. Call the restaurant to reserve a patio table, then check in with Helping Hands OV volunteers by 6:45 p.m. to enter the free pet costume contest. The winner will be announced at 7:15 p.m. and receive a Lazy Dog Swag Bag. There is no entry fee, but guests are encouraged to purchase food or a drink and use code 02FOLSOM so 15% comes back to Helping Hands OV. Takeout and online orders also qualify for the promotion.

Helping Hands OV is also accepting applications for its Blue Collar Trade School Scholarships through Oct. 31. The organization will award up to two $1,000 scholarships to individuals continuing their education or starting a new career in a skilled trade.

From helping stock local food pantry shelves to supporting education and bringing neighbors together, Helping Hands OV is inviting the community to get involved this October.

Learn more, apply for a scholarship or find additional ways to support local neighbors at helpinghandsov.org.