Support the mission and help feed a community today—your donation or volunteer action directly fuels our feeding programs, strengthens community support systems, and expands access to life-changing resources.
Onyxx Village Connection is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger through community food distribution, mobile outreach, and direct support for underserved communities. We provide fresh meals, connect families to essential resources, and build pathways to stability, empowerment, and long-term growth.
we empower local residents of east palo alto through regular street outreach, food distribution programs, and essential crisis services.
everything is prepared by staff and voluteers
GO
STOP HERE
everything is prepared by staff and voluteers
Once THE VAN IS loaded
the van is off
TO DISTRIBUTE HEALTHY
MEALS & SUPPLIES TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.
Volunteer Information
Meal Preparation
Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 2:30pm
Responsibilities
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Assist staff and volunteers with preparing hot meals in take out containers
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Package meals in creates to be ready for delivery
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Hand out meals to individuals and families who are picking up from the church
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Bag groceries for delivery
Time Commitment: 2-3 Hours Weekly
Location: Call (650) 630-4515
Questions? Contact info@onyxxvillageconnection.org
Volunteer Sign Up
Meet Our Volunteers
Adeshina Shindara, Lady Indigo
Volunteer
Adeshina, Lady Indigo, the heart & soul of Indigo Rizing Healing thru Wholeness. For the past 15 years, she has built a strong rapport within her community, especially women over 40, as a healer, spiritual adviser and truth seeker. She has made it her life’s mission to create safe, sacred spaces to process & release mental, physical, and emotional blockages, trauma and the impact of negative programing.
With transformational breathing techniques & a practical approach to life coaching, she encourages personal awareness, self acceptance, and releasing those things that no longer serve you. Adeshina brings a calm simplistic approach to navigating the inevitable changes in life & standing in your power every step of the way. “Create the life you desire and deserve”
Letitia Burton
Volunteer
Letitia is a retired educator, with over 30 years of experience. Over the course of her career as an educator, she taught students from pre-school through high school. Recognizing that retirement was just the beginning of the next chapter in her life, Letitia actively sought new ways to continue serving the community. Resonating with the purpose and philosophy of Onyxx Villiage Connection, she became a member of the Onyxx Village family in 2021.
Retirement has also allowed Letitia the time to pursue her passions as a performing artist. You might find her singing in local bistros or acting in local community theater productions.
Volunteer
Demetrius Love
Demetrius enjoys spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, and she loves cooking and baking for them. She’s a loving individual that quietly extends a helping hand to many. Her compassion exudes!
Volunteer
Raevynn Cantrell
Raevynn Cantrell is a 15 year old high school student. She is going into her sophomore year at Eastside College Preparatory. She has been a part of OVC since she was young, and has loved being able to come and help out, to give back to her community. Besides being a student, and a volunteer, she also plays Club Volleyball at Encore Volleyball Club. Raevynn’s interests include volleyball, volunteering, singing, dancing, and hanging out with friends.
Terry Atkinson
Volunteer
Terry Atkinson is retired from the field of special education and continues to serve the community through meaningful volunteer work.
Terry volunteers as a reading helper in an elementary school and participates in various church projects focused on community service. Terry is also involved with St. Vincent de Paul and OVC, supporting efforts that strengthen and care for the local community.
Twyla Cantrell
Volunteer
Twyla is a mother of four amazing children, Raevynn, Judge, Dominique and La Rohn.
She enjoys cooking, reading, and motherhood. She is a member of the EPACenter Art’s Parents Advisory Council, and a committed volunteer at her children’s school.
Twyla is a long time member of East Palo Alto that loves giving back to her community.
Volunteer
Stephanie Smith
Stephanie Smith is a community-minded creative and aspiring architectural drafter born and raised in East Palo Alto. With an interest in design, development, and community empowerment, she is inspired to help create self-sustainable and thriving neighborhoods while preserving history and cultural legacy. Outside of her professional interests, Stephanie has a deep love for music, enjoys ice skating, and wants to road trip across the U.S. one day.
Volunteer
Judge Cantrell
Judge Cantrell is an East Palo Alto native and recent Cal State East Bay graduate with a passion for performing arts and community service.
He has supported OVC since its beginning and enjoys music, movies, and time with family and friends.
Volunteer
Cristinna Savage
Volunteer
Reina Mendoza
Meet Onyxx Village Connection Staff
Balondemu Jules Lyons
Co-Founder and CEO
Balondemu is a 17 year old high school senior that’s invested in his nonprofit organization. Additionally, he’s the president of EPACenter Arts Youth Advisory Council, and youth board member of the Get Involved Foundation.
He’s a student of StreetCode Academy, where he started Onyxx Village Connection (OVC), designed OVC’s logo, original website, and prototype app for the organization’s daily operations.
In addition he has created apps regarding his passion for horses and his love for Mother Africa. Balondemu is a student of College Track, there he participates in clubs – Brotherhood and Silicon Valley Urban Debate Team.
Through partnerships with College Track, he traveled to Rhonda and Uganda in 2019 and participated in a student leadership program. He’s a youth activist that’s passionate about uplifting his community.
In 2019 he received the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award and Pin, and the Youth Community Hero Award from Youth United Community Action.
This year, 2020, Speak To Win granted him a scholarship and award recognizing his outstanding demonstration of Leadership and Philanthropy.
He participated in The California Legislative Black Caucus 2019 African-American Leaders for Tomorrow Conference at California State University Dominguez Hills.
Balondemu enjoys, family, community, politics, cooking, Zydeco dancing, traveling and studying Black History.
Balondemu has a big heart and he is young gifted and Black, destined for greatness.
Thandiwe Jennifer Lyons
Co-Founder
Thandiwe is light, sharing meals and spreading love daily. She’s collaborating with Indigo Rizing Healing Through Wellness to offer healthy and positive wellness opportunities to members of the community. Onyxx Soul Steppers is their most recent project where they line dance weekly.
Because of her love for her community, she keeps the community updated and involved through social media. She’s a community activist, advocating and making connections for many in East Palo Alto. Thandiwe enjoys putting smiles on faces, spending quality time with family, cooking, baking, reading, Zydeco dancing, and traveling.
Volunteer Coordinator
Twyla Cantrell
Terry Atkinson is retired from the field of special education and continues to serve the community through meaningful volunteer work.
Terry volunteers as a reading helper in an elementary school and participates in various church projects focused on community service. Terry is also involved with St. Vincent de Paul and OVC, supporting efforts that strengthen and care for the local community.
📧 info@onyxxvillageconnection.org
📞 (650) 630-4515
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Serving the community through food, connection, and compassion.