Silicon Valley

October 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley October 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
October 2020 - Silicon Valley 
 
 
Virtual Festival of Giving
Doing Good Together (DGT)

Date/Time: Launching on Saturday, October 24, National Make a Difference Day

Location: Virtual event

Ages: All ages can participate; especially appropriate for children 4 - 10 years and their families

Time Commitment: As little or as much time as you like

Now more than ever, action feels better than anxiety. Fortunately, kindness is something you can spread safely. And not just to those family members right next to you but across your neighborhood, across your city, across your country and across the Earth. Join DGT to celebrate Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 24 with our FREE virtual Festival of Giving. Sing and dance, try loving-kindness mindfulness, enjoy read-aloud storytime, and give back with creative service projects. Festival activities kick off at 10am and will provide a meaningful day of online inspiration and offline acts of kindness with your family. Learn more here: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/festival.

Contact: For more information, contact Leah@doinggoodtogether.org. If you'd like to sponsor this unique event, contact Jenny@doinggoodtogether.org.
www.doinggoodtogether.org

 
Farm Help!
Taylor Street Farms

Date/Time: Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 - 6:30pm and Saturdays from 10am - noon.

Location: Taylor St Farm is located at 200 West Taylor St. next to Citibank in downtown San Jose. Walk through the Citibank parking lot entrance on West Taylor St. to find the gate to our main entrance.

Ages: There is no minimum age for volunteers but those under the age of 18 need to have their parents sign a waiver.

Time Commitment: Two-hour shifts

Volunteers are needed to help with farm work tasks that vary from day to day. The most common tasks include: planting, harvesting, cultivating, composting and farm maintenance. Prior gardening and farming experience is not required! We will teach you everything you need to know. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, appropriate footwear and a hat. And do not forget sunscreen! Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Because of COVID-19 safety concerns, we are asking volunteers to bring their own water, snacks, and gloves. Taylor St Farm is an operating farm so there may be tools present, uneven surfaces, and insects.

Contact: Email us at taylorstfarmsj@gmail.com to reserve your volunteer spot. New volunteers must fill out a brief volunteer application and we will be in touch. First time volunteers also need to complete a volunteer waiver.
http://www.taylorstfarm.org/

 
Food Donations for JFCS Food Banks
Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS)

Date/Time: Monday - Friday,  9am - 5pm

Location(s):
  • San Mateo - 2001 Winward Way #200
  • Palo Alto - 200 Channing Ave
  • San Francisco - 2150 Post Street
  • San Francisco - 2534 Judah Street
  • San Rafael - 600 Fifth Ave 
Ages: All ages can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Our community is facing an unprecedented need for food donations. Help JFCS keep our Food Banks full throughout the Bay Area and ensure we have essential supplies for all those in need. Add extra items to your grocery cart and drop them off in person outside of your local JFCS office. You can also shop on Amazon, or purchase a grocery store gift card. Click here for a full list of items to collect.

Contact: Masha Gutkin, mashag@jfcs.org
www.jfcs.org

 
Dune's Beach Clean Up - Join the Plastic Free Movement
Pacific Beach Coalition

Date/Time: Saturday, October 31, 10am - noon

Location: Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay. Click here for directions. Volunteers should meet at the end of the parking lot. Look for the tent. Dunes Beach is a state park so there is a fee to park.

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with adult supervision as long as you think your child can actively participate the activities outlined below.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Volunteers will be cleaning up the beach, trail and parking lot areas. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets and reusable gloves. Extra gloves and buckets will be provided while supplies last. Make sure to bring extra layers, a hat, sunblock, water, and snacks. Expect to be picking up cigarette butts, food wrappers, cans, and bottles. There will also be microplastic and styrofoam along the tide line. If you have a shovel or some type of scoping tool, you can help us grab the plastic items.

Contact: Registration is available online.
 
 
Virtual End Childhood Cancer 5K Halloween Edition!
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Date/Time: Saturday, October 31, anytime. There will be a virtual program at noon EST. Stay tuned for further updates on the virtual program as we draw closer to the event!

Location: Any location of your choice

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Now, more than ever, kids and families going through cancer treatment need our help. Your participation in this virtual event translates to much-needed funding to help find new and better treatments for kids fighting cancer and to support families going through childhood cancer. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, will make a difference. Walkers and runners from near and far are invited to come together for an inspiring 5K (3.1 mile) walk or run that can be done from any location. With the event falling on Halloween, participants are encouraged to dress up in their costumes for an extra fun and festive event! There will even be a Halloween costume contest where we will recognize and award the top-rated costume with a special prize. Ghost, ghoul or goblin, all participants will receive a link to a downloadable bib that can be printed from home to sport during their 5K. You can register for free, or for $20 you can register with a limited-edition t-shirt that will be sent directly to your home. On the day of the event, inspire others by sharing your photos or videos with us on social media and tag @AlexsLemonade.

Contact: Sara Moyer, S.Moyer@AlexsLemonade.org. Registration is available online.
https://www.alexslemonade.org/virtual-walk-run

 
Holiday Stockings for Heroes
Soldiers' Angels

Date/Time: Stockings must be sent to the address provided to you by Soldiers' Angels no later than December 11, 2020.

Location: Soldiers' Angels will send you the shipping address once you sign-up. Please note that participants are responsible for any and all shipping costs.

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The holiday season can be especially difficult for deployed service members and veterans in VA Hospitals. Nothing can replace the sense of being with loved ones during the holidays, but receiving a stuffed holiday stocking will help to brighten the spirits of deployed service members and veterans. Your family can help by participating in the Holiday Stockings for Heroes program. It's easy to help! Collect items from this list of suggested items, stuff the items into holiday stockings, and send your finished stockings to Soldiers' Angels. Deployed Service Members love to receive homemade cards/drawings/creations from children inside their stuffed stockings! Learn more here.

Contact: stockings@soldiersangels.org. Click here to sign-up to donate stockings
https://soldiersangels.org/

 
Make Cards
Cards for Hospitalized Kids (CFHK)

Date/Time: At your convenience

Location: Mail cards to:
Cards for Hospitalized Kids
7290 W. Devon
Chicago, IL 60631

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Cards for Hospitalized Kids is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy & magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards. Your family can help by making cards. Here are some guidelines for creating your cards:
  • The only supplies you need are paper and a writing utensil, such as crayons, markers etc. You may use other supplies such as stickers and glue-on craft decals but please do not use any supplies, like glitter, that might fall off of your cards.
  • Do not address the card to a specific child, as we don't know the name of the child yet. At the request of hospitals, we ask that you do not write "Get well", "Feel Better" or other illness related comments. Include uplifting messages in your cards. Click here for suggestions.
  • Don't write any religious comments such as "God Bless" or "I'm praying for you."
  • Sign your cards with your first name only.  
Contact: info@cardsforhospitalizedkids.com
 
Send Kindness to an Elder
Letters of Love - Love for Our Elders

Date/Time: Anytime and as often as you'd like

Location: Mail cards to:
Love for Our Elders
P. O. Box 24248
Cleveland, OH 44124

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Love for Our Elders is committed to fostering a sense of belonging and hope in our older, often vulnerable generation. One way they are doing this is through Letters of Love: collecting cards and mailing these to elders in senior communities across the globe. These include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and senior centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's more important than ever to fight loneliness with love for our elders. Please follow these letter writing guidelines:
  1. Letters must be legible (large print) and handwritten. Avoid religion. Please refrain from including anything religious in your letters, such as religious quotes, words like "God," etc.
  2. Exclude the date (day, month, and year).
  3. Embrace creativity! Recipients love it when the letters are personal. We encourage you to make your letters detailed, thoughtful and heartfelt.
  4. Be kind and thoughtful (more than talking about yourself). This is a one-way letter exchange, meaning you will not receive a letter back, so remember that no reciprocation attached is part of the beauty of your act of kindness, and the recipients don't feel burdened by feeling obligated or being unable to respond.
  5. Envelope your letters if you can! It's so much nicer to open up an enveloped card, don't you think? If you're sending more than 1 letter, leave your enveloped letters unsealed and unstamped and put them in a larger envelope or box to send.
  6. Share your act of kindness! Tag @loveforourelders
  7. Send as many cards as you'd like! Letters are accepted year-round, so there's no deadline for when you must send them by.
    Learn more here.

 
Foster a Pet
Furry Friends Rescue

Date/Time: Ongoing need

Location: Foster a pet in your home

Ages: This is a great opportunity for families

Time Commitment: Varies

If you're an animal lover with the time and space to spare, you can look into fostering a new furry friend. Furry Friends Rescue has rescued over 13,000 animals and helped over 6000+ Guardians, Shelters & Rescue Assists since November 1998. They rescue and home foster dogs and cats (all ages, breed types, medical & behavior needs, and sanctuary) from Northern California Shelters. Furry Friends Rescue (FFR) is an all-volunteer non-profit Bay Area companion animal rescue organization. All FFR's rescue dogs and cats live in wonderful foster homes and they are always in need of more foster homes and volunteers. If you are interested, please read more information on their Foster Home Network and Volunteering  pages.

Contact: info@furryfriendsrescue.org
https://www.furryfriendsrescue.org/

 
Halloween Candy Give Back
Operation Gratitude

Date/Time: Collect your donations in October

Location: Candy donations should be shipped no later than November 13 to:
OG Candy Processing Center
ATTN: Halloween Candy
8967 Oso Ave - Building D
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Operation Gratitude's mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of our First Responder, U.S. Military Active Duty, Veteran, and Wounded Hero communities. We also seek to provide volunteer opportunities for all Americans to express their appreciation for these deserving Heroes through hands-on volunteerism, such as collection drives, letter writing campaigns, handcrafted "Made with Love" projects, and care package assembly events. The Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy Give-Back Program has been connecting communities with Military and First Responder Heroes each fall since 2007. While Halloween may look a little different this year, Operation Gratitude and our incredible volunteers are committed to continuing to give back in meaningful ways. You and your family can help by collecting and donating candy. Click here for more information about Candy Give-Back donation guidelines.

Contact: candy@operationgratitude.org. This year, candy donors are asked to sign-up to participate. We will be sharing important information and updates via email that you'll need throughout the candy season. Click here to sign your family up to participate. If you'd like to participate as part of a larger group, sign-up here.

 
Coat Drive
One Warm Coat

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Click here for a list of local drop off locations.

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

One Warm Coat is the only national non-profit organization focused on coat drives. One Warm Coat supports individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country by providing the tools and resources needed to hold a successful coat drive. Coats are distributed in the communities where they are collected, to children and adults in need, without charge, discrimination or obligation. This year, the need for coats will be greater than ever before. Your family can help by holding a Warm Coat Drive or a Virtual Coat Drive:
  1. Register to hold a coat drive in the coming weeks or months. While physically holding a coat drive might be different this year, One Warm Coat has provided social distancing tips and tools to help you make the process easy and fun.
  2. Register to hold a virtual coat drive. Follow the same registration steps for holding a physical coat drive, receive access to all of the great tools, but instead of collecting coats, collect only dollar donations. Every $1 donated warms 1 person through the Coat Drive Program.
Contact: drives@onewarmcoat.org or call 877.663.9276
www.onewarmcoat.org

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more! Follow along on social media as other families tackle this month's projects and share their stories! Simply join our Facebook group or find us on Instagram (@doinggoodtogether and #sharekindness)
 
 
Raise an Upstander with DGT's Big-Hearted Tools 
 
It's never too early (or too late) to start big-hearted conversations with your children about the power of kindness and the importance of upstanding for others. We have tools to help parents engage with children about tough topics, including this eBook with one-of-a-kind worksheets, conversation starters, and a kindness challenge to help your whole family practice being "upstanders." Available for just $4.99 in our online store or free to members in our Membership Circle
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

September 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley September 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
September 2020 - Silicon Valley
 
Coastal CleanUp Day(s)
California Coastal Commission

Date/Time: Every Saturday in September, 9am - noon

Location: Your local happy place!

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Three hours

This year, California cleans the coast by cleaning up our neighborhoods. California Coastal Cleanup is typically the third Saturday of September. This year, we are adapting to current circumstances to honor the spirit of the cleanup while maintaining strict safety precautions. For safety reasons, there are no large, centrally organized cleanup sites this year. Instead, cleanups will be self-guided and close to home. Volunteers can help by cleaning their neighborhoods, local parks, streets, and storm drains for this year's Coastal Cleanup. Trash travels through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach and ocean pollution. Your family can help clean the beach by picking up litter in your community with your household. Cleanups are happening every Saturday in September. If Saturdays don't work for you, don't let that stop you! You can clean up any day, any time. All cleanups in September will be included as part of Coastal Cleanup Month. Report your cleanup to your local coordinator and/or record it on the CleanSwell app. Practice physical distancing, and strictly follow both local ordinances and this safety document. Remember, beach cleanups start at your door. Thank you for staying safe, cleaning your neighborhoods, and protecting the coast! Click here to learn more.

Contact: coast4u@coastal.ca.gov. To learn more about cleanup efforts near you, contact your local county coordinator.
https://www.coastal.ca.gov/

 
Back to School Drive
Family Giving Tree

Date/Time: Now through September 9

Location: Your own location

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

There's still time to help with Family Giving Tree's Back-to-School Drive. We're always looking for people who want to have fun, are passionate about our work and love giving back to their community. You can help by leading your own donation drive. Click here for materials to help you get started. Don't have time for a drive? Your family can also help by donating filled backpacks. Browse this Back-to-School page and select the backpack(s) you would like to donate to local, low-income students.

Contact: volunteers@familygivingtree.org. Click here to register to lead a drive.
www.familygivingtree.org

 
Rotary PlayGarden Workday
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 9 - 11am. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8:45am for a contactless sign-in, workday instructions will follow. Please arrive on time as the gate to the PlayGarden will be closed and locked promptly at 9am

Location: Guadalupe River Park, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose. Please park at the Rotary PlayGarden parking lot at 490 Coleman Avenue.

Ages: Families with children age 10 and older are welcome to participate. Chaperones are required for volunteers age 10-15.

Time Commitment: Two hours

The Rotary PlayGarden, the Rotary Club of San Jose's centennial gift to our community, opened in May 2015. The PlayGarden enables children with special needs to play alongside their siblings and friends. Many landscaping and maintenance tasks have been on hold while the PlayGarden has been closed. We are now looking for volunteers to help us get back into shape for when we are able to reopen. These opportunities are limited to the first 14 who sign up.
We will be adhering to County Public Health recommendations, which include:
  • You must bring and wear a face mask at all times during the volunteer event. If you are unable to wear a mask for any reason this event will not be a good fit for you.
  • Social distancing (6 feet apart) is required unless volunteers are from the same household.
  • Please note, volunteers will not be able to play on the equipment within the PlayGarden under any circumstance. Playgrounds are not approved for opening yet and we are strictly working on landscaping and maintenance.
In addition, please note that:
  • You must bring your own work gloves suitable for working in a garden, we are unable to provide any.
  • Please bring a full water bottle (the water fountain will be unavailable).
  • The restrooms will not be available for use.
  • We will be providing necessary tools for cleanup and maintenance efforts:
Contact: Registration is available online.
https://www.grpg.org/

 
Clean Up Your Neighborhood!
City of San Mateo

Date/Time: Flexible, at your convenience

Location: Your own neighborhood or local downtown.

Ages: Everyone can help!

Time Commitment: Varies

We are adapting our efforts this year for our annual cleanup. Due to the COVID-19 health orders, we are collaborating with our county partners to make it easy for San Mateo residents to organize their own neighborhood cleanup effort in September. We hope that our amazing volunteers will continue to take the initiative for cleaner neighborhoods, beaches, shorelines and boat ramp areas. For 35 years, volunteers from around the Peninsula join San Mateo's efforts to keep our shorelines free of garbage and recycling that belongs in recycling centers and landfills. Though this year will be different, we thank you for your efforts to keep San Mateo shorelines clean.


 
Make a Blanket
Project Linus

Date/Time: Make blankets on your own at any time

Location: Click here to find a chapter near you

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Project Linus provides comfort to children who are sick, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gift of a handmade blanket. Our blankets are lovingly made by adults and children from all walks of life, working individually or as a family or group.  No previous craft experience is required. Click here to learn how to make no-sew fleece blankets. The need for blankets continues and in fact may be greater now than ever before. However dropping blankets off at blanket drop-off sites has become more of a challenge as some stores and locations may have temporarily closed. Others that remain open may have temporarily removed our drop off bins due to COVID-19 concerns. In addition, some locations such as shelters and hospitals for which we supply blankets have placed restrictions on what our chapter coordinators can distribute to them. Please contact your local chapter coordinator to see what specific blanket needs they have before you make your blankets. Be sure to ask if they are accepting blanket donations now and if so, where they should be dropped off.
  • All blankets must be new, handmade, washable, and smoke-free
  • Materials used (fleece, fabric, yarn, etc.) should be new and odor-free. 
  • All colors and patterns suitable for children are fine. 
  • We accept tied fleece blankets, knitted and crocheted afghans, quilts, tied comforters, sewn receiving blankets, and any other kind of handmade blanket. 
  • Please keep materials and blankets away from pets!
  • The best sizes for blankets are between 30" x 30" and 40" x 60" but we accept any blanket in sizes suitable for infants through teenagers.
Contact: Click here to find your local chapter.
https://www.projectlinus.org/

 
Coat Drive
One Warm Coat

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Click here for a list of local drop off locations.

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

One Warm Coat is the only national non-profit organization focused on coat drives. One Warm Coat supports individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country by providing the tools and resources needed to hold a successful coat drive. Coats are distributed in the communities where they are collected, to children and adults in need, without charge, discrimination or obligation. This year, the need for coats will be greater than ever before. Your family can help by holding a Warm Coat Drive or a Virtual Coat Drive:
  1. Register to hold a coat drive in the coming weeks or months. While physically holding a coat drive might be different this year, One Warm Coat has provided social distancing tips and tools to help you make the process easy and fun.
  2. Register to hold a virtual coat drive. Follow the same registration steps for holding a physical coat drive, receive access to all of the great tools, but instead of collecting coats, collect only dollar donations. Every $1 donated warms 1 person through the Coat Drive Program.
Contact: drives@onewarmcoat.org or call 877.663.9276
www.onewarmcoat.org

 
Donate Your Hair!
Wigs for Kids

Date/Time: Ongoing need

Location: Mail your hair donation to:
Wigs For Kids - Hair Donations
24231 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145

Ages: All ages can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Wigs for Kids is a non-profit organization that helps make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. If you're interested in donating your hair to kids in need, your first step is to set a length goal. While we accept hair donations of 12 inches or longer, we encourage you to donate 14+ inches of hair; the more length you can donate, the more of an impact you will make. Please read the hair donation and how to cut and donate your ponytail information thoroughly to make sure that you meet the Wigs for Kids guidelines.

Contact: Click here for the contact request form.

 
Virtual: Kids Reading to Kids
Words Alive

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Your home

Ages: Families with children age 10 and older

Time Commitment: Varies

Words Alive provides essential literacy services to underserved students and families. Their mission is to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading. Kids Reading To Kids is a wonderful way for children to volunteer to help other kids during this time of need! Help bring comfort, normalcy, and storytime to children without access to books at home. When you read to other kids, you are a role model for kids just like you! They will feel your enthusiasm and joy for reading, and they will share it with you as you read. When you're reading, the most important guideline in reading aloud is to have fun and enjoy yourself! Want to watch an example? Click here! You can record the storytime using the device of your choice (computer, cell phone, tablet). Volunteers can view additional instructions, information on what books you can read, a script to start and wrap up your storytime, and a media release form to complete here.

Contact: Robyn Grand, robyn@wordsalive.org
http://www.wordsalive.org


 
Bag Lunches
Samaritan House San Mateo

Date/Time: Saturdays and Sundays in September, 9am - noon

Location: 4031 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo

Ages: Volunteers must be age 12 or older and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Time Commitment: Three-hour shift

Samaritan House is leading the fight against poverty in San Mateo County. Parent and child teams of volunteers are needed to help to fill brown grocery bags with supplies to give to our clients when our pantry opens on Mondays.

Contact: Ricky Davis, rdavis@samaritanhousesanmateo.org 650.294.4331. Spaces for this role are very limited so please confirm that there is space available before you volunteer.
www.samaritanhousesanmateo.org

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more! Follow along on social media as other families tackle this month's projects and share their stories! Simply join our Facebook group or find us on Instagram (@doinggoodtogether and #sharekindness)
 
 
Share simple kindness tips with families in your school, faith group or organization.

Let's encourage more kindness in the world with free kindness and service ideas! Does your organization have a newsletter or website geared to families? Our new set of Service and Smiles kindness tips (one for each week of the school year) can provide an uplifting opportunity for social-emotional development during times of hybrid and distance-learning.

You'll find service projects, kindness cues, and other simple ideas that teach children about giving, caring, and compassion - and how to take action - right from their own homes. It's free - just acknowledge Doing Good Together as the source! To sign up, visit our Service and Smiles web page.
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

August 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley August 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
August 2020 - Silicon Valley
 
Back to School Drive - Help Sort Supplies or Lead a Drive
Family Giving Tree

Date/Time: Flexible shifts are available throughout August

Location: Back to School Drive Warehouse, 1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale

Ages: Volunteers under 12 must be supervised by their parents. All volunteers must be able to perform the tasks at hand.

Time Commitment: Warehouse shifts are two hours

Are you interested in volunteering as a family during the Family Giving Tree's Back-to-School Drive? We're always looking for people who want to have fun, are passionate about our work and love giving back to their community. You can support our mission by sorting donated materials or by leading your very own donation drive. We are deeply grateful for the more than 8,000 annual volunteers who give of their time to work hand-in-hand with the Family Giving Tree.

Contact: volunteers@familygivingtree.org. Warehouse volunteer registration is available online.
Click here if you are interested in leading a donation drive.
www.familygivingtree.org


 
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen
Bag Lunch or Hygiene Kit Building (Socially Distanced)

Date/Time: Every Wednesday, 1 - 3 pm. Register early as spaces are limited

Location: SJCC Community Room, 1534 Berger Drive, San Jose

Ages: Families with children 10 years and older unless otherwise cleared ahead of time with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Time Commitment: Two-hour shifts

Volunteers are needed to help create meals for the hungry in our community who need a consistent and stable food resource to rely on amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Help us feed the hungry in our community by coming together and making hundreds of brown bag lunches and/or hygiene kits! Here at Loaves & Fishes, we are all about safety and cleanliness. We will provide masks and gloves for all participants.

Contact: angela@loavesfishes.org. Please confirm with Angela prior to your event. Registration is available online.
https://www.loavesfishes.org/

Food Drive
Samaritan House San Mateo

Date/Time: Drop off donations Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm

Location: Samaritan House San Mateo, 4031 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo

Ages: All ages can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

We always need help collecting items that we give out all year round. Samaritan House does not charge our clients for any items they receive. So, by running a collection drive, you are giving directly to your neighbors in need. Like other organizations, we struggle with not enough storage so we can only accept items we are legally able to give out within a short time. We survey our clients regularly so we know what is needed and who is looking for something specific.

Contact: To start your own food drive or if you have a general question about donations, please email info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org or call us at 650.294.4331 first.
https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/volunteer-type/drives/

 
Half Moon Bay Beach Clean Up
TLC Locals

Date/Time: Sunday August 23, 9 - 11am

Location: Tunitas Creek Beach, Half Moon Bay

Ages: All ages can participate with proper adult supervision. All volunteers must be able to carry their own supplies and focus on the tasks.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Tunitas Creek Beach is a hidden gem to the South of Half Moon Bay. Due to its' secluded and challenging location, it has historically been pretty badly polluted by visitors. Being such a long stretch of beach with a steep cliff at one end and long hike along and creek crossing at the other, it makes collecting and removing trash and debris even more difficult. We need all hands-on deck for our monthly clean-ups to keep this beach beautiful and its sea life safe and healthy. Please bring your own bucket and gloves. We have buckets and gloves in limited supply, but they go quickly! Water is provided, but we do ask you bring a reusable bottle to fill-up. We also have zero-waste snacks such as bananas, tangerines, and pistachios, plus hand sanitizer and sunscreen at all events. A change of shoes/socks is highly recommended as certain times of year the creek and lagoon on the beach may need to be crossed.

Contact:  Please email aloha@tlclocals.org with any questions. Registration is available online.
www.TLCLocals.org

 
Back-to-School-Drive
County of San Mateo

Date/Time: Drop off hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm

Location: 1 Davis Drive, Belmont

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The purpose of the Children's Fund's Back-to-School Backpack and School Supply distribution is to ensure that low-income and foster children in grades K-12 start the school year with the tools they need, feeling prepared and ready to learn. This year, we plan to serve more than 1,800 youth for the back-to-school season in San Mateo County. Each child in our program is given a backpack filled with grade-appropriate school supplies. We distribute the goods in time for the first day of school. Your family can help by donating the following new school supplies:  
  • Backpacks (all sizes, but no red or blue please) 
  • Crayons (boxes of 24) 
  • Markers (boxes of 8) 
  • Colored Pencils, and Pens (blue, red, and black)  
  • Scissors, glue sticks, and rulers  
  • Highlighters, pencil sharpeners, and erasers  
  • College-rule binder paper (packs of 100)
  • Composition notebooks and spiral notebooks
  • Folders, dividers, and index cards
Contact: 650.802.5152 or childrensfund@smcgov.org
https://childrensfund.smcgov.org/backpack-and-school-supply-drive

Have your Child Read Stories to Seniors Virtually
Storiitime

Date/Time: Choose a time that works for your family

Location: All shifts are virtual, volunteer from anywhere!

Ages: All ages can participate but the purpose of this activity is to have your child read to a lonely senior. Parents may read with their child.

Time Commitment: Varies

StoriiTime is a free project created by the team at Storii. During the COVID-19 outbreak the Storii team saw an opportunity to use the resources we have built to connect generations from around the world. StoriiTime connects seniors to children and their families to read them stories over Zoom calls. Your child can help by reading a story to a lonely senior! Click here to learn more.  
 
Contact: team@storri.com. Fill out the volunteer request form and a member of the team will reach out to you to schedule your reading shift.
https://www.storiitime.com/

 
Paracord Bracelets
Operation Gratitude

Date/Time: Ongoing opportunity

Location: Ship your bracelets to:
Operation Gratitude
ATTN: Paracord Bracelet Program
9409 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Operation Gratitude will be sending out 15,000 Deployed Troop Care Packages this summer, and they need volunteers to help resupply their stock of these cherished bracelets. Paracord gets its name from parachute cord and can hold up to 550 lbs. of weight. The bracelet provides 7.5 feet of cord in an emergency. Paracord "Survival" Bracelets can be used to:
  • Secure camouflage nets to trees or vehicles
  • Build a makeshift shelter
  • Extend a security strap or rope to reach and haul heavy objects
  • Create a harness to extract an injured person from a bad location
  • Make a sling or splint
Your family can help by making these paracord bracelets. Visit the Operation Gratitude Paracord Bracelets page for more details and to learn how to make the bracelets. 
 
Contact: info@operationgratitude.com
https://www.operationgratitude.com

 
Love Rocks
Kindness Rocks Project

Date/Time: Anytime

Location: Create at home

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Have you ever found yourself walking down the street only to have a pop of color catch your eye? What's that? A rock. A colorful rock. With something nice on it that just made your day. This is a great family-friendly project to get those creative juices flowing while spreading some kindness.
Supplies:
  • Rocks! Preferably smooth river rocks, but any rocks of any size and color will do!
  • Acrylic paint - bold bright colors and/or solid dark colors hold up best
  • Paint brushes - various sizes
  • Cup of water
  • Newspaper or plastic drop cloth
  • Acrylic paint pens (not necessary, but certainly fun!)
  • Stencils (not necessary, but helpful!)
  • Sealant - https://rockpainting101.com/best-sealer-painted-rocks/
Click here for more information on making your rocks. Then go ahead and share your rocks. Share photos of your rocks on social media at #thekindnessrocksproject. Then you can hide your rocks in your yard or when you take a walk for people to spot, or put them along your sidewalk for people to take and hide themselves.
  • Make sure that you seal your rocks well. You want them to hold up to the elements until they are found.
  • Never glue embellishments to rocks you plan on hiding. While they are beautiful, these additions are terrible for the environment and the animals. No matter how strong you think that glue is, a squirrel is going to be able to pick it off. Stick to paint on any rock you plan on hiding.
  • Be kind. These rocks are meant to make people happy, so their phrases should always be positive. Stay clear of negative thoughts, bad language, or anything inappropriate. You never know who is going to find the rocks.
  • Place your rocks in open spaces, not in places that will disturb nature or damage a lawnmower.
Contact: thekindnessrocksproject@gmail.com
https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com/

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more! Follow along on social media as other families tackle this month's projects and share their stories! Simply join our Facebook group or find us on Instagram (@doinggoodtogether and #sharekindness)
 
 
Moms that lead
DGT's Big-Hearted Parenting Director Sarah Aadland Featured in New Podcast "Connection in a Time of Distance" 

The Moms that Lead podcast, hosted by Stronger to Serve founder and friend of DGT, Teri Schmidt, helps busy moms develop leadership skills to prioritize their purpose and become the healthy world-changers they were created to be. In this episode, Sarah and Teri discuss simple but meaningful ways that you and your family can connect with each other -- and with your community -- in difficult times. Tune in, get loads of great ideas, and share this important information with other big-hearted families you know!
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

July 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley July 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

July 2020 - Silicon Valley  

 
 
Raising an Anti-Racist Generation
Doing Good Together (DGT)

Date/Time: Ongoing


Ages: Families and educators of children of all ages

Time Commitment: Varies

It's critical to talk to our children about race, but those conversations can be challenging. DGT looked to the experts and compiled the best available resources to provide the guidance you need. Tools to Raise an Anti-Racist Generation is an evolving collection of books, videos, tips and projects for families and educators seeking to better understand racism and become more effective advocates for racial equality.  

Contact: Jenny Friedman, jenny@doinggoodtogether.org
www.DoingGoodTogether.org

 
Make a Jared Box
Jared Box

Date/Time: Flexible - choose a time that works for you.

Location: Deliver your box in person or by mail to a hospital near you or to a hospital on the Jared Box's Hospitals List.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The goal of the Jared Box Project is to lift the spirits of children in the hospital. The boxes symbolize the importance of play and are filled with well wishes, hope, and love. Over 500,000 Jared Boxes have been delivered across the United States. A Jared Box is a plastic storage box filled with small gifts, toys, games, and fun activities. Each box contains items selected for a specific age and gender. The boxes are delivered to hospitals. Jared Boxes provide a special diversion for young patients in emergency rooms, patient rooms, surgical centers, and clinics as they receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. Jared Boxes bring smiles and laughter and lift the spirits of children in the hospital. Click here for step by step instructions on how to make a Jared Box.

Contact: thejaredbox@gmail.com, 814.883.8615

 
Donate Your Hair!
Wigs for Kids

Date/Time: Ongoing need

Location: Mail your hair donation to:
Wigs For Kids - Hair Donations
24231 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, Ohio 44145

Ages: All ages can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Wigs for Kids is a non-profit organization that helps make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. If you're interested in donating your hair to kids in need, your first step is to set a length goal. While we accept hair donations of 12 inches or longer, we encourage you to donate 14+ inches of hair; the more length you can donate, the more of an impact you will make. Please read the hair donation and how to cut and donate your ponytail information thoroughly to make sure that you meet the Wigs for Kids guidelines.

Contact: Click here for the contact request form.

 
Recycle Used and Unwanted Crayons
The Crayon Initiative

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Ship crayons to:
155 Railroad Avenue, Suite E
Danville, CA 94526
Click here for detailed shipping instructions

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The Crayon Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the environment and enriching the lives of hospitalized children through art and imagination. You can help by recycling your used and unwanted crayons. Do you have stray crayons lying around your house? We bet you do. And whether they're still unopened, used or broken, we're happy to take them off your hands. Crayons can turn up just about anywhere, especially after a good housecleaning. Take a peek in your junk drawers, your storage bins, your closets, your couch cushions, your child's old backpack... you get the idea! Take heart, knowing that your crayon donation will soon brighten the day of a child in need of a pick-me-up. Start a collection box in your own home, box them up, and ship them to the Crayon Initiative.

 
Back to School Drive
Samaritan House

Date/Time: Please make donations by July 19

Location: Online

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Samaritan House provides more than 1,500 low income kids throughout San Mateo County with new backpacks and school supplies to start the school year. This year, the need is growing across our community. At Samaritan House we believe children deserve to have everything they need to learn and grow. While the upcoming school year will look different for most, we're streamlining a safe system for our annual backpack giveaway so kids in need can be ready for school nonetheless. It's always been a wonderful sight to see all who resolve to organize such joyful (and colorful) drives. However, to avoid group gatherings and the contact required of walk in drop offs, all donations of fully assembled backpack kits will be conducted online this year. You can support our client children by purchasing these prefilled backpacks online. Click here for detailed information.

Contact: info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org. Click here to select the backpacks(s) you'd like to donate.
https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org

 
Help a Student in Need
My New Red Shoes

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Varies

Ages: Varies depending on volunteer role but there are opportunities for the whole family! 

Time Commitment: Varies

Since 2006, My New Red Shoes has worked to close the clothing gap for children and youth in need through their "Clothing for Confidence" Program. Beyond providing the necessities of new shoes and clothing, they strive to create a long-term impact by boosting self-esteem and confidence, providing a sense of normalcy, increasing school attendance, engagement and readiness, and improving the overall educational experience and quality of life of our community's poorest students. Each year, My New Red Shoes collects thousands of new shoe donations from shoe drives led by individual donors, community groups and corporate teams. To ensure that they have the variety of shoe sizes and styles that every student requests, they supplement their inventory with wholesale shoe purchases, as needed. There are many ways to volunteer, including:
  • Individual and group opportunities
  • At Home Projects
  • Donating Shoes or Hosting a Shoe Drive
Contact: To learn more about volunteer opportunities, email outreach@mynewredshoes.org or sign up online at https://mynewredshoes.org/signup/ 

 
Everyone Should have a Birthday Party!
No Birthday Left Behind

Date/Time: Ongoing opportunity

Location: Drop-off center located in Santa Clara County. Participate in your own community!

Ages: The whole family can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Donate parties supplies, or vendor gift certificates (Face painting, balloons, bouncy house) and help a homeless child have a birthday party! No Birthday Left Behind was started by a local high school student who is on a mission to help homeless children feel included and special.

Contact: For questions or to find a drop off center near you, contact nobirthdayleftbehind@gmail.com.

 
Decorate Cards
Gotta Have Sole

Date/Time: Ongoing, at your convenience

Location: Mail completed cards to:
Gotta Have Sole
PO Box 8379
Cranston, RI  02920

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The mission of Gotta Have Sole is to provide homeless youth with brand new shoes to help them feel confident, comfortable, and special. Each pair of shoes is delivered with a personalized card, decorated and written by a volunteer, so every kid knows the shoes were picked out especially for them. Your family can help by decorating cards. You can create cards either by hand or online. Click here for additional ways your family can take action.

Contact: gottahavesole@gmail.com

 
Send Books to Military Members
Operation Paperback

Date/Time: Ongoing, at your convenience

Location: Pack books from your home and take to your local post office

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Operation Paperback volunteers collect gently used books and send them to American troops, veterans and military families. We are proud to say THANK YOU to all members of the military for the sacrifices they make in the service of our country. Once you have registered as a volunteer shipper, you can log in to the Volunteer's Corner and request addresses of troops and veterans using our automated system. Input the genres you have on hand and our system will generate a customized address list for you. Label your books and insert our standard shipping letter (or your own personal note). Pack and address your box using the names we provide. Then head to the Post Office and mail your books! Click here for more information. 

Contact: information@operationpaperback.org
https://www.operationpaperback.org/


 
Food Drive
Samaritan House San Mateo

Date/Time: Please email info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org or call us at 650.294.4331 to make an appointment to drop off your items.

Location: Samaritan House San Mateo, 4031 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

We always need help collecting items that we give out all year round. Samaritan House does not charge our clients for any items they receive. When you run a collection drive, you are giving directly to your neighbors in need. Please contact us to find out which items we currently need. Like other organizations, we struggle with not enough storage so we can only accept items we are legally able to give out within a short time. We survey our clients regularly so we know what is needed and who is looking for something specific. 

Contact: To start your own food drive or if you have a general question about donations, please email info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org or call us at 650.294.4331 first.

 
Sharing Smiles
Empowering the Ages

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Your home

Ages: Families with children as young as 4 are welcome but most of our writers are age 8 and older. A parent or guardian to complete the online form to sign up participants under age 18.

Time Commitment: Varies depending on pair - on average 2 notes per month for 1 - 3 + months

Empowering the Ages empowers people of all ages to reach their full potential through intergenerational engagement. The Sharing Smiles program was created in response to the pandemic to allow people from older and younger generations to connect safely with each other through email. Once you've signed up online you'll be matched with an older writer who wants to share a friendly note with someone from a younger generation. We have older writers of all ages 60+ but most are 70-90. Most of our writers are from the U.S. but a few are international. Click here for more information and program details.

Contact: Leah, leah@empoweringtheages.org, or Megan, megan@empoweringtheages.org
https://empoweringtheages.org

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more! Follow along on social media as other families tackle this month's projects and share their stories! Simply join our Facebook group or find us on Instagram (@doinggoodtogether and #sharekindness)
 
 
NEW! Join the DGT Membership Circle and receive DGT's Summer of Kindness Camp download!

The kindness experts at Doing Good Together have adapted our most-loved club activities for a unique at-home summer camp for your whole family, exclusively for DGT's Membership Circle. This e-book will guide your family through a 6-week exploration of essential questions featuring creative activities, books, movies, virtual field trips, journal prompts, and creative extras. But this is just the beginning! As always, members will receive ongoing encouragement and tools to live generously and thoughtfully all year long! Not part of our Membership Circle? Join us for just $29.99/year!

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

June 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley June 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

June 2020 - Silicon Valley 

 
 
The Longest Day
Alzheimer's Association

Date/Time: Saturday, June 20

Location: Your home

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The Longest Day is the day with the most light - the summer solstice. On June 20, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer's disease through a fundraising activity of their choice. Use your creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. From basketball to baking and card games to crafts, there's an activity for everyone! Plus, nearly any fundraising activity can be done at home or online while practicing physical distancing. Click here for a variety of creative fundraising project ideas!


 
Donate To Help Those Impacted By COVID-19
Tipping Point

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Your home

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Since 2005, Tipping Point has raised more than $260 million to educate, employ, house and support those in need in the Bay Area. Last year, we helped 21,000 people connect with opportunities that break the cycle of poverty. COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on low-income individuals and families in the Bay Area. Tipping Point is raising $30 million as quickly as possible to support communities hit hardest by the effects of COVID-19. While the road to recovery will be long, we know that investments made today will have an outsized impact over time. Help us provide critical support now and for the many months to come. 

Contact: info@tippingpoint.org, 415.348.1240. Click here to donate to this special cause.
https://tippingpoint.org/

 
Collect & Donate Currently Needed Items
Samaritan House San Mateo

Date/Time: Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm

Location: Samaritan House, 4031 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo

Ages: All ages can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Samaritan House provides a broad range of services and resources to low-income residents in San Mateo County. Services include case management, clothing, medical care, food, shelter, employment assistance, and food and toys for the holidays. All services are provided free of charge to low-income families. During this crisis Samaritan House in encouraging financial donations to best serve our community. However if you'd like to donate needed items, we are currently accepting: 
  • Pre-packaged food
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Tents
  • Sleeping bags
  • Diapers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toiletries (especially soap)
  • Pull-ups
  • Baby wipes
  • Formula
  • Baby food
  • Cases of water
  • Sanitizing wipes
Contact: info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org 

 
Hand Made Masks!
Help Kaiser Healthcare Workers

Date/Time: Ongoing project

Location: At home project

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Kaiser Permanente is grateful for the many individuals, community groups, and local businesses that have inquired about donating supplies, such as gloves, masks, and other items. We greatly appreciate the outpouring of concern and generosity at this unprecedented time. Although hand-sewn masks don't provide the protection most hospital staff need, they can be used as an extra layer of protection over N95 masks or in case of a severe shortage. Some hospitals, including Kaiser Permanente, are accepting donations of homemade masks that meet specific requirements. Learn more here.

Contact: Please direct any donation offers to KPCOVID-19Donations@kp.org

 
Clean Out Your Closet!
Soles4Soles

Date/Time: Click here for information on where and how to ship your donations. Please download the donor form and include one in every bag or box of shoes you donate.

Location: Ongoing

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Soles4Souls disrupts the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Since 2006, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 35 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries and generated over $250 million in economic impact. The average person in North America throws away 70 pounds of textiles every year. That's 21 billion pounds of extra waste dumped in our landfills every year! Since 2006, Soles4Souls supporters have diverted 59 million pounds of shoes and clothing from landfills. Your family can help by cleaning out your closets and donating your used shoes to Soles4Soles. All you need to do is:
  • Grab some trash bags and go to your closets!
  • Put the shoes in a trash bag - it can be 1, 5 or 100 pairs
Note: Every 20 pairs collected = 1 hour of community service! If your child needs service hours for school this will count.


 
Make Paracord Bracelets
Soldiers Angels

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Mail completed bracelets to:
Soldiers' Angels
2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107
San Antonio, Texas 78218

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

The mission of Soldiers' Angels is to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families. Thousands of Soldiers' Angels "Angel" volunteers assist veterans, wounded, deployed personnel, and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. Making paracord bracelets to share with our military service members and veterans is a fun arts and craft activity that will keep your children busy and help to teach them the power of giving! Paracord bracelets provide an easy-to-carry line of cord that can be used for a variety of survival needs. Ready to get started? Please Note: Paracord bracelets made for military service members have two important rules that must be followed in order for the service member to be allowed to wear the bracelet with their uniform:
1.    They must be in specific colors only: black, olive green, tan, or camo
2.    They must use MIL-SPEC cording
Your bracelets will be included in the care packages we are sending to deployed service members around the world. You can find all the supplies you need on Amazon. Click here for more information about paracord bracelets, including detailed instructions for making the bracelets.


Contact: Nancy Marshall, 210.629.0020 or nmarshall@soldiersangels.org
https://soldiersangels.org/

 
Be a Good Neighbor!
Nextdoor

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: In your own neighborhood

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

During shelter in place, many people are posting requests for assistance on Nextdoor. You can help by walking a neighbor's dog, brighten someone's day with baked goods, or share a few rolls from your toilet paper stash. Click here to learn more about Nextdoor.


 
Make Birthday Cards
The Confetti Foundation

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Mail cards to:
The Confetti Foundation
212 Old Airport Rd
Middletown, RI 02842

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The Confetti Foundation supplies boxes of themed party materials to children who are hospitalized on their birthdays. Your family can help by making birthday cards for these birthday boxes! Here are some helpful instructions for making your cards:
  • Make sure your cards say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (you can sign them with your name and send any positive messages or jokes, just make sure HAPPY BIRTHDAY is included)
  • Get festive! Use stickers, crayons or markers! (no glitter, please)
  • Sign the cards with your name (first name is okay) and your city/state, our kids love seeing the different places people are thinking of them
  • They do not have to be actual cards, they can be folded over paper or construction paper (no bigger than 5x7)
  • No envelopes, please
  • Please DO NOT include any religious messages in your cards
  • Please DO NOT write GET WELL in the cards
  • Keep it positive and cheerful!
  • Download our Color Me Birthday cards! HERE
Contact: hello@confettifoundation.org, 401.619.4333
https://www.confettifoundation.org/

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more! Follow along on social media as other families tackle this month's projects and share their stories! Simply join our Facebook group or find us on Instagram (@doinggoodtogether and #sharekindness)
 
 
Customize and co-brand DGT's Kitchen Table Kindness Kits for your organization!

As camps close and summer events are cancelled, many organizations are looking for ways to connect to their campers, students, and congregation members. DGT™ is here to help. DGT's popular Kitchen Table Kindness Kits - delivered by mail or downloaded to home computers - contain projects to help families serve others while prompting conversations about empathy, compassion, and the common good. We are pleased to customize these kits for your organization! Each kit created would be co-branded with your logo and include the kindness and service activities most relevant and appealing to the families you serve. Your members can receive the kits via mail or digital download. It's just one more way we are able to promote more kindness and service even as we stay safer at home. Learn more about the kits here: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/kitchentablekindnesskits

To connect with DGT about customizing a kit, please contact Jenny@DoingGoodTogether.org

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

April 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley April 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

April 2020 - Silicon Valley 

 

We are all currently experiencing the impact of the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Our lives have changed dramatically in the past few weeks - our schools are closed, community events and everyday activities have been canceled, our homes are transformed into workspaces. Many nonprofits that serve vulnerable populations are now struggling to meet their basic needs. Although we like to encourage our subscribers to get out in the community and volunteer, right now fulfilling an organization's wish list or making a financial donation may be the best way that we can help. We are including a list of organizations you can contact in your community, as well as a few national sites you can use to search for additional organizations in your area. We suggest you be cognizant of potential staff shortages and the increased work demands on nonprofit staff and check an organization's website and social media channels for updated information. Please check with project organizers before beginning a project as needs are changing quickly!  
 
There is much that we can do from home to lift the spirits of others who are struggling with ongoing issues made more difficult by the current crisis. Let's take this opportunity to turn our gaze outward, to spread joy, to help our neighbors and to be kind to ourselves and others. Our Doing Good Together family sends our warm wishes for the health and safety of every member of our community.  Be well. 
 
 

 
EHP Emergency Food Program
Ecumenical Hunger Program

Date/Time: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9:30am - 4:30pm. Please check their website for EHP's current work schedule

Location: Please drop off or send care packages to Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

EHP is asking for the public's help in garnering items for local families in need. Food items that are the most needed are prepackaged, preferably single-serving sizes or any canned items that require little or no cooking. Some suggested items are; canned chili, soup, tuna, salmon, (poptop cans are preferred for homeless clients), fruit cups, Top Ramen, juice boxes, bottled water (8 oz. or 16 oz.), Cup-A-Soup and single serve meals and snacks (listed below). Many of these items may be ordered on Amazon. Gift cards to Walmart, Costco, Target or CVS would also be greatly appreciated. Non-food items that are also in high demand and needed are soap, wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet tissue, paper towels and diapers, sizes 4, 5, & 6.

The items below are sold on Amazon, but any similar items from any store will work:
  • Campbell's Ready Meals, Creamy Dumplings with Chicken & Vegetables, 9 Ounce (Pack of 6)
  • Bumble Bee Snack on the Run Tuna Salad with Crackers, Canned Tuna Fish, High Protein Food, 3.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)
  • Hormel Compleats - Portion Control Variety Pack - Microwave Meals - No Refrigeration Needed (5 Pack)
  • Hormel Compleats Chicken Alfredo, 10 Ounce (Pack of 6)
  • Hormel Compleats Tender Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (Pack of 6)
  • Hormel Compleats XL Chicken Alfredo, 13 Ounce (Pack of 5)
  • Ultimate Snack Care Package, Variety Assortment of Chips, Cookies, Crackers & More, 40 Count
  • Healthy Snacks Care Package (Count 30)
  • Nabisco Cookies Sweet Treats Variety Pack Cookies - with Oreo, Chips Ahoy, & Golden Oreo - 30 Snack Pack
Contact: 650.323.7781 or lakesha@ehpcares.org.
https://www.ehpcares.org/


 
Help Out Your Neighbors
West Valley Community Services

Date/Time: Monday through Friday; 8am - noon, 1 - 5pm (Please ring doorbell)

Location: West Valley Community Services, 10104 Vista Drive, Cupertino

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Thank you for your compassion.  Even at the darkest of times, a compassionate community can make an incredible difference. Here are three ways that you can help: 
  • To help us buy food, supplies and to support our clients, please donate here 
  • To help feed low income and homeless community residents, drop-off unexpired and unopened cans of food or shelf-stable dry packaged food (like canned soup, meals in a can, canned fruit, canned veggies, oatmeal packets, mac and cheese, cereal bars, pasta, noodles, rice, instant soup cups, snacks for kids etc.) or fruit from trees in your yard at West Valley Community Services' office   
  • Donate paper and plastic bags to help us package food for distribution
Contact: joshs@wvcommunityservices.org   

 
Send Kindness to an Elder
Letters of Love

Date/Time: Anytime and as often as you'd like

Location: Mail cards to:
Love For The Elderly
P. O. Box 24248
Cleveland, OH 44124

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

The mission of Letters of Love is to bring joy into the lives of the elderly. They do this by collecting cards and mailing these to elders in senior communities across the globe. These include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices and senior centers. With the outbreak of COVID-19, it's more important than ever to fight loneliness with love for our elders. Here are their letter writing guidelines:
  1. Letters must be legible (large print) and handwritten.
  2. Avoid religion. Please refrain from including anything religious in your letters, such as religious quotes, words like "God," etc.
  3. Exclude the date (day, month, and year).
  4. Embrace creativity! Recipients love it when the letters are personal. We encourage you to make your letters detailed, thoughtful and heartfelt.
  5. Be kind and thoughtful (more than talking about yourself). This is a one-way letter exchange, meaning you will not receive a letter back, so remember that no reciprocation attached is part of the beauty of your act of kindness, and the recipients don't feel burdened by feeling obligated or being unable to respond.
  6. Envelope your letters if you can! It's so much nicer to open up an enveloped card, don't you think? If you're sending more than 1 letter, leave your enveloped letters unsealed and unstamped and put them in a larger envelope or box to send.
Learn more here.


 
Volunteer to Color
Color A Smile

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Mail your drawings to:
Color A Smile
PO Box 1516
Morristown, NJ  
07962-1516

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Color A Smile is a nonprofit organization that distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens, our troops overseas, and anyone in need of a smile. Every month Color A Smile mails out thousands of cheerful drawings. Over the last 25 years, Color A Smile has given out over 1 million drawings. Their goal is to put smiles on people's faces and remind them that someone is thinking of them. Pick up your crayons and help to spread smiles! Click here for coloring templates and instructions.

Contact: info@colorasmile.org, 973.540.9222
https://colorasmile.org/

 
Emergency Assistance Fund for College Youth
Together We Rise

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Online

Ages: Everyone can help

Time Commitment: Varies

Together We Rise's mission is to help ease the transitions that foster children experience within the system. The foster care system can be a confusing and sometimes disheartening place for children. Together We Rise's fundraising and network of passionate volunteers strives to give children in foster care a brighter future, a sense of normalcy and belonging. Right now college students formerly in the foster care system are being displaced from their dorms and on-campus housing. The Together We Rise network is working on creating emergency housing, providing travel, utilities, and groceries to these students. You can help by making a financial donation to this emergency fund.

Contact: 714.784.6760, info@familyfellows.org.  

 
Bring Earth Day Home
Clean up Your Neighborhood

Date/Time: Choose your own date and time

Location: Your neighborhood or local park

Ages: Everyone can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

This April marks the 50th anniversary of Earth day. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many cleanup projects and celebration have unfortunately needed to be canceled. Your family can  host your own independent cleanup for Earth Day instead. Celebrate by picking up trash in your neighborhood, or in your local parks -- while maintaining a safe distance from others. Check out the Doing Good Together Clean Up your Neighborhood Pick a Project page for additional ideas and reflection ideas.
 
 
Letters of Gratitude
Operation Gratitude

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Put all loose artwork and letters/cards (no individual envelopes) in a large envelope or box according to their recipient type, and ship to:
Operation Gratitude
ATTN: Letter Writing Program
9409 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Write letters to our military, veterans and first responders. Operation Gratitude sends care packages to our active duty military, veterans, first responders and new recruits. Each package includes a bundle of letters from the American people, thanking them for their service to our country. Package recipients tell us these letters, notes, and drawings are the most cherished items in their box. Visit the Operation Gratitude website for full instructions.  
 
Contact: info@operationgratitude.com
www.operationgratitude.com

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more! Follow along on social media as other families tackle this month's projects and share their stories! Simply join our Facebook group or find us on Instagram (@doinggoodtogether and #sharekindness)
 
 
Stay home, teach kindness, make a difference, and have fun!

Homebound with your kids? This is the ideal time to teach your children that when our community faces difficult challenges, your family thinks about helping others, too. We've put together a DGT Kindness Kit that allows you and your kids to offer simple acts of generosity right from your own kitchen table. Find all you need to advocate for issues that matter; combat hunger; treat homebound folks to creative artwork; share gratitude with people who mean the world to you; and spark fun, meaningful conversations about empathy, compassion and the common good! Find more information about our Kindness Kit  in our DGT Store and order today: only $9.95, including shipping. (Bulk discounts are available.) We're also offering a digital version for $4.95. However, if the cost is a problem, use the coupon code KINDNESS to download it for free

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

March 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley March 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

March 2020 - Silicon Valley 

 
Help Homeless Kids in Your Local Area
The Night Night Project

Date/Time: At your convenience

Location: Deliver your donations to shelters in your community. Click here for a list of shelters in the Bay Area from Project Night Night.

Ages: This is a great project for the whole family.

Time Commitment: Varies

To ease the anxiety associated with shelter living, Project Night Night distributes Night Night Packages to homeless children ages 0-10. Each Night Night Package includes an age-appropriate book, a baby blanket which can be cuddled, and a stuffed animal which can become a cherished friend. Finding comfort is vitally important for children in order to feel secure, loved, and valued - even in the midst of the upheaval and uncertainty attendant to homelessness. The mission of the Night Night Project is to provide free Night Night Packages to homeless children from birth to pre-teen who need our childhood essentials to have a concrete and predictable source of security and increased exposure to high-quality literacy materials during this time of upheaval.

Project Night Night wants your project to be as successful as possible. With that in mind, we have developed a program that allows you to benefit homeless children in your local area.
  1. Determine the number of Night Night Packages you want to complete.
  2. Order tote bags from Project Night Night at $3.50 each (this covers the cost of the tote and shipping to you)
  3. Fill each tote bag with a new blanket, book and stuffed animal.
  4. Deliver your assembled Night Night Packages to a shelter on our list or that you find. We can help! In the Bay Area, we may request that you deliver your filled totes to our local office.
  5. Ensure that the homeless children in your community feel special!
Contact: Kendra Robins, 415.310.0360, Kendra@ProjectNightNight.org

 
Coyote Creek Clean Up!
South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition

Date/Time: Saturday,  March 14, 9 - 11am. Check in is at 8:45am

Location: TEAM 222 on Coyote Creek @ Corie Court, 1505 Schallenberger Rd, San Jose

Ages: Volunteers eight and older welcome to participate with parental supervision.

Time Commitment: Two hours

South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition conducts regular creek cleanup events on the Los Gatos Creek, Guadalupe River, and on the Coyote Creek. Grab your oldest clothes and shoes and come join us for a creek clean up. South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition (SBCCC) is dedicated to Reclaiming, Restoring and Revitalizing the creeks and rivers in the Santa Clara Valley watershed. Over the past four years we have completed over 200 cleanup events and removed over 200 tons of trash from our creeks and rivers. Many hands make this work a lighter task! Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8:45am for a safety presentation. We will be providing trash pick-up tools, trash bags, gloves. Please bring your own water container and we will be happy to fill and refill it! We ask everyone to wear heavy soled shoes, long pants, hat and sunscreen.


Contact: info@sbcleancreeks.com. Registration is available online.

 
Meal Serving @ Goodwill
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen

Date/Time(s): Friday March 27, 9am - noon

Location: Community Garden at Goodwill Site, 1080 North 7th Street, San Jose (Back RIGHT corner behind the Goodwill truck parking lot)

Ages: Families with children age 10 and older are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers age 10 - 13 must have adult supervision.

Time Commitment: Shifts are two hours and one-half hours
 
The mission of Loaves & Fishes is to provide hot nutritious meals that are prepared, delivered and served to low-income families, disadvantaged individuals with a special concern for children, families, seniors, veterans, students, disabled, and the homeless. Be ready to help prep the food, serve our guests and help clean up. As a volunteer, you will be asked to prep fruits and vegetables, serve hot meals, pour beverages, wash dishes, and tidy-up the site facility.

Contact: For questions or to cancel reservations, call 408.922.9085 or volunteer@loavesfishes.org. Registration is available online.

 
Help the TCV Foodbank
Tri-City Volunteers

Date/Time: Monday through Thursday, 8am - 4pm

Location: 37350 Joseph Street, Fremont

Ages: Families with children age 13 and older are welcome to volunteer. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult or chaperone.

Time Commitment: Minimum of two hours
 
Volunteers are essential to Tri-City Volunteers (TCV) food bank's daily grocery cart preparation and distribution. They need approximately 40 warehouse volunteers a day to ensure that as many as 200 client families per day receive adequate nutrition. Volunteers also help sort and hang donated clothing and attractively merchandise their thrift store, which provides very low-cost items to struggling families. Community volunteers are the heart of the agency! Not only do volunteers work directly with low and very-low-income families, they bring to life their vision of a community united together to ensure that every child and adult in our area is not just free from hunger, but can access pathways to financial stability and self-sufficiency. While volunteers assist families in Tri-City Volunteers' food bank and thrift store, they are also connecting with others. That is the real strength of TCV's work.

Contact: Stephanie, volunteer@tcvfoodbank.org. Attend an orientation and set shift(s) by emailing volunteer@tcvfoodbank.org or call 510.793.4583. TCV hosts 40-50-minute orientations every Wednesday at 10am and Thursday at 1pm. Orientations are mandatory for new individual volunteers and no registration is required - just show up!

Weed Warriors at Arastradero Preserve
Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 9 - 11:30am

Location: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, 530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto

Ages: All participants must register and approve the online waiver through the Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Volunteers age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.

Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours

Volunteers should expect to hike through the scenic rolling hills of Arastradero, remove invasive plant species throughout grassland and oak woodland ecosystems, and help maintain restoration zones by mulching, trimming, watering, weeding, etc. Wednesday Weed Warriors is typically a small-group meetup, and tasks are often slower-paced and more detailed. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with project staff, observe flora and fauna, and reflect on the beauty of nature in a serene environment.
Prepare for working outdoors:
  • Water bottle
  • Long pants, long sleeves recommended
  • Sturdy close-toed shoes that can get dirty
  • Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
  • Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
  • EpiPen/allergy medication if you have one prescribed to you 
We provide gloves, tools, and light snacks.

Contact: melisa@grassrootsecology.org. Registration is available online.
https://www.grassrootsecology.org

 
San Bruno Clean Up!
Sign Hill Stewards

Date/Time: Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28,  9am - noon

Location: San Bruno Mountain Park, 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, Brisbane. Click here for directions.

Ages: Youth under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Volunteers are needed to help save critical grasslands at San Bruno Mountain Park. Join the SSF Weed Warriors for fresh air and exercise and help them weed on the south slope of mountain. The south slope has large areas of grasslands that are critical to resident endangered butterflies. The focus is to remove invasive non-native plants. Please wear long pants and layers, a long-sleeved shirt for protection, and sturdy shoes with long socks. Gloves are provided. Please remember to bring water.

Contact: chuckheimstadt@yahoo.com or call the San Bruno Mountain Watch Office, 415.467. 6631. Registration is required at least two days in advance of the event. Learn more and RSVP at the San Bruno Mountain Watch website.
https://www.mountainwatch.org/

 
Good Deeds Day
Oshman Family JCC (OFJCC)

Date/Time: Sunday, March 29, 2 - 5pm

Location: OFJCC Leslie Family Preschool (Bldg. C), Oshman Family JCC, Taube Koret Campus, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Three hours

Good Deeds Day is an annual tradition of good deeds. All over the world, hundreds of thousands of people choose to volunteer and help others, putting into practice the simple idea that every single person can do something good, be it large or small, to improve the lives of others and positively change the world. Join us for hands-on opportunities at the OFJCC: we will plant, make dinner for seniors, make blankets for the homeless, bring joy to animals and many more.

Contact: Robin Vasilakos, 650.223.8791, rvasilakos@paloaltojcc.org. Registration is available online.
https://www.paloaltojcc.org/

 
Chicken Soupers Meal Preparation and Delivery
Oshman Family JCC (OFJCC)

Date/Time: Sunday, March 29, 1:30 - 5:30pm

Location: Taube Koret Campus Community Kitchen, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Four hours

Work with the OFJCC to make and deliver individual meals for those who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) has partnered with us to make it possible for us to help provide these meals. The project will be done in two stages. First, we will prepare individual meals in our community kitchen and pack them. Next, we will divide and deliver the prepared meals to the designated people. This is a great opportunity for families to do a project together as well as deliver it personally to someone in need! Please remember to wear closed-toe shoes and have your hair up or covered.

Contact: Robin Vasilakos, 650.223.8791, rvasilakos@paloaltojcc.org. Registration is available online.
https://www.paloaltojcc.org/

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
With your generosity, we can grow a new generation of kind, caring adults:

As a member of our Kindness Builders Monthly Giving Circle, you'll provide the tools families need to nurture their children's hearts as well as their minds. This special group of DGT donors builds a more just, compassionate world every day simply by making an affordable, automatic tax-deductible donation each and every month.  

To set up a recurring gift, simply fill out our secure online donation form, and select the amount of your gift. If you want to make kindness common, please join us today!
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/donate-monthly

 
Do you have a teen who is making an impact in the community?

Riley's Way Foundation is asking teens across the country to tell us how they can drive change that inspires kindness and builds meaningful connections in their communities. Working with their school or a nonprofit partner, teens can submit a brand new idea or tell us how they plan to improve or expand an existing teen-led initiative. Riley's Way will award 15 winning projects with $3,000 and the opportunity to join a virtual community of like-minded peers from across the country. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2020.

Please visit our website at www.callforkindness.org for more information:



 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

February 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley February 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

February 2020 - Silicon Valley 

 
1st Saturday at Veggielution
Veggielution

Date/Time: Saturday, February  1, 10am - 3pm

Location: Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 South King Road, San Jose

Ages: All ages are welcome to join 1st Saturday activities. Volunteers under the age of 13 and family groups are welcome to explore the Youth Garden from 10am - 12:30pm. Volunteers 13-18 years old can help as farming volunteers and must be accompanied by an adult.

Time Commitment: Varies, depending on activities

On 1st Saturdays at Veggielution the diversity of the community comes to life. Whether through exploration of the Youth Garden, morning stretching during Yoga Class, or the sights and sounds of the kitchen during Veggielution Cocina, the farm instills a strong sense of connection among participants from many different backgrounds. Over 100 community members of all ages flow seamlessly between activities; planting in the fields, joining free art activities and making new friends along the way. Throughout the day, local residents can shop at the Farm Stand for fresh, organic produce grown onsite and harvested by volunteer community farmers. Please check out the 1st Saturday website for more details on this monthly event activities schedule. You are welcome to just come and enjoy the day's festivities with your family or sign up to volunteer on the farm from 10 - 12:30pm.

Contact: No registration is required for 1st Saturday. If you'd like to volunteer on the farm, use the online registration form. For additional questions, email Rosa Contreras at rosac@veggielution.org.
http://veggielution.org/

 
Alum Rock Party & Trail Crew
San Jose Parks & Rec

Date/Time: Saturday, February 8:
  • Check in - 8:45am
  • Volunteer - 9am - 1pm 
Location: Alum Rock Park, 15350 Penitencia Creek Road, San Jose. Please plan on arriving at the Penitencia Creek entrance by 8:45am. Then follow the "Volunteer Event" signs to the parking lot. The park is very large and has very limited cell phone reception.

Ages: Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers of any age accepted as long as they can perform required duties on their own.

Time Commitment: Four hours

Like to hike? Then volunteer to improve the trails! Foot traffic wears down the tread, bushes and wildflowers grow over the trail and rain/fire/wind have their own effects. Help is needed to maintain a safe trail. All tools and supplies are provided. Bring your own filled water bottle, or 2! A hat and sunscreen are recommended. After your inspiring volunteer experience, you will end up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to hike even more!
 
Contact: Registration is available online. For specific questions email ParkVolunteer@sanjoseca.gov or call 408.595.3483.
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/

 
Meal Serving at Goodwill
Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen

Date/Time: Monday through Friday, 3:45 - 6pm. Click here for available dates.

Location: Goodwill Industries of Silicon Valley, 1080 North 7th Street, San Jose

Ages: Families with children age 10 and older are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers age 10 - 13 must have adult supervision.

Time Commitment: Shifts are two and one quarter hours

The mission of Loaves & Fishes is to provide hot nutritious meals that are prepared, delivered and served to low-income families and disadvantaged individuals with a special concern for children, seniors, veterans, students, disabled individuals, and the homeless. We invite you to join us in our service to the community. Volunteers are needed to help prep food, serve our guests, and help clean up. Your time and service are invaluable to the work we do and the people we serve. We are fortunate at Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen to have many wonderful, dedicated volunteers. Without you, we wouldn't be able to do what we do.

Contact: Registration is available online. If you need to cancel, please give us at least three business days before your scheduled service, either on Eventbrite, or call 408.922.9085, or volunteer@loavesfishes.org
https://loavesandfishes.org

 
Grocery Bag Helpers Needed!
Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19, 9am - 12:30pm

Location: St. Maria Goretti Church, 2980 Senter Rd., San Jose

Ages: Families with children age 10 and older are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 14 need to have parental supervision.

Time Commitment: Three and one-half hours

We partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute 120 lb. of groceries to 180 low-income families. Volunteers are needed to help unpack, sort, bag and distribute the groceries to the families.

Contact: Registration is available online. First Time Volunteers: You must click and submit the online Volunteer Agreement form located at the bottom of the email confirmation after you register! For questions, contact 408.922.9085, or email volunteer@loavesfishes.org
 
Volunteer under the Redwood Trees!
Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 9am - noon

Location: Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, 482 University Ave, Los Altos. Park on University Avenue and walk down the driveway into the Preserve; there is no parking available in Redwood Grove. We will meet by the cottage and the kiosk at the base of the driveway in the preserve.

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome. There will be activities for all ages. Volunteers under 13 need to have their parents fill out the waiver ahead of time and accompany their youth at the event.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Join your fellow community members on the first Saturday of every month to restore Adobe Creek's banks and Redwood Grove's native habitat. Depending on weather, we will be weeding, mulching, staking willows, and installing native plants.
 
Prepare for Working Outdoors:
  • Water bottle
  • Long pants, long sleeves recommended
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty
  • Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
  • Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
  • Gloves, tools, and light snacks will be provided.
Contact: Registration is available online. Cancellations? Questions? Email emilys@grassrootsecology.org. All participants must register and approve the online waiver through the registration page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. 

 
Dune's Beach Trail Cleanup
Sea Hugger

Date/Time: Saturday, February 8, 10am - noon

Location: Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with adult supervision as long as you think your child can actively participate with cleanup activities.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Are you a sea hugger? Then join us at Dune's Beach in Half Moon Bay for a beach cleanup! Meet at the south end of the Dune's Beach parking lot at the end of Young Avenue and look for the Sea Hugger check in table. We will be cleaning the beach, trail, and parking lot areas. Please bring your own bucket and reusable gloves- we will provide extra gloves and buckets while supplies last. Sea Hugger focuses on microplastic and has a Nurdle Trommel cleaning device that makes our beach cleanups fun, different and educational.  
 
Contact: For questions or to sign up to volunteer, contact the volunteer coordinator, Shell Cleave, shell@seahugger.org
http://www.SeaHugger.org

 
Weed Warriors at Arastradero Preserve
Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19, 9 - 11:30am

Location: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate.
Volunteers age 12 & under require an accompanying adult.

Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours 

Volunteers should expect to hike through the scenic rolling hills of Arastradero, remove invasive plant species throughout grassland and oak woodland ecosystems, and help maintain restoration zones by mulching, trimming, watering, weeding, etc. Wednesday Weed Warriors are typically a small-group meetup, and tasks are often slower-paced and more detailed. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with project staff, observe flora and fauna, and reflect on the beauty of nature in a serene environment.

Contact: Registration is available online. For questions contact melisa@grassrootsecology.org. All participants must register & approve the online waiver through the registration page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf.
https://www.grassrootsecology.org

 
Create Your Own Cleanup Group in San Mateo!
City of San Mateo

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: The streets of San Mateo

Ages: All ages can participate with proper adult supervision.

Time Commitment: Varies

Team Up to Clean Up is a program meant to bring San Mateo residents and neighborhoods together in a joint effort to eliminate litter in our streets, storm drains, parks and waterways. Litter is not only unsightly, but also unsafe and harmful to our natural environment. You can help by starting your own "Team Up to Clean Up" Group! Connect with friends and neighbors who want to keep our city litter-free. City staff will first meet with you to explore the possibilities of working together to keep our communities clean and safe. We will support your project by providing your team with safety gloves & vests, cleanup bags, cleaning supplies, and arrange for the free pickup of all the trash at the end of your event. Volunteers receive safety instructions and sign an Annual Waiver of Liability. Community Service reports are available for students who participate. Learn more here.

Contact: Donna Divodi, 650.522.7277 or volunteersource@cityofsanmateo.org
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/

 
Habitat Cleanup!
Sign Hill Stewards

Date/Time: Saturday, February 15, 9am - noon

Location: Sign Hill Park, 996 Ridgeview Court, South San Francisco

Ages: Families with children age 8 and older are welcome to participate. Youth under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Many rare plant and animal species live on Sign Hill's native grasslands, including the endangered mission blue butterfly. Help us conserve and restore their habitat by removing invasive plants and planting native plants! Sign Hill Stewards will do important work while also learning more about the wildlife in their backyard. To prepare for working outdoors, please bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, and a hat/sunscreen. Volunteers should expect some hiking on steep terrain. Training, tools, and light snacks will be provided.


 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
The season of kindness calls for more empathy toward "others." Download our "Beyond Our Neighbors" curriculum today!

Extend the season of love and kindness by expanding children's circles of concern. Our FREE "Beyond Our Neighbors" curriculum makes it easy. Created in partnership with Making Caring Common, these unique lesson plans include group and take-home activities to inspire kindness and acts of service, along with discussion guides for meaningful reflection. Ideal for students in grades 2-6, these free lesson plans are perfect for faith groups, troops, and after-school programs. Download your free copy today!

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

January 2020 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

January Silicon Valley 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

January 2020 - Silicon Valley 

 
Help Foster Kids in Your Community
Together We Rise

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Your home or community

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Together We Rise's mission is to help ease the transitions that foster children experience within the system. The foster care system can be a confusing and sometimes disheartening place for children. Together We Rise's fundraising and network of passionate volunteers strives to give children in foster care a brighter future, a sense of normalcy and belonging. They have multiple programs and volunteer opportunities, so each individual, family, or group can select the right opportunity for them. Their main programs are: 
  • Sweet Cases: Decorate duffel bags for foster children complete with a teddy bear, hygiene kit, and blanket. Most children entering foster care receive just two trash bags for their belongings, but they deserve more! 
  • Build-A-Bike/Build-A-Board: Build bicycles and skateboards for foster kids who don't have access to another form of transportation or who've never had a bike or skateboard of their own. 
  • Birthday Boxes: Help foster kids celebrate their special day with birthday boxes that include candy, party supplies, and gift cards.
Contact: To host a group project, complete the online registration form or call 714.784.6760 for additional details.

 
5th Annual MLS Tree Planting Day!
Canopy

Date/Time: Monday, January 20, 9am - 12:30pm

Location: Martin Luther King Park, 435 Daisy Ln, East Palo Alto

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate. Minors under 18 require a parent to approve the online waiver when registering. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Time Commitment: Three and one-half hours

Celebrate MLK Day of Service with Canopy! Join Canopy, Grassroots Ecology, and the San Francisquito Joint Powers Authority as they create new habitat for local pollinators and bird species at the recently reopened entry points of the Bay Trail in East Palo Alto. Volunteers will plant trees and plants, providing inviting gateways to the Bay Trail and other urban green space.

Contact: michael@canopy.org. Registration is available online.
http://canopy.org/

 
Bay Trail Beautification
Grass Roots Ecology

Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 9:30am - noon

Location: McClellan Ranch Preserve, 22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino. The main parking lot at McClellan Ranch is too small to accommodate all event participants. An overflow parking area will be available west of the main entrance on the north side of McClellan Road. It is only a one-minute walk across the bridge to the main event area. We will meet at the end of Verbena Drive directly adjacent to the address listed above. Grassroots Ecology staff will be there to welcome you.

Ages: All participants must register and approve the online waiver through the Eventbrite registration page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Volunteers age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.

Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours

Come plant California native plants with Grassroots Ecology along San Francisquito Creek in East Palo Alto! Volunteers will experience a fun morning restoring habitat for local wildlife with fellow community members. Gloves and tools will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle and dress for outdoor work (sturdy shoes and long pants recommended).
This event is rain or shine, unless otherwise notified.


Contact: Registration is available online. For additional questions or cancellations, contact devon@grassrootsecology.org
www.grassrootsecology.org

 
Weekend Activity Leaders!
Family Supportive Housing

Date/Time: Ongoing. Saturdays and Sundays  1 - 3pm or 3 - 5pm. Some Friday evenings are available, 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Location: 692 N. King Road, San José

Ages: Volunteers under the age of 18 must have 1 adult supervisor for every 5 volunteers.

Time Commitment: Two hours

For thirty years, Family Supportive Housing has been helping homeless single and two-parent families with children remain intact, while addressing their needs for food, shelter, employment, and education. They offer families a respite, an opportunity to make life-altering changes, and a system to aid in finding permanent housing. Do you know of a group of people who enjoy creating and providing their own very special activity for children to participate in? If so, Family Supportive Housing needs you! Examples of past activities include: kite making, popcorn and a movie, arts and crafts, and more. Maximum number of volunteers is ten.
 
Contact: To sign up or request details, contact Jeena Banwait, Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@familysupportivehousing.org or 408.926.8885
http://familysupportivehousing.org/

 
Help Serve Meals!
Loaves and Fishes

Date/Time: Thursday, January 23 and 30, 3:30 - 6pm

Location: Vietnamese Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1066 South 2nd Street, San Jose

Ages: The age restriction is 10 years and older. Between 10 and 13, adult supervision is required.

Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours

We invite you to join us in our service to the community. Your time and service are invaluable to the work we do and the people we serve. We are fortunate at Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen to have many wonderful, dedicated volunteers. Without you, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. Be ready to help prep the food, serve our guests and help clean up.

Contact: volunteer@loavesfishes.org or call 408.922.9285. Registration is available online.
https://www.loavesfishes.org

Dune's Beach Trail Clean Up
Sea Hugger

Date/Time: Saturday, January 11, 10am - noon

Location: Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with adult supervision as long as you think your child can actively participate with clean-up activities.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Are you a sea hugger? Then join us at Dune's Beach in Half Moon Bay for a beach cleanup! Meet at the south end of the Dune's Beach parking lot at the end of Young Avenue and look for the Sea Hugger check in table. We will be cleaning the beach, trail, and parking lot areas. Please bring your own bucket and reusable gloves - we will provide extra gloves and buckets while supplies last. Sea Hugger focuses on microplastic and has a Nurdle Trommel cleaning device that makes our beach clean ups fun, different and educational.

Contact: For questions or to sign up to volunteer, contact the volunteer coordinator, Shell Cleave, shell@seahugger.org
http://www.SeaHugger.org

 
Celebrate the New Year at Palo Alto Bay Lands
Save the Bay

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 15, noon - 3pm

Location: Palo Alto Bay Lands. Click here for map and directions.

Ages: Minors are welcome so long as they can complete the activity and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Time Commitment: Three hours

The mission of Save the Bay is to protect and restore San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife, uniting the Bay Area to create a clean and healthy Bay. Join us at our native plant nursery this new year! We will be getting our plants ready to start their new lives out in the wild and we need your help.

Contact: Sadie Waddington, Events & Outreach Manager, swaddington@savesfbay.org. Registration is available online.
https://savesfbay.org

 
Half Moon Bay Clean Up
Peninsula Open Space Trust

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 11am - 1pm

Location: St. Francis Beach, Kelly Avenue & Balboa Boulevard, Half Moon Bay.

Ages: Minors are welcome so long as they can complete the activity and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Join Peninsula Open Space Trust, Surfrider Foundation - San Mateo County Chapter, and Sea Hugger for a beach cleanup during our weekend of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We'll be cleaning up St. Francis Beach, next to the POST protected Andreotti Family Farm in Half Moon Bay. Volunteers will be provided buckets and gloves to help pick up trash on St. Francis Beach following the coming king tides, which usually cause a lot of trash to surface on local beaches. Meet other people who are passionate about the environment, and learn about POST and Surfrider's efforts to protect our local coasts!

Contact: post@openspacetrust.org. Registration is available online. The event is free, but registration is required. More details will follow in an advance email to all registrants the week before our cleanup.
https://openspacetrust.org

 
Bair Island Trail Clean Up
Peninsula Open Space Trust

Date/Time: Sunday, January 19, 9am - noon

Location: Bair Island Trail Parking Lot, Bair Island Road, Redwood City

Ages: Minors are welcome so long as they can complete the activity and are accompanied by a parent or guardian

Time Commitment: Three hours

Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for this fun and unique opportunity to volunteer at Bair Island. This special volunteer activity has the capacity for approximately 30-40 volunteers. Volunteers will be guided by SFBBO's staff and POST Volunteers, and you will spend the morning weeding invasives, or planting native species that will support Bair Island's ecosystem. Spots are limited, so RSVP only if you are sure you can attend. We will release more details closer to the date of the event. Keep an eye out for an email containing information about what to bring, wear, etc!

Contact: Registration is available online. If you cannot make it to the event after registration the registration process is completed, please contact POST to cancel your registration.
https://openspacetrust.org/

 
Create Your Own Clean Up Group in San Mateo!
City of San Mateo

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: The streets of San Mateo

Ages: All ages can participate with proper adult supervision.

Time Commitment: Varies

Team Up to Clean Up is a program meant to bring San Mateo residents and neighborhoods together in a joint effort to eliminate litter in our streets, storm drains, parks and waterways. Litter is not only unsightly, but also unsafe and harmful to our natural environment. You can help by starting your own "Team Up to Clean Up" Group! Connect with friends and neighbors who want to keep our city litter-free. City staff will first meet with you to explore the possibilities of working together to keep our communities clean and safe. We will support your project by providing your team with safety gloves & vests, cleanup bags, cleaning supplies, and arrange for the free pickup of all the trash at the end of your event. Volunteers receive safety instructions and sign an Annual Waiver of Liability. Community Service reports are available for students who participate. Learn more here.

Contact: Donna Divodi, 650.522.7277 or volunteersource@cityofsanmateo.org
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
 
2020 FAMILY RESOLUTION:
Join the DGT Membership Circle, and ensure more acts of kindness and community engagement

Families across the nation are seeking ways to do more for their community and to make kindness a priority. With the DGT Membership Circle, you can meet your family's goals and do so with the advice and expertise of those who are leaders in the field of kindness and family service. Join now to receive your welcome kit in January!

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2020 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

December 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

December Silicon Valley 2019 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

December 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Trail Days
County of Santa Clara

Date/Time: Saturday December 7, 9am - noon

Location: Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park, 10840 Coyote Lake Rd., Gilroy

Ages: All ages welcome as long as they participate with close parental supervision. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Time Commitment: Three-hour shift

Volunteers are needed to help our Trail Crew staff maintain the more than 350 miles of trails in our Santa Clara County Parks trail system. Trail Days tasks will include some brushing and pruning, but will mostly focus on tread work to help reduce erosion. Please bring sturdy boots, gloves, and a water bottle. Parks will provide light snacks, water and tools.

Contact: Eric McFarland, 408.318.4766. Registration is available online.
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/Volunteer/Pages/GetInvolved.aspx

 
Holiday Wish Drive- Lead your own drive!
Family Giving Tree

Date/Time: Donations are due between December 9 -11. Check website for specific drop-off times.

Location: In your own community and network! There are a couple drop off centers depending on location in San Jose, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Castro Valley.

Ages: Great for all ages!

Time Commitment: Varies

Since 1990, Family Giving Tree has fulfilled gift wishes for over one million Bay Area children from low-income households, holding firm the belief that no child should feel forgotten during the holidays. Your efforts will help provide thousands of children, adults, and seniors in need with wished-for gifts this holiday season.

As a Drive Leader, you will...
  • Facilitate donations and participation within your group by posting wish cards or backpack tags in a well-traveled area or distributing them to friends and colleagues.
  • Set up a Virtual Giving Tree (VGT) to allow for online donations.
  • Deliver the donated items collected to Family Giving Tree's donated warehouse.
  • Receive priority when signing up for Family Giving Tree's in-demand warehouse volunteer shifts.
  • Have a direct impact in your own community.
Contact: jazmin@familygivingtree.org. Click here to register as a drive leader. To find the closest drop off location near you, contact jazmin@familygivingtree.org.
https://familygivingtree.org/

 
EHP Family Sharing Program (formerly Adopt a Family)
Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP)

Date/Time: Gifts are due by Monday, December 16

Location: Ecumenical Hunger Program 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto. Call for donation pick-up: 650.323.7781

Ages: The whole family can participate in thoughtful shopping for your adopted family.

Time Commitment: Varies

Every holiday season, EHP provides low-income families in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding communities with food and gifts. Several years ago, EHP started a special program for families with special needs and/or experiencing extreme hardship, the EHP Family Sharing Program. These families are matched with individuals or groups wanting to experience a more personal and direct donating experience. Family Sharing donors are provided with a wish list of specific food and new gifts items submitted by the families registered for the Family Sharing Program. Donors receive basic information about the family, including names and ages of the children and special needs or requests that the family might have. Out of respect for the privacy of our families and to allow them to maintain their dignity, some personal information may be withheld. 

Contact: To sign up to adopt a family, please call 650.323.7781 or email info@ehpcares.org. You will be provided with the name of the family, their wish list and the opportunity to make this a brighter holiday for a family in need through your generosity.
https://www.ehpcares.org/

 
December Events
Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Varies by event

Location: Varies by event

Ages: All ages are welcome at most events. Minors under 18 require a parent to approve the online waiver when registering. Children under 12 or 13 must be accompanied by an adult, depending on event

Time Commitment: Varies by event; typically two to three hours

Grassroots Ecology leverages the power of volunteers to create healthy lands across Silicon Valley. They restore native plants to open spaces and neighborhoods, steward creeks and watersheds, and provide hands-on nature education. While volunteering with Grassroots Ecology, you will learn interesting things about the natural world while making a positive impact on the environment. Grassroots offers opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to help with planting, weeding, creek monitoring, or installing rain gardens and rain barrels. Use the clickable links below to register for the right volunteer opportunity for you and your family:
Contact: Jeremy Merckling, jeremy@grassrootsecology.org, 650.384.5314
www.grassrootsecology.org

Dune's Beach Trail Clean Up
Sea Hugger

Date/Time: Saturday, December 14, 10am - noon

Location: Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with adult supervision as long as you think your child can actively participate with clean-up activities.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Are you a sea hugger? Then join us at Dune's Beach in Half Moon Bay for a beach cleanup! Meet at the south end of the Dune's Beach parking lot at the end of Young Avenue and look for the Sea Hugger check-in table. We will be cleaning the beach, trail, and parking lot areas. Please bring your own bucket and reusable gloves - we will provide extra gloves and buckets while supplies last. Sea Hugger focuses on microplastic and has a Nurdle Trommel cleaning device that makes our beach clean ups fun, different and educational.

Contact: For questions or to sign up to volunteer, contact the volunteer coordinator, Shell Cleave, shell@seahugger.org
http://www.SeaHugger.org

 
Hanukkah Events: Volunteer Events & Holiday Celebrations
Jewish Family and Children's Services

Date/Time(s):
  • Assembly, Sunday, December 15, 11am - 1pm
  • Delivery, Monday, December 16, noon - 4pm 
Location: Koret Family Resource Center, 200 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Two to four hours

Founded in 1850, the JFCS is one of the largest and oldest family services agencies in the U.S., currently serving over 75,000 people in need per year. You can help brighten the holidays of JFCS clients and community members who otherwise would not be able to observe Hanukkah and other holidays due to frailty, disability, economic hardship, and other challenges in their lives. Volunteer with your children to assemble and deliver Hanukkah treat bags at one of JFCS' five locations in the Bay Area. Each year, caring volunteers gather to assemble and deliver holiday bags filled with festive food and goodies for hundreds of JFCS clients. Children of all ages enjoy coloring, activities, and games as well as a meaningful opportunity to participate in brightening the holidays for those in need. Whether decorating or stuffing bags at an assembly event, or joining parents in hand delivering gifts to clients in need, there is fun and learning for toddlers to teens. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Contact: Miriam Markowitz, MiriamM@JFCS.org or 415.449.3824. Registration is available online.
https://www.jfcs.org

 
Toys for Tots
San Bruno Marine's Chapter Drive

Date/Time: All donations due before December 17

Location: Variety of locations in San Bruno. Click here for drop-off locations.

Ages: All ages can participate in collecting toys to donate.

Time Commitment: Varies

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. If you are looking to donate a toy to help bring a Merry Christmas to families in San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin counties this year please collect unwrapped, new toys for both boys and girls of varying ages and drop them off at a local toy drop site. Thank you for your hard work and support!

Contact: Local Coordinating Officer: Gunnery Sergeant Francisco Olivas, t4tsanbruno@gmail.com, 650.228.3977.
https://san-bruno-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200

 
Toy Drive!
County of San Mateo Children's Fund

Date/Time: Drop off hours are Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm

Location: Warehouse location: 1 Davis Drive, Belmont

Ages: Everyone can participate in the toy drive!

Time Commitment: Varies

The Children's Fund Program assists foster and low-income children in San Mateo County access goods and service that are not available through public funds. Every year over 4,500 children and youth, newborn to age 18, receive resources from our program. The Holiday Gift program is our largest program and serves approximately 3,500 children each holiday season. In many cases, the gifts we provide are the only ones that the child receives. Children submit a wish list and volunteers help us fill their "wishes." Help put a smile on a child's face this holiday season! You can help by hosting a toy drive! Collect new toys and gifts with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, church/synagogue, or girl scout troop. We'll provide the materials and a barrel. We can pick up all your donations or you can deliver them to our warehouse. Don't have time for a toy drive? Your family can still purchase and donate gifts.

Contact: For more information or to register to host a toy drive, please contact us for more details at 650.802.5152 or childrensfund@smcgov.org
https://childrensfund.smcgov.org/

 
Deliver Mobile Meals as a Family!
Samaritan House

Date/Time: Pick up meals from warehouse Monday through Friday, 2:30 - 4pm. Routes take about one to one and one-half-hours to complete.

Location: Food pick-up location: 4031 Pacific Boulevard, San Mateo

Ages: All ages can participate in the food delivery route. Licensed, adult driver required.

Time Commitment: One to one and one-half-hour shifts weekly, or bi-weekly.

This is a great opportunity for parents with young children to perform direct service for our clients and create an understanding of community service. Your team will collect pre-packed meal servings from our kitchen and drive them to clients who otherwise would not be able to get to one of our meal services. The regular shift can be a weekly or bi-weekly commitment. We are currently looking for teams of volunteers to help us on several weekdays approximately two times a month.  
 
Contact: For questions or to sign up to volunteer for mobile food deliver, contact info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org or call 650.347.3648.
https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
Celebrate kindness and generosity with Doing Good Together on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd.

The holiday shopping season includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but for nonprofits and big-hearted donors, there's #GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. This year, YOU can make kindness, generosity and engagement a routine part of family life by making a gift to Doing Good Together. Thanks to a generous donation from the Kinney Family Foundation, all DGT #GivingTuesday donations will be doubled, up to $2,000! In addition, we are randomly awarding three (3) retail gift cards to select donors as a thank-you for their generosity.

Kindly visit DoingGoodTogether.org/donate to make your donation. We are so grateful for your support.


 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

November 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunity

Silicon Valley November 2019 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

November 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Trail Clean Up!
Santa Clara County Volunteer

Date/Time: Saturday, November 2, 9am - 1pm

Location: Sanborn County Park - Sunnyvale Mountain Parking Area, 16868 Skyline Blvd., Saratoga

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with parent supervision as long as the parent feels they will be able to participate in the clean-up.

Time Commitment: Four hours

Help maintain over 350 miles of local trails! Join this monthly trail clean-up event co-sponsored by R.E.I and Bay Area Ridge Trail. Bring sturdy boots and gloves. Parks will provide light snacks, water and tools.

Contact: For questions about this event contact the Volunteer Program Office, 408.918.4930. Registration is available online.
https://scc.samaritan.com/custom/502/#/volunteer_home

 
Holiday Shopping: 15th Annual Shopping Spree!
Sunday Friends

Date/Time: Friday, November 8 and November 15. Shopping times are 6:30, 7 or 7:30pm for a maximum of 90 minutes.

Location: Hillsdale Target, 1811 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate in the shopping event.

Time Commitment: Up to 90 minutes

Sunday Friends empowers families to break the generational cycle of poverty by fostering positive development in children while educating and guiding parents to support their children's life success. Help make it possible for these parents and children to give each other holiday gifts this year. Bring your family and friends and come shop at the Hillsdale Target! Each shopper must bring $10-$100 and register ahead of time. The gifts purchased will remain unwrapped so each family at Sunday Friends can select a gift that they feel is best for their loved ones.

Contact: For questions regarding this event, please contact HSS@sundayfriends.org. Click here to register you and your family as shoppers.
 
Holiday Wish Drive- Lead your own drive!
Family Giving Tree

Date/Time: Donations are due between December 9 -11. Check website for specific drop-off times.

Location: In your own community and network! There are a couple drop off centers depending on location in San Jose, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Castro Valley.
  • San Jose Warehouse, 110 W. Tasman Drive, San Jose
  • San Francisco, 4 Embarcadero Center
  • Castro Valley, Cross Streets @ 3 Crosses Church, 20600 John Drive
  • Peninsula, Location TBD
Ages: Great for all ages

Time Commitment: Varies

Since 1990, Family Giving Tree has fulfilled gift wishes for over one million Bay Area children from low-income households, holding firm the belief that no child should feel forgotten during the holidays. Your efforts will help provide thousands of children, adults, and seniors in need with wished-for gifts this holiday season.

As a Drive Leader, you will...
  • Facilitate donations and participation within your group by posting wish cards or backpack tags in a well-traveled area or distributing them to friends and colleagues.
  • Set up a Virtual Giving Tree (VGT) to allow for online donations.
  • Deliver the donated items collected to Family Giving Tree's donated warehouse.
  • Receive priority when signing up for Family Giving Tree's in-demand warehouse volunteer shifts.
  • Have a direct impact in your own community.
Contact: jazmin@familygivingtree.org. Click here to register as a drive leader.
https://familygivingtree.org/drive

EHP Family Sharing Program (formerly Adopt a Family)
Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP)

Date/Time: Gifts are due by Monday, December 16

Location: Ecumenical Hunger Program 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto. Call for donation pick-up: 650.323.7781

Ages: The whole family can participate in thoughtful shopping for your adopted family.

Time Commitment: Varies

Every holiday season, EHP provides low-income families in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding communities with food and gifts. Several years ago, EHP started a special program for families with special needs and/or experiencing extreme hardship, the EHP Family Sharing Program. These families are matched with individuals or groups wanting to experience a more personal and direct donating experience. Family Sharing donors are provided with a wish list of specific food and new gifts items submitted by the families registered for the Family Sharing Program. Donors receive basic information about the family, including names and ages of the children and special needs or requests that the family might have. Out of respect for the privacy of our families and to allow them to maintain their dignity, some personal information may be withheld.

Contact: To sign up to adopt a family, please call 650.323.7781 or email info@ehpcares.org. You will be provided with the name of the family, their wish list and the opportunity to make this a brighter holiday for a family in need through your generosity.
https://www.ehpcares.org/

 
Donate a Thanksgiving Dinner Basket!
LifeMoves

Date/Time: All Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets must be dropped off on November 21 and November 22

Location: Drop off locations in San Mateo and Santa Clara County. Exact drop-off location will be provided upon registration completion

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

With more than 40 years of service and experience, LifeMoves is the largest and most effective nonprofit committed to ending the cycle of homelessness in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. With your help, we can provide fully stocked Thanksgiving meals for clients and families.

Baskets have a suggested total value $50 and can include:
  • Gift card (valued at $15-$20) to purchase turkey and other perishable items
  • Canned goods, such as cans of veggies, yams, gravy, and cranberries
  • Sack of potatoes
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Stuffing
  • Apple cider, or other non-alcoholic beverages
  • Dishware, decor, holiday napkins, and cooking supplies
  • Aluminum roasting pan
  • Plastic containers and bags for leftovers
  • Any durable basket or plastic storage containers, to be used as the basket
Contact: Registration is available online.
https://lifemoves.org/

 
Help Serve Thanksgiving Meals
Sponsored by LifeMoves

Date/Time:
  • Wednesday, November 27, noon - 4pm
  • Thursday, November 28, noon - 2pm (Thanksgiving Day) 
  • Friday, November 29, 11:30am - 1:30pm  
Location: All Saints Episcopal Church: 555 Waverley St, Palo Alto

Ages: Volunteers can be any age as long as they are able to help out (accompanied by an adult)

Time Commitment: Two - four hours.
 
The annual Estelle Chalfin Palo Alto Community Thanksgiving Meal sponsored by LifeMoves and Downtown Streets Team is held at All Saints Episcopal Church in downtown Palo Alto. Volunteers are needed onsite at All Saints to prep food the day before Thanksgiving, serve food on Thanksgiving Day and leftover lunch the day after. Children can also be involved in shopping for specified ingredients or preparing foods off-site (from the specified menu), to be donated the day before Thanksgiving. Younger children can also help out by making and donating decorations for the Thanksgiving meal tables -- such as candles, table cloths, flowers, cards, and seasonal decor.

Contact: Shin at PaloAltoThanksgiving@gmail.com or 408.891.4463.
https://www.streetsteam.org/thanksgivingmeal

 
Toy Drive!
County of San Mateo Children's Fund

Date/Time: Drop off hours are Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm

Location: Warehouse location: 1 Davis Drive, Belmont

Ages: Everyone can participate in the toy drive!

Time Commitment: Varies

The Children's Fund Program assists foster and low-income children in San Mateo County access goods and service that are not available through public funds. Every year over 4,500 children and youth, newborn to age 18, receive resources from our program. The Holiday Gift program is our largest program and serves approximately 3,500 children each holiday season. In many cases, the gifts we provide are the only ones that the child receives. Children submit a wish list and volunteers help us fill their "wishes." Help put a smile on a child's face this holiday season! You can help by hosting a toy drive! Collect new toys and gifts with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, church/synagogue, or girl scout troop. We'll provide the materials and a barrel. We can pick up all your donations or you can deliver them to our warehouse. Don't have time for a toy drive? Your family can still purchase and donate gifts.

Contact: For more information or to register to host a toy drive, please contact us for more details at 650.802.5152 or childrensfund@smcgov.org
https://childrensfund.smcgov.org/

Everyone Should have a Birthday Party!
No Birthday Left Behind

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Drop-off center located in Santa Clara County. Participate in your own community!

Ages: The whole family can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Donate parties supplies, or vendor gift certificates (face painting, balloons, bouncy house) and help a homeless child have a birthday party! No Birthday Left Behind was started by a local high school student who is on a mission to help homeless children feel included and special.

Contact: For questions or to find a drop off center near you, contact nobirthdayleftbehind@gmail.com.  

 
Craft and Cards
Spread Thanksgiving cheer to Senior Citizens Near You!

Date/Time: Flexible to your schedule! Contact the organization you're interested to arrange a drop-off time.

Location(s): Here are a few local organizations that will be happy to receive your creative cards. You can also reach out to any senior center, nursing home, hospice or any other agency serving seniors to see if they are interested.

San Mateo County: Santa Clara County:
Ages: The whole family can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Help make a senior feel special and included by warming their hearts with meaningful and beautiful Thanksgiving cards. Card making can be seen as a generative and healing process for authentic, integrated self-expression and collaborative connection. One in which the impact of how we use and share words and images can transform how we communicate with each other and with the world to create one that works for - and better reflects - all of us. Making cards for your local senior citizens will provide not only a sense of inclusion, but spread happiness as well.
 
 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
Add kindness to your holiday gift list! Our SHOP KIND store is open 24/7
 
We've talked about gratitude and "giving with purpose" before, and we know more and more Americans are favoring "experience gifts" over material items. We love this quest for less consumerism but also understand the excitement of wrapping a special gift for someone -- and the thrill of opening gifts on special occasions. That's one reason we created our SHOP KIND store. In it, we have collected products from our fabulous "kindness vendors" along with some of our favorite Amazon items. (Disclaimer: we receive affiliate dollars and a small fee from the vendors to support our awesome organization.) Whether you're seeking kindness craft kits, big-hearted books, or kindness wearables, we've got a wide variety of options to choose from this winter holiday season - or year-round!

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

October 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

October Silicon Valley 2019 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

October 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Urban Farm Volunteer!
Garden to Table

Date/Time: Saturday, October 5, 10am - 2 pm

Location: 200 West Taylor St., San Jose

Ages: There is no minimum age for volunteers but those under the age of 18 need to have their parents sign a waiver. Email taylorstfarms@gmail.com for a waiver.

Time Commitment: Flexible to your schedule

Urban residents have been disconnected from where their food comes from for generations and Garden to Table believes this is a central reason why public health has steadily deteriorated. Food is a fundamental part of everyday life and it should be grown where people live. Come help with a variety of farm tasks: seeding, transplanting, composting, farm maintenance, mulching, and harvesting! They encourage anyone and everyone who is looking for the opportunity to get their hands in the soil and learn how to grow delicious and nutritious food. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, appropriate footwear and a hat. Don't forget sunscreen! Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Taylor St Farm is an operating farm so there may be tools present, uneven surfaces and insects.

Contact: There is no need to RSVP to volunteer, just simply show up! If you do have children volunteering, please contact Trinity Tomsic at taylorstfarms@gmail.com to obtain the waiver.
www.taylorstfarms.org

 
Pumpkin Fun at the Fall Festival
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Dept.

Date/Time(s): Saturday, October 5, 7am - 6pm.
  • 7 - 10am (set-up)
  • 8am - 1pm 
  • Noon - 4pm  
  • 3 - 5pm (tear down) 
Location: Martial Cottle County Park, 5283 Snell Ave., San Jose

Ages: Families with children are welcome to participate. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult during the event

Time Commitment: Two to four hours

Volunteers are needed to support the Fifth Annual Fall Festival at Martial Cottle Park! The event will include pumpkin painting and carnival activities, historical ranch activities, food vendors, live music, fresh produce for sale, square dancing, face painting, and much more! Volunteers will be given their assignments on the day of the event. Please let us know if you have a preference.

Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, 408.918.4930. Registration is available online.

 
Event Support for Restoration Fest, Palo Alto Baylands
Save the Bay

Date/Time: Saturday, October 5, 8am - 4 pm. Three shifts are available:
  • 8 - 11am
  • 11am - 2pm
  • 1 - 4pm 
Location: 2500 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto

Ages: There is no minimum age required for participation. Children under 12 require parent/guardian supervision, and children under 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian.

Time Commitment: Three-hour shifts.

Save The Bay works to raise public awareness, mobilize grassroots support, and advocate action for Bay protection and conservation. Bay Day is a celebration of our Bay Area communities and the unique ecological wonders that make up our Bay. This official holiday, like Earth Day for the Bay, connects our community partners, volunteers, and supporters to appreciate and protect our home Your family can help by volunteering at the Palo Alto Baylands Restoration Fest. Volunteer tasks include the following:
  • Set- up: Assembling tents and activities, distributing tables and chairs, installing flags, and signage
  • Activities: Running games, activities, greeting attendees, distributing t-shirts, directing participants.
  • Take down: Pack up activities, take down tents and flags, remove signage, stack tables/chairs, and leave the Baylands trash-free
We invite you to stay and explore the Palo Alto Baylands. We are also looking for a few gregarious individuals to be our mascot on Bay Day. Let us know if you are interested!

Contact: For questions about this event, or to sign up to volunteer for a shift, please contact info@savesfbay.org or 510.463.6850.

 
Day on the Bay 2019
Santa Clara County Volunteers

Date/Time: Sunday, October 13:
  • Volunteer hours 7am- 5 pm
  • Event hours 10am - 3 pm. 
Location: Alviso Marina County Park, 1195 Hope St. Alviso

Ages: Must be 14 or older to volunteer but this event is great for the family and children of all ages to attend.

Time Commitment: Four-hour shifts

This fun-filled festival along the South Bay shores of Alviso features a health resource fair, and a festive celebration of our diverse cultures. Other activities include free pumpkins for kids, music, entertainment, free kayak rides, free hamburgers and veggie burgers, and of course the Cortese Zucchini Car Derby. Volunteer tasks include:
  • Set-up event elements such as canopies, stages, and various booths.
  • Various volunteer stations including the Bounce House; Food Booth; Kayak registration; etc.
  • Event tear-down 
Volunteers will be assigned their individual roles on the day of the event.

Contact: Volunteer Office, 408.918.4930. Registration is available online. Select the shift that you would like to participate in and click to register. Volunteers under the age of 18 MUST complete a volunteer Release and Waiver form available when you register online and/or through the Santa Clara County Parks volunteer office. Minor volunteers without a signed waiver form will not be permitted to participate as a volunteer.
https://scc.samaritan.com/custom/502/#/volunteer_home

Walk to Defeat ALS in San Mateo
ALS Association

Date/Time: Saturday, October 5, 8:30am - 3:45pm

Location: 1701 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo

Ages: All ages are welcome. ALS Association prefers that volunteers under the age of 12 are accompanied by a parent but it's not necessary, as they have lead volunteer coordinators at their event that can manage youth groups.

Time Commitment: Two to two and one-half hours

The ALS Association is a nonprofit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) through research, patient support, information dissemination and public awareness. Walk volunteers are needed to help with the following tasks:
  • Set tablecloths, hang signs, event site prep
  • Sit or stand at booths with information materials
  • Lead walkers on the 2-mile route
  • Put booth information materials into bin and close booth
  • Event clean up
Contact: Megan Fisher, mfisher@alsagoldenwest.org. Registration is available online.
All volunteers are required to sign a waiver, and volunteers under the age of 18 must have their legal guardian's signature. So long as the child's legal guardian has provided written consent on the volunteer waiver, volunteers under the age of 18 may attend without a chaperone.
http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/GoldenWest?pg=entry&fr_id=13766

 
Dune's Beach Clean Up- Join the Plastic Free Movement
Pacific Beach Coalition

Date/Time: Saturday, October 12, 10am - noon

Location: Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay. Click here for directions.

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with adult supervision as long as you think your child can actively participate the activities outlined below.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Volunteers should meet at end of the parking lot. Look for the tent. Dunes Beach is a state park so there is a fee to park. Volunteers will be cleaning up the beach, trail and parking lot areas. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets and reusable gloves. Extra gloves and buckets will be provided while supplies last. Make sure to bring extra layers, a hat, sunblock, water and snacks. Expect to be picking up cigarette butts, food wrappers, cans and bottles. There will also be microplastic and styrofoam along the tide line. If you have a shovel or some type of scoping tool, you can help us grab the plastic items.
 

 
Linda Mar Beach Clean Up
Pacific Beach Coalition

Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 10am - noon

Location: 601 Beaumont, Pacifica. Volunteers will meet in the main parking lot near Taco Bell.

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate with adult supervision as long as you think your child can actively participate the activities outlined below.

Time Commitment: Two hours

The Pacifica Beach Coalition is dedicated to preserving the ocean, coastal ecosystems and wildlife, with a focus on ending litter through advocacy, education, community building and citizen action. Volunteers will  be picking small and large pieces of trash from the parking lots, promenade and the beach. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets and reusable gloves. Extra gloves, buckets, pickup sticks and specific tools for this site cleanup will be provided while supplies last. Make sure to bring extra layers, a hat, sunblock, water and snacks. Be a volunteer and help us make trash extinct. Join us today!


 
Create the Change Day Bay Area
Project Giving Kids (PGK)

Date/Time: Sunday, October 13, 2 - 4pm

Location: Computer History Museum, 1401 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View

Ages: Families with children age three and older are welcome to participate. Most projects are suitable for ages three and older although some adult facilitation will be required for those on the younger side. All children MUST be accompanied by an adult. Waivers are required for all participants, and must be signed off on by a parent or guardian for those under age 18. The waiver form is integrated into the ticketing process.

Time Commitment: Varies, up to two hours

Join the community for an afternoon of hands-on service curated especially for youth and families. Kids will be assembling hygiene kits for people in need, crafting no-sew blankets for shelter animals, decorating lunch bags for hungry neighbors, writing notes of encouragement, and much more. There will also be music, snacks, raffle prizes, and other fun you don't want to miss. Projects benefit local nonprofits including Ecumenical Hunger Program, Hope's Corner, Town Cats, EAH Housing, and more! Service hours available for middle and high school students.

Contact: ajohnson@projectgivingkids.org. Registration is available online. 

 
Menlo Park Birthday Parties!
The Birthday Party Project

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 17 and Wednesday, November 20, 6 - 8pm

Location: Shelter in Menlo Park

Ages: Families with children 10 and older are welcome to volunteer!

Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Help us celebrate children and give them a birthday party they will never forget for the families and kiddos at Life Moves - Menlo Park! The Birthday Party Project hosts monthly birthday parties at homeless and transitional living facilities across the country. We celebrate all children (ages 1-21) that have a birthday that month, and we invite all children and family members staying at the agency to join us for the party. We bring everything needed for an awesome event, but we need volunteers to truly make the party come to life! We spend a half-hour setting up, an hour partying, and a half-hour cleaning up. Let's party!

Contact: Candace Trevino, candace@thebirthdaypartyproject.org. Registration is available online.
www.thebirthdaypartyproject.org

Assemble Care Kits for the Homeless
Help the Homeless in Your Own Community

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Your own community

Ages: The whole family can participate.

Time Commitment: Varies

When you see a person who is homeless holding a sign on a street corner, are you unsure how to respond? Having care kits to hand out can help. Your family can pack bags of new, warm socks with a water bottle and granola bars to give to homeless men and women you pass on the streets or located near train stations and shopping centers. Visit Doing Good Together's Assemble Care Kits for the Homeless project page for reflection questions, books about homelessness, and other ways your family can make a positive difference.   

 
Raise Funds for Disaster Relief
Red Cross

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Your home and community

Ages: Everyone is welcome to help out

Time Commitment: Varies

Across the country, the Red Cross responds to nearly 1 disaster every 8 minutes and you can be there to provide support. From emergencies like hurricanes to floods to home fires, your help is needed to provide impacted families with essentials like warm meals and a place to stay.  You can turn heartbreak into hope by starting a fundraiser or making a donation to support American Red Cross disaster relief and help with disasters big and small. We have lots of tools and resources to help you with your efforts. Review our fundraising toolkit to get started. Go door-to-door, call your family members, set up a table outside of your local grocery store. Get creative with your fundraising strategies! 

Contact: redcross@crowdwise.com  

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!  


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
October is Bullying Prevention Awareness month.

It's never too early (or too late) to start big-hearted conversations with your children about the power of kindness, the importance of upstanding for others, and the ways we can make a difference in our community. Start your conversations using these big-hearted picture books on bullying and these chapter books too, then read or revisit this important blog post from DGT.


 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

September 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley September 2019 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

September 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2019
NAMI Silicon Valley

Date/Time(s): Varies by opportunity between September 5 and September 21

Location(s):
  • NAMI SCC Offices, 1150 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 24, San Jose, for pre-event volunteering
  • Guadalupe Gardens Arena Green, N Autumn St @ W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, for event day volunteers
Ages: All ages are welcome

Time Commitment: Varies by position

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Silicon Valley offers practical experience, support, education, comfort, and understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and their treatment in Santa Clara County. NAMIWalks is the nation's largest mental health awareness and fundraising event. NAMI Walks Silicon Valley is looking for volunteers of all ages throughout the month of September to help with event promotion, preparation and event day activities - including set up, registration and fun activities like the selfie station or helping to live stream the event!

Contact: Shanna Webb, swebb@namisantaclara.org, 408.453.0400. To sign up, visit the NAMIWalks Silicon Valley Volunteer Page. Choose a slot to volunteer, click the Volunteer button and provide the required information.
https://namisantaclara.org

 
National Coastal Clean Up Day in San Jose
Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 9am - noon

Location: 1001 E Capitol Expy, San Jose

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome. If under 13, a parent must be present.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful works with community members, groups and agencies to reclaim, restore, and beautify Coyote Creek. We do this by taking care of the creek, helping people to learn more about it, and offering ways to enjoy the creek. National Coastal Clean Up Day is an annual favorite, and we want to clean up the creek of as much trash as we can to reduce plastics and other debris that will flow downstream. Come out, enjoy nature, and help prevent trash from reaching our Bay.

Contact: Deb Kramer, deb@keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.org, 408.372.7053. Registration is available online.
www.keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.org


 
Volunteer at Arastradero Preserve: Habitat Restoration
Grass Roots Ecology

Date/Time: Saturday, September 14, 9am - noon

Location: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Walk past the information kiosk in the parking lot, down the concrete path through the gateway garden. Check in with staff next to the first brown building on your left.

Ages: Volunteers age 12 & under require an accompanying adult. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Volunteers should expect to engage in a variety of hands-on activities that enrich the environment and protect the wildlife who call the preserve home. Saturday morning workdays are typically larger group meetups (10-20 people), and tasks are often varied and teamwork-oriented. Participants will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow volunteers, observe flora and fauna, and learn restoration skills such as planting, weeding, watering, or mulching. Saturday mornings bring many visitors to the preserve, including hikers, bikers, dogs (on-leash), and the occasional horse, creating a lively and energetic environment.  
 
Prepare for Working Outdoors:
  • Water bottle
  • Long pants, long sleeves recommended
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty
  • Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
  • Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
Gloves, tools, and light snacks will be provided.
 
Contact: melisa@grassrootsecology.org. Registration is available online.
https://www.grassrootsecology.org

 
Help Feed the Hungry
Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP Cares)

Date/Time(s):
  • Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30 - 4:30pm
  • Wednesdays, 9:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30 - 5:30pm
  • Third Saturday of every month 11am - 1pm 
Location: Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto

Ages: Families with children age six and older are welcome to volunteer.

Time Commitment: Three to four-hour shifts. Volunteers can work half shifts as needed.

EHP Cares provides emergency food, clothing, household essentials, support programs, and referral services for families in need. Volunteers are needed to help sort and prepare food for emergency food boxes, and to help sort and hang gently used clothing and other items in our Community Closet warehouse. We also need help with computer input, phone calls, gardening, and special projects.
 
Contact: To sign up to volunteer or if you have any questions, contact the volunteer coordinator, 650.323.7781, Ext. 3000. Send volunteer requests to outreach@ehpcares.org
www.ehpcares.org

 
Sunday Friends' Programs for Very Low-Income Families
Sunday Friends

Date/Time: Sunday, September 22, 9am - noon

Location: Lowell Elementary, 625 South 7th Street, San Jose

Ages: Families with children age eight and older are welcome to participate. Youth under the age of 14 may only volunteer if they come with an adult.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Since 1997, Sunday Friends has been offering day-long programs on Sundays that bring together very low-income families to work together, learn together, earn together, make spending decisions together and share in the healthy, warm, productive, mutually-supportive community. Sunday Friends is a wonderful place for families to volunteer together working alongside other families. Families with younger children (under age 14) can help by joining in on art, cooking and educational games. Families with teens can help with art, cooking, writing, educational games, and other projects, or serve together as Shopping Guides.

Contact: volunteer@sundayfriends.org. Volunteers must first schedule a telephone interview before they can volunteer. Interviews are held Monday through Friday. Click here for new volunteer registration form.

 
Make Friends and Help Out at Hearts & Minds Activity Center
Hearts & Minds Activity Center

Date/Time: Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. We offer flexible scheduling throughout the week based on your needs and other commitments.

Location: 2380 Enborg Ln., San José

Ages: Families with children age 11 and older are welcome to volunteer

Time Commitment: Varies

The mission of the Hearts & Minds Activity Center is to enrich the lives of people affected by Alzheimer's and related conditions by providing safe, nurturing, intergenerational services and support. The Center provides ongoing volunteer opportunities on both weekdays and weekends. Volunteers at the Center work directly with clients, engaging in fun activities, games, crafts, and meaningful conversations. Volunteers must fulfill the following requirements prior to their first placement:
  • Provide documentation of a negative TB test taken within the last year
  • Obtain a parental signature (if under the age of eighteen) or, if under the age of 15, be accompanied by an adult
  • Attend a one-hour orientation at the Alzheimer's Activity Center. There are no set dates for the orientations; contact the organization to find a date and time that works with your schedule.
Contact: Michelle, michelle@hearts-minds.org. To learn more, please fill put the online volunteer registration form.
https://www.heartsandmindsactivitycenter.org/  

Burlingame Bayfront Clean Up
San Mateo County Health

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 9am - noon

Location: Burlingame Bay Front, 150 Anza Blvd @ Airport Blvd (meet behind Embassy Suites Hotel)

 

Ages: Families with children ages eight and older are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD) is an annual waterway and land cleanup held on the third Saturday of September. Cleanups are held all over San Mateo County, at beaches, creeks, waterways, parks, and neighborhoods. Families are encouraged to bring their children, as this family-friendly event is a great opportunity to learn about litter and how to prevent pollution from ending up in our local streets and waterways. Please bring your own bucket and water bottle to help make a bigger pollution prevention impact at the event!
 
Contact: Laura.suarez@veolia.com, 650.333.5984. Registration is available online.  

 
Bag Lunches for the Hungry
Samaritan House

Date/Time: Saturdays and Sundays in September, 9am - noon

Location: 4031 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo

Ages: Volunteers must be age 12 or older and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Time Commitment: Three hour shifts

Samaritan House is leading the fight against poverty in San Mateo County. Parent and child teams of volunteers are needed to help to fill brown grocery bags with supplies to give to our clients when our pantry opens on Mondays.

Contact: Ricky Davis, rdavis@samaritanhousesanmateo.org 650.294.4331. Spaces for this role are very limited so please check in to see if we have vacancies.
https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/

Host Your Own Winter Coat Drive
One Warm Coat

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Click here for a list of drop off locations around the Bay Area.

Ages: Any age can participate. Great for the whole family!

Time Commitment: Varies

Hosting your own Warm Coat Drive is fun, easy, and rewarding for the whole family! Click here for simple instructions on how to begin, register and drop off your donations 

Contact: For questions about this opportunity, click here to email, or call 877.663.9276.
www.onewarmcoat.org

 
Donate Your Hair!
Wigs for Kids

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Hair donations should be mailed to:
Wigs for Kids - Hair Donations
24231 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, Ohio 44145

Ages: Any age can participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Many kids get a fresh fall hair cut each year. This year, try donating your hair to Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. Click here for haircut donation guidelines and a few simple steps to complete the donating process.



 
Check out our featured Project of the Month! 


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
Start the School Year with Lessons in "Upstanding" for Others

DGT offers a unique way to teach big-hearted lessons that encourage kindness and upstanding for others. DGT's "Upstanders" e-book is just $4.99 in our online store. Or, become a member (for just $29.99) and receive all three of our Big-Hearted E-books (including Exploring Nature and Hosting a Mini Family Service Fair) for free! As always, your purchase supports DGT and helps us offer free and budget-friendly resources to families nationwide.

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

August 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

August Silicon Valley 2019 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

August 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Make or Donate Meals
Bayshore Christian Ministries

Date/Time: Dinner meals needed for dates Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9

Location: 1001 Beech Street, East Palo Alto

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate. Great for the whole family!

Time Commitment: Varies

Since its founding, the mission of BCM has been to equip the youth of East Palo Alto and Belle Haven to grow spiritually, gain life skills and develop as leaders so they have hope and a future. With the support of our partners--individuals, churches, and foundations--BCM continues to grow and impact the lives of East Palo Alto youth, serving close to 400 youth each year. Our vision is to disciple the next generation of community leaders who will lead in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Choose a way that works for you to provide meals:
  1. Make or purchase meals.  
  2. Make a monetary or gift card donation for BCM to purchase meals.
Contact: For more information or to sign up to donate a meal, email volunteer@bayshore.org or 650.327.9941.

 
Family Volunteering to Help the City of Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale Community Services

Date/Time: Drop off donations Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5pm. We are also open two Saturdays a month. Call in advance for Saturday dates.

Location: 725 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The mission of Sunnyvale Community Services is to prevent homelessness and hunger in our local community. Exposing children to the concept of giving back is important to many families and to SCS. We encourage the following family activities which are very helpful to SCS and can stimulate great conversation and discovery for you and your children. See our wish list page for specific donation needs. Feel free to bring your children with you when you donate items to SCS. 
  • Make monthly family shopping trips to purchase items specifically for an SCS donation.
  • Establish a relationship with a local retailer to pick up damaged food, cleaning products, toilet paper, or other staple household items on a regular basis.
  • Collect hotel/motel toiletries while traveling or on vacation. We distribute hygiene kits that include: toothpaste, shampoo, soaps, lotions, and disposable razors to low-income and homeless clients.
  • Buy new books for low-income children. Feel free to wrap them and include a personal note (first names only please).
  • Buy new socks and/or gloves for the homeless. Feel free to wrap them and include a personal note (first names only please).
Contact: For more information contact, info@svcommunityservices.org or 408.738.4321.
https://svcommunityservices.org


 
Help Out Homeless Teens
Stand Up for Kids- Silicon Valley

Date/Time: Open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 - 8pm and Saturdays from noon - 3pm.

Location: 25 E Hedding St., San Jose

Ages: Families with children ages five and older are able to participate in most of the volunteer opportunities listed below

Time Commitment: Varies

StandUp For Kids - Silicon Valley has been in the area since 2008 with our mentoring program working one on one with homeless youth to make progress in their life to get them off the streets. We grew our program in 2013 with street outreach and the opening of our outreach center, The Village. The purpose of The Village is to provide a safe place for kids to feel welcome, escape the dangers of the streets, and to find support. We also address immediate needs of kids such as food, clothing, personal hygiene, supplies for out on the street, a hot shower, access to the internet for job searching, resume drafting, and overall access to things like applying for an ID, birth certificate, etc. Volunteers help with these needs and, if needed, medical care, education assistance, and transportation. Volunteer opportunities with Stand Up for Kids include 
  • Making and Serving Dinner at the Outreach Center 
  • Collecting/Delivering Donations for the Wishlist
  • Helping with Outreach (Flyer Distribution)
Contact: Mario Rocha, 408.644.7597 or marior@standupforkids.org. Registration is available online. Once you complete the online form the volunteer coordinator will be in contact with you to schedule your volunteer session based on the needs of our youth and the ages of your family members that are participating.
www.Standupforkids.org/SiliconValley

 
Volunteer at Foothills Park
Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Sunday August 11,  9am - noon

Location: Foothills Park, Foothills Park Interpretive Center, Palo Alto. We will meet at the Foothills Park Interpretive Center. There is ample parking behind and to the side of the building.

Ages: Families with children ages 8 and older are welcome to participate. All minors under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Join us for a morning outdoors. Enjoy hands-on activities such as weeding, planting, and creating habitat structures that will enrich our environment and leave you with a smile! This event is rain or shine, unless otherwise notified. Grassroots Ecology encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. We will provide gloves, tools, and light snacks.

Prepare for Working Outdoors:
  • Bring a water bottle
  • Wear long pants, long sleeves recommended
  • Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty
  • Bring a hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
  • Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
Contact: claireg@grassrootsecology.org. Registration is available online. All participants must register & approve the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf.
https://www.grassrootsecology.org/
 
Start your own Neighborhood Clean Up Team
City of San Mateo

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: In your own San Mateo County neighborhood

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies, plan on one to three hours

Team Up to Clean Up brings San Mateo residents and neighborhoods together in a joint effort to eliminate litter in our streets, storm drains, parks, and waterways. Litter is not only unsightly, but also unsafe and harmful to our natural environment. Here's how to start your own "Team Up to Clean Up" group. Connect with friends and neighbors who want to keep our city litter-free. City staff will meet with you to explore the possibilities of working together to keep our communities clean and safe. We will support your project by providing your team with safety gloves & vests, cleanup bags, cleaning supplies, and arrange for the free pickup of all the trash at the end of your event. Volunteers receive safety instructions and sign an Annual Waiver of Liability. Community Service reports are available for students who participate.

Contact: Donna Divodi, 650.522.7277, volunteersource@cityofsanmateo.org.
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/

 
World Dog Surfing Competition- Volunteers Needed
Norcal World Dog Surfing

Date/Time: Saturday, August 3, 8:30am - 2pm

Location: Linda Mar Beach, Highway One and Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica

Ages: Volunteers must be able to focus and perform the tasks at hand. Minors under 18 must be supervised by parent or guardian at all times.

Time Commitment: Flexible shift times available.

The Norcal World Dog Surfing event celebrates the best in the sport, but this event is not only for sport and for fun. It's also for great causes, like the Peninsula Humane Society. You can also help local charities raise money by having friends and family sponsor you or your team using our partners, Eventbrite and Crowdrise.

There are several volunteer opportunities in areas such as:
  • Registration Table
  • Host/General Question Answerer
  • General Volunteer Coordinator
  • Surf Dog Competition Wrangler Volunteer
  • Fashion Competition Coordinator or Volunteer
  • Dog Fetch Competition Coordinator or Volunteer
  • Surf Dog Village Assistant
  • Overall Event Setup
Contact: For questions and to contact the volunteer coordinator, visit, http://www.surfdogchampionships.com/volunteer/. Registration is available online.
http://www.surfdogchampionships.com/

 
Tunitas Creek Beach Clean Up in Half Moon Bay
TLC Locals

Date/Time: Sunday, August 18, 10am - noon

Location: 23000 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay

Ages: There are no age restrictions, however this opportunity is not recommended for children under age five due to the challenging hike in, glass on the beach and other dangers.

Time Commitment: Two hours

TLC Locals is a movement to strengthen our local communities through community projects, fundraising, small business support, and local classes & workshops  Please bring a change of socks/shoes or galoshes - this time of year the creek and lagoon on the beach have dried up slightly, but there are a couple of crossings to get through that may involve some wading. We provide water, but ask that you bring a reusable bottle to fill-up. We also have buckets and gloves, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen. New Leaf also provides bananas and one additional snack for our clean-ups. TLC Locals Tunitas Creek Beach Clean-Ups are organized in partnership with San Mateo County, CalTrans, Pacifica Beach Coalition and Heirs to Our Oceans and are sponsored in part by Hasset Ace Hardware and New Leaf Community Markets in Half Moon Bay.

Contact: aloha@TLClocals.org. Registration is available online.

Make a Jared Box
Jared Box

Date/Time: Flexible - choose a time that works for you.

Location: Deliver your box in person or by mail to a hospital near you or to a hospital on the Jared Box's Hospitals List.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The goal of the Jared Box Project is to lift the spirits of children in the hospital. The boxes symbolize the importance of play and are filled with well wishes, hope, and love. Over 500,000 Jared Boxes have been delivered across the United States. A Jared Box is a plastic storage box filled with small gifts, toys, games, and fun activities. Each box contains items selected for a specific age and gender. The boxes are delivered to hospitals. Jared Boxes provide a special diversion for young patients in emergency rooms, patient rooms, surgical centers, and clinics as they receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. Jared Boxes bring smiles and laughter and lift the spirits of children in the hospital. Click here for step by step instructions on how to make a Jared Box. 

Contact: thejaredbox@gmail.com, 814.883.8615

 
My New Red Shoes
Help a Student in Need

Date/Time: Ongoing opportunities

Location: Your home or community

Ages: Varies depending on volunteer role but great for the whole family! 

Time Commitment: Varies

Since 2006, My New Red Shoes has helped to close the clothing, confidence and opportunity gap for more than 62,000 students living in poverty in the San Francisco Bay Area by providing them with the basic necessities of new shoes and clothing for school. Through our Clothing for Confidence Program, we currently reach homeless and low-income students in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda, and Marin counties. Beyond providing the necessities of new shoes and clothing, they strive to create a long-term impact by boosting self-esteem and confidence, providing a sense of normalcy, increasing school attendance, engagement and readiness, and improving the overall educational experience and quality of life of our community's poorest students. Each year, My Red Shoes collects thousands of new shoe donations from shoe drives led by individual donors, community groups and corporate teams. To ensure that they have the variety of shoe sizes and styles that every student requests, they supplement their inventory with wholesale shoe purchases, as needed. There are many ways to volunteer, including:
  • Individual and group opportunities
  • At Home Projects
  • Donating Shoes or Hosting a Shoe Drive
Contact: To learn more about volunteer opportunities, email outreach@mynewredshoes.org https://mynewredshoes.org

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month! 


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
Want to share kindness tips in the newsletter, website, or e-news for your school, faith group, or family organization? We've compiled a school year's worth of weekly tips, which you can use weekly, monthly, or whenever you'd like! Tips include ideas for service projects, kindness practices, and other simple ways to teach children about giving, caring, and compassion. And they're free to use! (With attribution to DGT™ of course.) To sign up or learn more, please visit our website. Then look for your first set of tips to arrive in your email right after Labor Day! 

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

 
Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

July 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

Silicon Valley July 2019 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

July 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Back to School Supplies Drive
Children's Fund

Date/Time: Supplies should be delivered by July 30

Location: Donations can be dropped off at the Family Giving Tree, Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, 606 Valley Way, Milpitas, or click here for additional drop-off locations.

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate. Great for the whole family!

Time Commitment: Flexible to your family's summer break schedule

Family Giving Tree provides backpacks filled with school supplies to those children in the most need in our communities while inspiring the values of kindness, philanthropy and volunteerism. Become a Drive Leader to support our Back-to-School Wish Drives. Who can be a Drive Leader? Anyone who is part of a group-a business, school, family, social club or friends-and wants to help children-in-need in the community is qualified to lead a Drive as part of Family Giving Tree's Back-to-School Drive. Drive leaders:
  • Facilitate donations and participation within your group by posting backpack tags in a well-traveled area or distributing them to friends and colleagues.
  • Set up a Virtual Giving Tree (VGT) to allow for online donations.
  • Deliver the donated items collected to Family Giving Tree's donated warehouse.
  • Receive priority when signing up for Family Giving Tree's in-demand warehouse volunteer shifts.
Contact: For questions please call, 408.946.3111 or email info@familygivingtree.org. Click here to sign up to be a drive leader.
https://familygivingtree.org

 
Music in the Park Volunteer Bike Parking
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition

Date/Time: Friday, July 19. The event runs from 4 to 9:30pm. Volunteer shifts are 4 - 6:45pm or 6:45 - 9:30pm

Location: Plaza de César Chávez (Cesar Chavez Park), 1 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose

Ages: Families with children age 8 and older are welcome to volunteer. Please note that the expectation is that children who are volunteering can be independent and support the bike parking program without your need to supervise them the entire time. You will be working together but must be able to leave them unattended at times. If you are unsure if this is an age appropriate volunteer activity for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Programs Manager. Volunteers will need to be able to comfortably move tables and chairs (can be done in pairs) and remain on their feet for the majority of their shift. Volunteers aged 13 to 18, who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian are required to bring a signed waiver form accessed from the registration page, to the Event Lead the day of the event. Volunteers under the age of 13 must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to volunteer.

Time Commitment: Two and three-quarters hours

The mission of SVBC is to create a healthy community, environment, and economy through bicycling for people who live, work, or play in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Valet Bike Parking volunteers for the Music In The Park are key members of the team. Volunteers are needed to help with event set up and set down, registration of client's bikes, storing and securing bicycles, keeping a watchful eye during the event, and returning them to the attendees after the event.

Contact: Kate Plant, Community Projects Manager, kate@bikesiliconvalley.org. Registration is available online.
https://bikesiliconvalley.org

 
Meal Serving @ Goodwill
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 2, 3:30 - 6pm

Location: Goodwill Industries of Silicon Valley, 1080 North 7th Street, San Jose

Ages: Volunteers must be 10 or older. Volunteers between 10 and 13 must be supervised by an adult.

Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
The mission of Loaves & Fishes is to provide hot nutritious meals that are prepared, delivered and served to low-income families, disadvantaged individuals with a special concern for children, families, seniors, veterans, students, disabled, and the homeless. Be ready to help prep the food, serve our guests and help clean up. As a volunteer, you will be asked to prep fruits and vegetables, serve hot meals, pour beverages, wash dishes, and tidy-up the site facility.

Contact: For questions or to cancel reservations, call 408.922.9085 or volunteer@loavesfishes.org. Registration is available online.
https://www.loavesfishes.org

All Stars & Stripes at the Beach for Post-Fireworks Rockaway Beach Cleanup
Pacific Beach Coalition

Date/Time: Saturday, July 6, 9 - 11am

Location: Rockaway Beach, Pacifica. Meet at the corner of the North Beach parking lot.

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate. Minors under 18 must be supervised by parent or guardian at all times.

Time Commitment: Two hours.

The 4th of July is a BIG day at the beach and unfortunately litter is often left all over at the end of the day. Volunteers will meet at the north parking lot in the corner by the Best Western hotel (this is the lot from Rockaway to the Quarry). Bags and gloves will be provided but if you can, bring your own bucket and gloves and we'll be even more sustainable! Please make sure to bring extra layers, a hat, sunblock, water and snacks. Please click here for Beach Clean-up Guidelines.

Contact: info@pacificabeachcoalition.org. Registration is available online.

 
In the Swing of Summer @ Bair Island Restoration Site Redwood City
Save the Bay

Date/Time: Saturday, July 20, 9am - noon

Location: Bair Island Restoration Site (Redwood City). A link to the exact meeting location will be provided upon registration.

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Three hours

The mission of Save the Bay is to protect and restore San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife, uniting the Bay Area to create a clean and healthy Bay. Our restoration site at Bair Island is an amazing place to see the shore birds! Take a pair of binoculars out on your snack break and check out the wildlife. We will be weeding, mulching and watering around our native plants.

Contact: Charlie Onarati, gonorati@savesfbay.org. Registration is available online.

 
X-Large Clothing Drive for Homeless Men and Women
Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP)

Date/Time: Drop off hours are:
  • Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10am - noon & 2:30 - 4:30pm 
  • Wednesday, 10am - 12:30pm & 2:30 - 6pm
  • Every 3rd Saturday 11am - 1pm
Location: Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP), 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

EHP's mission is to provide compassionate, dignified and practical assistance to families and individuals experiencing economic and personal hardship. There are many homeless people who come to EHP daily looking for clothing in the larger size area. It is difficult for them to find these sizes without having to spend money they don't have. Our clients are in need of clothing in the size range of XL to 8X for both men and women. Your family can collect clothing or organize a drive. Items needed Include the following:

XL to 8X:
  • Casual pants
  • Dress pants
  • Sports wear
  • Belts
  • T-shirts, shirts and blouses
  • Sweatshirts and cardigans
Contact: 650.323.7781 or email donations@ehpcares.org.

 
Menlo Park Birthday Parties!
The Birthday Party Project

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 17 and Wednesday, August 21, 6 - 8pm

Location: Shelter in Menlo Park

Ages: Families with children 10 and older are welcome to volunteer!

Time Commitment: Two hours

Help us celebrate children and give them a birthday party they will never forget for the families and kiddos at Life Moves - Menlo Park! The Birthday Party Project hosts monthly birthday parties at homeless and transitional living facilities across the country. We celebrate all children (ages 1-21) that have a birthday that month, and we invite all children and family members staying at the agency to join us for the party. We bring everything needed for an awesome event, but we need volunteers to truly make the party come to life! We spend a half-hour setting up, an hour partying, and a half-hour cleaning up. Let's party! 

Contact: Candace Trevino, candace@thebirthdaypartyproject.org. Registration is available online.
www.thebirthdaypartyproject.org

Start a Bake Sale to Help Put an End to Child Hunger
No Kid Hungry - Share Our Strength

Date/Time: Flexible - choose a time that works for you.

Location: You choose! Simply find a local business, school, place of worship, community center or neighborhood that will allow you to hold your bake sale. It's that simple.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate. Have your kids help bake, organize location, advertise to their neighbors or classmates and sell baked goods for a cause!

Time Commitment: Varies

Funds raised through Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry support Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Nationally, the campaign provides leadership, raises awareness and advocates for change that will make sure no kid in America ever goes hungry. Locally, Share Our Strength funds the most effective anti-hunger organizations and builds partnerships that bring together public officials, nonprofits, community groups, private funders and businesses to end childhood hunger in a particular state or city. Our online Bakers' Resources includes lots of how-to tips, signage and much more. Every $10 you raise can feed a child up to 100 meals. Every cookie and cupcake can make a difference.

Contact: bakesale@strength.org, 800.761.4227. Fill out the online form to register your bake sale and receive your free Bake Sale tool kit.
https://www.nokidhungry.org/

 
Make your own PSA Video to Help Save Animals!
Karma Rescue

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Your home or community

Ages: Great for the whole family to participate in or for the YouTube Star in yours! Adults must participate with children under the age of 13.

Time Commitment: Varies

Be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves - make a short video to educate your community about humane animal treatment and how to make an immediate impact on the homeless animal overpopulation problem! In making a PSA (public service announcement) that helps provide that education, you are helping solve the homeless pet problem. All you need is a cell phone, video recorder and computer! This is a great way for kids of all ages to get creative and get their feet wet with film directing! If under 18, make sure you have your parent's permission before sending or posting a video.

Contact: Post your video to social media or your family's YouTube channel. You can also email us at info@karmarescue.org to be posted to the Education page on the Karma Rescue website.
https://karmarescue.org/about/

 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
Celebrate National Night Out (August 6th) by Hosting a Mini Family Service Fair

National Night Out is Tuesday, August 6. This national event is an ideal opportunity to host a community-centered service project, such as helping those experiencing hunger or homelessness or providing toys or treats for an animal shelter. Want help in making your event one that's fun, memorable, and makes a big impact? Download our National Night Out Toolkit which includes the materials you need to customize a community gathering that's unique to your neighborhood. This one-of-a-kind e-book is just $4.99 in our online store. Or, become a member (for just $29.99) and receive all three of our Big-Hearted E-books (including Exploring Nature and Becoming an Upstander) for free! As always, your purchase supports DGT and helps us offer free and budget-friendly resources to families nationwide.
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

June 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

June 2019 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

June 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Volunteer at Arastradero Preserve: Habitat Restoration
Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Saturday, June 8, 9am - noon

Location: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto

Ages: All ages are welcome. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Volunteers age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.

Time Commitment: Three hours

Grassroots Ecology volunteers will learn interesting things about the natural world while making a positive impact on the environment. There are opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to help with planting, weeding, creek monitoring, or installing rain gardens and rain barrels. Saturday morning tasks are often varied and teamwork-oriented. Participants will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow volunteers, observe flora and fauna, and learn restoration skills such as planting, weeding, watering, or mulching.

Contact: Questions about volunteering? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact volunteer@grassrootsecology.org. All participants must preregister and complete the online waiver.
https://www.grassrootsecology.org/

 
Grove Guardians: Summer Youth Stewards at Redwood Grove

Grassroots Ecology

Date/Time: Thursdays, June 13, 20, & 27; July 11, 18, & 25; August 1, 8, & 15, 9:30am - noon

Location: Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, 482 University Ave, Los Altos. Volunteers will meet by the cottage and the kiosk at the base of the driveway in the preserve.

Ages: This program is specifically for middle and high school aged students. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf.

Time Commitment: Sessions are two and one-half hours. While it is not a requirement to attend each week, it is highly suggested to come as often as you can.

Join Grove Guardians at Redwood Grove this summer for a volunteer opportunity specifically for middle and high school aged students! Youth volunteers will meet Thursday mornings to explore and enhance the ecology of California ecosystems. This program will strengthen your youth's naturalist skills while building community with one another. Please remember to:
  • Bring a water bottle
  • Wear long pants, long sleeves recommended
  • Wear sturdy close-toed shoes that can get dirty
  • Bring a hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
  • Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
  • We will provide gloves, tools, and light snacks.
Contact: Questions? Email devon@grassrootsecology.org. Registration is available online. 
 
Ice Cream Social and Book Exchange
The Friends of Atherton Library

Date/Time: Saturday, June 15, 1 - 3pm

Location: 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton

Ages: All ages are welcome

Time Commitment: Two hours

The Friends of Atherton Library welcomes you to bring a book to swap, take a book, or just come for free ice cream.  We will be kicking off the summer learning challenge with a performance by the Happy Birds at 2pm. San Mateo County Libraries is extremely fortunate to have the support of local Friends groups. Friends are volunteers who value their local community libraries. Most friends' groups raise funds to support special projects, including local programming, outreach events, and much more.

Contact: For questions about this event, call (650) 328-2422. No prior registration is required for this event.
https://smcl.org/friends-of-the-library/
 
Palo Alto World Music Day
City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto World Music Day

Date/Time: Sunday, June 16. Three shifts are available: 2:30 - 4:30pm, 4:15 - 6pm, or 5:45- 7:45pm 

Location: Downtown Palo Alto, between Webster and High St.

Ages: All ages are welcome to volunteer; ages 16 and under must have an adult present.

Time Commitment: Shifts vary between one and one-half hours and five hours. Feel free to sign up for one or more shifts if you are interested.

Palo Alto World Music Day is a music festival that takes places every year on Father's Day. All performances are free and open to the public. Fifty professional and amateur musical groups will perform a variety of genres on street corners and plazas: jazz, blues, classical, pop, rock, Klezmer, Greek, Balkan, Indian, World Music, choral, performing arts and more. This is a fun and unique family event not to be missed! Volunteer opportunities include:
  • Program distribution & musician coordination assistance
  • Volunteer check in & coordination
  • Videographers & photographers
  • Flyer distribution 
Contact: Dawni Pappas, dawnipappas@gmail.com. Registration is available online.
http://www.pamusicday.org
 
Wish List Donation
HomeFirst

Date/Time: Ongoing

Location: Collect in your own community. There is a 24 hour drop off facility so drop off donations at your own convenience at 2011 Little Orchard St., San Jose

Ages: All ages can participate in collecting items.

Time Commitment: Varies
 
HomeFirst™ is a leading provider of services, shelter, and housing opportunities to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Santa Clara County. HomeFirst operates housing and shelter sites across Santa Clara County. We serve approximately 5,000 chronically homeless individuals, families with children, veterans, and youth each year. You and your family can help by hosting collection drives for items that are on their wish list, like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, t shirts, socks, DVD's, pillow cases, etc. Click here for a full list of items on the wish list or to inquire about dropping off items that you have collected.

Contact: Jaclyn Salinas, 408.539.2143.
www.HomeFirstSCC.org

 
Volunteer with Animals
Humanimal Connection

Date/Time: Shifts are available daily. Contact the volunteer coordinator to schedule your desired time slot.

Location: 27544 Canyon Road, Los Altos

Ages: Volunteers of any age are welcome. Minors are required to be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers that will be petting and playing with cats should be old enough to be calm and gentle with animals.

Time Commitment: Flexible

Humanimal Connection rescues homeless, unwanted, abandoned and sometimes abused and neglected kittens and cats. Humanimal Connection also rescues kittens and cats from other shelters (for instance, other shelters that euthanize). Humanimal Connection provides these kittens and cats with medical care, human affection, and then works non-stop to find them the forever homes they deserve.
  • Help in our morning & evening shifts to clean cages and socialize with the cats and kittens.
  • Foster cats or kittens in your home that require either socialization or, in the case of a baby kitten, care until they are ready to go to an adoption center.
  • Help with feeding at a small feral cat colony in Portola Valley (feeding takes approximately 15 minutes and is done once a day).
  • Help sanitize carriers and cages so our kittens can stay healthy and happy (as per the volunteer's availability).
Contact: For more information or to sign up to volunteer, email info@humanimalconnection.com
http://www.humanimalconnection.com/index.htm
 
Fresh Produce Bagger
Salvation Army

Date/Time: Every Monday 9am - noon and/or 1 - 4pm, or Tuesday, 9am - noon

Location: 359 N. 4th Street, San Jose

Ages: Families with teens ages 13-15 are welcome when accompanied by a parent/guardian

Time Commitment: Three hours

Volunteers are needed to bag fresh produce into smaller distribution units that will be given to individuals and disadvantaged families. This event is held outside in front of the Food Pantry area. Please wear closed-toe shoes, and dress in clothing appropriate for working outdoors.
 
Contact: To sign up to volunteer, click here to fill out the volunteer form or contact Liwayway Gimenez, liwayway.gimenez@usw.salvationarmy.org. Volunteer Statement, Orientation and picture ID needs to be completed prior to participation
 
Second Harvest Brown Bag Volunteer Program
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC)

Date/Time: First and third Friday of every month, 8:30 - 11:30am

Location: Foster City Parks and Rec Center. Click here for location directions.  

Ages: Families with teens 14 and older are welcome

Time Commitment: Two hours

Join like-minded people to do good, make friends, and build community. The PJCC is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank in support of their Brown Bag program that distributes nutritious groceries to those in need. On the first and third Fridays of the month, volunteers are needed to help distribute food to low-income seniors at Foster City Parks and Rec Center.

Contact: Michele Solomon, 650.378.2780 or msolomon@pjcc.org. Registration is available online.
https://pjcc.org/
 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
Doing Good Together NYC Volunteer Coordinator Natalie Silverstein debuts new book SIMPLE ACTS: THE BUSY FAMILY'S GUIDE TO GIVING BACK

We're proud to share news of a new book by Natalie Silverstein, who serves as Doing Good Together's NYC Volunteer Coordinator. Natalie has lived out DGT's mission of teaching children lessons in compassion, caring, and philanthropy. By weaving acts of service and kindness into their daily lives, the Silversteins have made giving back an everyday habit, and Natalie hopes to help others do the same. Her book SIMPLE ACTS: THE BUSY FAMILY'S GUIDE TO GIVING BACKis both a call to action and a hands-on resource showing parents how to impart good values while helping those in need.
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

May 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

May 2019 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

May 2019 - Silicon Valley 

 
Dear Readers,

This month we are beginning to update our format in order to improve the usability of our listings. Our listings are now organized first by volunteer age, starting with opportunities that are open to families with children of all ages, and then increasing by age, with the opportunities for older children towards the end of the listing. Please feel free to email Laurie with any comments or questions.
 
Food Pantry - Clothes Closet - Donation Drive Hosting
Sacred Heart Community Service

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: 1381 South First St., San José.

Ages: Children of any age can participate in hosting donation drives. Children must be nine or older to volunteer onsite in the Food Pantry or Clothes Closet.

Time Commitment: Onsite shifts vary from two to four hours.

The mission of Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS), our May 2019 Partner of the Month, is to build a community free from poverty by creating hope, opportunity, and action. They provide essential services, work together to improve our lives, advocate for justice, and inspire our community to love, serve, and share. 

Host a Drive: This is a great option if you have younger kids! You can host a drive as a family or as a group (classroom, team, scout group, etc.) any time of year and make a HUGE impact in a family's life. A donation drive for SHCS can be general or focused on a theme: food drive, diaper drive, coat drive or basic need items. Sign up here!

Volunteering Onsite: Children must be nine years or older to volunteer onsite in the Food Pantry or Clothes Closet. Each adult that will be volunteering must fill out the online application and attend a simple orientation (with your volunteering kids). This allows you to easily schedule any future shifts and kicks off your family's partnership with SHCS. The orientation is approximately 90 minutes long and includes a group activity, age-appropriate education on social justice issues like housing, education and immigration as well as the logistics you will need to know to schedule your first shift.

Contact: Sergio Gonzalez, volunteers@sacredheartcs.org, 408.799.1357.
 
 
Parkinson's Moving Day
Parkinson's Foundation, Inc.

Dates/Time:
  • San Francisco: Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 7am - 2 pm
  • San Jose: Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. Registration begins at 8am and the walk begins at 10am
Location(s):
  • Embarcadero Plaza, Market & Steuart St., San Francisco
  • 3005 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose  
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Up to five hours

Moving Day is an annual fundraising walk event hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation. It is a fun and inspiring fundraising event that unites families, friends and communities both large and small in the fight against Parkinson's disease. Walk for a cause and bring the whole family and join one of these annual walk-a-thons to help benefit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. This family-friendly event features a kid's area, Tango, boxing, yoga, Tai Chi and much more! 
 
Contact: Gena Lennon, 415.963.0304, glennon@parkinson.org.
Learn more and register for the San Francisco walk here
Learn more and register for the San Jose walk here
https://movingdaywalk.org
 
 
Spring Cleaning @ Rockaway Beach, Pacifica
Pacific Beach Coalition

Date/Time: Saturday, May 4, 9 - 11am

Location: Rockaway Beach, Pacifica. Volunteers are asked to meet at the corner of North Beach Parking lot near the Best Western.

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Two hours

The Pacific Beach Coalition is dedicated to preserving the ocean, coastal habitat, and wildlife, and ending litter through advocacy, education, community building, and citizen action. Come help the Pacific Beach Coalition clean up Rockaway Beach in Pacifica. Volunteers will comb the beach looking for trash and other harmful items.

Contact: info@pacificbeachcoalition.org. Registration is available online.
www.pacificbeachcoalition.org
 
 
Deliver Leftover Food & Alleviate Hunger
Peninsula Food Runners

Date/Time: Ongoing. There are weekday and weekend shifts available for mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Location: Peninsula Food Runners currently supports San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Click here for the cities we currently serve.

Ages: Families with children and groups are welcome. There must be a licensed driver with valid insurance to drive.

Time Commitment: You can volunteer for a regular weekly food run, which is a pickup and drop-off that normally requires 1 to 1-1/2 hours to complete. You can also volunteer for an occasional backup or on-call food runs.

Drivers and groups will work together to pick up excess food from restaurants, grocers, companies and deliver the food to outreach organizations that help to feed the less fortunate and homeless. Once registered, volunteers will need to pass the food safety test. After you've passed the food safety test you will be given access to all available time slots with corresponding restaurants/food pick up location.

Contact: 415.826.6903. Click here to sign-up to become a food runner
http://www.peninsulafoodrunners.org/
 
 
National River Cleanup Day at Coyote Creek - San Jose
Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful

Date/Time: Saturday, May 18, 9am - noon

Location: E. Capitol Expressway, San Jose

Ages: All ages are welcome. Volunteers under the age of 18 will require a parent's signature and attendance

Time Commitment: Three hours

Come out on National River Cleanup Day to help remove trash and other debris from the Coyote Creek after all the rains. This national event is your one day to join the thousands of others who care about our waterways. You'll need to wear clothes that can get muddy and sturdy boots. Community service hours are available, and groups are welcome.

Contact: Heidi Gerster, heidi@keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.org. Registration is available online. Once registered, volunteers will receive an email with further instructions which will include a waiver for you to print out and bring to the sign-in table on the day of the event.
KeepCoyoteCreekBeautiful.org
 
 
Help Grow Garden Produce
Almost Eden Garden Project

Date/Time: Saturday, May 11, 9 - 11am

Location: Palo Alto. Click here for directions.

Ages: Families with children ages five and older are welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Two hours

The Almost Eden Garden Project grows premium-quality, organic produce for local organizations that feed homeless and low-income families and individuals. You may be weeding, digging, spreading compost, and/or planting. This is a great opportunity for families with children to learn sustainability, environmental care, and thoughtfulness towards those less fortunate. Please wear garden-appropriate shoes and clothes, and bring gloves, a reusable water bottle.

Contact: pamela@chesavage.com. Please email Pamela to register for this project.
https://almostedengarden.weebly.com/
 
 
Sutro Stewards
Sutro Trail Work and Restoration Project

Date/Time: Saturday, May 4 and May 18, 9am -1pm

Location: Woods Lot, 100 Medical Center Way, San Francisco. Volunteers will receive exact location once they complete registration. Parking is free at the Woods Lot during the program.

Ages: Volunteers must be at least 14 and all minors need to be accompanied by an adult.

Time Commitment: Four hours

The mission of the Sutro Stewards is to create urban recreational opportunities while practicing sustainable habitat conservation through stewardship. Join the Sutro Stewards in trail and habitat restoration on Mount Sutro. Volunteers are needed to build trails, remove invasive species, and grow and install native plants. Volunteers meet at 9am and divide up into teams (some will tackle the trail work, others will weed planting areas and do some planting). Volunteers will work until 12:30, then break for pizza and refreshments. Sutro Stewards provides all tools and instruction.

Contact: events@sutrostewards.org. Participants must preregister. Registration is available online.
 
 
Check out our featured Project of the Month!


EXPLORE our growing list of at-home projects you can do whenever you're ready, each with conversation starters, book ideas, and more!
 
 
SHARE ACTS OF KINDNESS AT YOUR SUMMER EVENT

Turn your next event into a chance to do good! Doing Good Together Family Service Fairs allow groups of all ages to serve others in a two-hour fair-style event. Attendees come together to do simple and fun hands-on projects that benefit non-profit organizations. You pick the place and date, and we can help coordinate! Contact Leah at Leah@doinggoodtogether.org to get started.
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

April 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

April 2019 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
April 2019  - Silicon Valley 
 
We Need You!
DGT Silicon Valley Listing Coordinator

Doing Good Together is looking for a volunteer listings coordinator to help us research and curate our monthly family-friendly volunteer listing. The coordinator:
  • Researches nonprofits in the Silicon Valley area
  • Contacts identified nonprofits, either by email and/or phone, to find out about potential family-friendly volunteer opportunities
  • Identifies 5-10 different family-friendly volunteer opportunities each month
  • Writes up the opportunities for the Silicon Valley monthly listing
  • DGT staff will help you with the steps you can take to find those opportunities, answer your questions and provide materials to help you find family-friendly volunteer opportunities in your community.
Time Commitment: Five to ten hours per month. A minimum one-year commitment is preferred.
 
Contact: ashley@doinggoodtogether.org

 
#SpeakUpSJ Family Volunteering
Veggielution & Doing Good Together  
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 13, 10am - 1pm 

Location: Veggielution Community Farm, 647 South King Road, San Jose

Doing Good Together™Silicon Valley and our April 2019 Partner of the Month: Veggielution are partnering together to take an action-oriented and creative approach to get families invested in the future of their city. At this #SpeakUpSJ event, families will have the opportunity to volunteer at the farm and learn how food has brought people together in the San Jose community. Families will be able to work in the garden; use food from the garden to learn how to make a new recipe; participate in a kid-friendly advocacy activity to share the importance of open spaces (parks, farms, gardens, etc.) with local leaders; create and decorate a reusable produce bag at the Farm Stand to take home; and have some fun in the tractor photo booth where you can show your pride in San Jose! We encourage you to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the outdoor tables during your visit. Families are also invited to sign up to return that evening for Neighborhood Eats; a Saturday Supper at Veggielution focused on the history of food in San Jose and discovering the best eats in East San Jose.

Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate.

Time Commitment: One to two hours

Contact: Registration is available online. For additional questions contact Ashley Raggio, Director, Doing Good Together Silicon Valley, ashley@doinggoodtogether.org or 408.316.8889. Space is limited!
www.doinggoodtogether.org/silicon-valley, veggielution.org
 
 
Earth Day 2019 Events
Earth Day Network & Local Partners
 
Date/Time: Varies by event (see below)
 
Location(s): Varies by event (see below)
 
What is Earth Day, and what is it meant to accomplish? On April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of over a century of industrial development. In the U.S. and around the world, the negative impacts of pollution was becoming dangerous, and a growing global ecological awareness resulted in various policies enacted to protect our environment. Earth Day is now a global event each year, and more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world. To learn more about this global movement, visit www.EarthDay.org. The theme of Earth Day 2019 is Protect our Species... Join millions of others to help make this world a better, cleaner place!

Sunday, April 14, 9:45am - 12:30pm: Earth Day at the Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose (Register online)
Saturday, April 20, 9am - noon: Beach Clean-up at Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo (Register online)
Saturday, April 20, 9am - noon: Earth Day at Wunderlich Park, Woodside (Register online)
Saturday, April 20, 9am - 1pm: Earth Day at Alum Rock Park, San Jose (Register online)
Saturday, April 27, 1 - 3pm: Earth Day Craft "Protecting our Species", San Jose (Register online)
Saturday, April 27, 10am - 2pm: Earth Day Festival, San Carlos. Email Shirley Ng at info@rethinkwaste.org with the subject line "Earth Day Volunteers" Learn more about the festival here.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome at most events. Typically, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check with the specific event organizer for restrictions and/or requirements for minors
 
Time Commitment: Varies by event
 
Contact: Check individual event registration pages listed above for contact information.
https://www.earthday.org/
 
 
Great American Litter Pick Up 2019
Keep America Beautiful & Local Partners
 
Date/Time: Varies by event (see below)
 
Location(s): Varies by event (see below)
 
The Keep America Beautiful® Great American Cleanup® is the nation's largest community improvement program, which takes place annually in an estimated 20,000 communities nationwide. The Great American Cleanup, which marks its 21st year in 2019, engages more than 3 million volunteers and participants every year to create a positive and lasting impact. The Great American Cleanup prompts individuals to take greater responsibility for their local environment by conducting grassroots community service projects that engage volunteers, local businesses and civic leaders.

Saturday, April 13, 9am - noon: Community United San Jose (Register online)
Saturday, April 21, 8:30am - 1pm: City of San Jose. See event flyer for full details.
District 1 - Register online
District 2 - Register online
District 3 - Register online
District 4 - See event flyer
District 5 - Register online
District 6 - See event flyer
District 7 - See event flyer
District 8 - Register online
District 9 - Register online
District 10 - Register online
Saturday, April 27, 8:30am - noon: City of Campbell (Register online)
 
Ages: All ages are welcome. Typically, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check with the specific event organizer for restrictions and/or requirements for minors.
 
Time Commitment: Approximately three to four hours. Families are not required to stay the entire time if it is not possible.
 
Contact: Check individual event registration pages listed above for contact information.
 
 
Seeds of Compassion Family Volunteering
West Valley Community Services
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 27, 9 - 10:30am
 
Location: West Valley Community Services,10104 Vista Drive, Cupertino

For the last 45 years, West Valley Community Services has served as a beacon of hope to low income and homeless families living in our community. This special volunteering program will give you an opportunity to volunteer with your family. The program will include a story and discussion about hunger or homelessness to provide some context around what the organization does and how they impact the community. Following the discussion, there will be simple volunteering activities for the family to participate in together.

Ages: Families with children age five and older are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: One and one-half hours
 
Contact: Registration is available online. Please note that since space is limited to the first 15 families (approximately 25 people), this is a pre-registered event and RSVPs are required and available on a first come first serve basis. For additional questions, contact Elysse Turney, elysset@wvcommunityservices.org or 408.956.6115
https://www.wvcommunityservices.org/
 
 
Parents Place Family Fun Day
Parents Place Palo Alto
 
Date/Time: Sunday, April 28, 8:30am - 3:30pm. The event runs from 11am - 1:30pm. Volunteer shifts are:
  • 8:30am - noon
  • 11:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Koret Family Resource Center, 200 Channing Ave, Palo Alto

Parents Place is the Bay Area's leading family resource center, and they support families and caregivers of babies, children, and teens. They offer parent and teacher workshops, coaching and consultation, services for expectant and new parents, and "baby & me" classes. They also provide behavioral and school support, clinical and special needs services, and child and family therapy. The 5th annual Parents Place Family Fun Day has over 450 families signed up so far! The Koret Family Resource Center parking lot will be converted into a Fun Zone, complete with a toddler bounce house, tasty treats, live music, face painting, and community partner booths. Parenting experts will host 20-minute mini-workshops on everything from mindfulness to tantrum tips. Volunteer duties include: face painting, helping kiddos (under 5) at the vendors booths, helping with the registration booth, giving out flyers, setting up tables and chairs, passing out stickers, and delivering water to exhibitor tables.

Ages: Families with children age five and older are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Volunteer shifts are three and one-half hours
 
Contact: Sarah Dondysh, sarahd@jfcs.org or 650.688.3088. Volunteer registration is available online. If you want to attend the event, click here for more information and registration.
https://parentsplace.jfcs.org/
 
 
Beautify San Jose
The Trash Punx
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 27, 9 - 11am (check-in is at 8:45am)
 
Location: 1200 Notting Hill Drive, San Jose. Look for The Trash Punx tent.
 
Our community has been over-populated by a massive amount of trash, and The Trash Punx decided to do something about this by uniting our community together. Join them as they pick up trash around our community, one piece at a time, and have fun while doing it! Parking is available along the street. Please wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and bring a signed volunteer waiver.
 
Ages: Children ages six and up are welcome with adult supervision.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: For additional questions, contact Justin Imamura, thetrashpunx@gmail.com. Registration is available online.
http://www.thetrashpunx.org/
 
 
Animal Farm Volunteering Event
Health 4 Humanity, Inc.
 
Date/Time: Sunday, April 28, Noon - 2pm
 
Location: Baylands Park, 999 E Caribbean Dr, Sunnyvale
 
Health 4 Humanity, Inc. empowers minority women and youth for leadership and entrepreneurship through conducting scientific research, enhancing learning experience, and promoting volunteerism. Join them as they volunteer at a local farm to help build a fence around the maintenance area, weed whack, paint bird houses around the garden, build a small goat 'shedrow', and more. Through this family volunteering event, families will have fun and enjoy valuable time together while assisting the local farm. This will also be a great opportunity to enhance your connections and communications while learning about each other, doing team work, and gaining hands-on abilities.
 
Ages: Families with children eight and older are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Cindy Huang, health4humanityinc@gmail.com or 619.839.9249. Registration is available online.
https://www.facebook.com/health4humanityinc/
 
 
Foster Animals
Doing Good Together

Date/Time: Varies

Location: Foster a pet in your home. Specific organizations may require visits to their organization.

Open your house to a pet who needs a home. When your community has dogs or cats that need extra love and care (usually because they are very young, sick, or the shelter has limited space), your family can provide a temporary home. Call your local animal shelter to learn about your fostering options. Visit Doing Good Together's Foster Animals page for more ideas and resources.
 
Ages: Families with children of all ages can typically help with foster a pet opportunities.
 
Time Commitment: Will vary depending on organization.
 
Contact: Click here to find your local animal shelters.
https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/search/
 
NEW TO DGT's WEBSITE MENU: GROUP LESSONS
 
Helping the hungry
Just Be Kind


Doing Good Together's Hunger Curriculum deepens a child's understanding of this complex issue, and it makes food drives more meaningful. Our recently released Just Be Kind Club gives parents or youth leaders the training and tools they need to lead their family or a youth group, faith group, troop, or after-school group in a variety of big-hearted lessons and activities. Our newest offering, Beyond Our Neighbors is a free resource that builds empathy in elementary-age children. All of these unique, high-quality offerings can now be found on our website's main menu under the GOOD STUFF tab as Group Lessons: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/group-lessons. Kindly check out these innovative resources and share them with others.
 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

March 2019 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

March 2019 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
March 2019  - Silicon Valley 
 
Beautify San Jose
The Trash Punx
 
Date/Time: Saturday, March 2, 9 - 11am
 
Location: 4130 Monterey Hwy, San Jose
 
Our community has been over-populated by a massive amount of trash. The Trash Punx decided to do something about this by uniting our community together. Join them as they pick up trash around our community, one piece at a time, and have fun while doing it! Join The Trash Punx team as they target a specific area of San Jose invaded by litter. Please wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
 
Ages: Children ages six and up are welcome with adult supervision.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Justin Imamura, thetrashpunx@gmail.com. Registration is available online.  
 
 
Grassroots Ecology March Events
Grassroots Ecology
 
Date/Time: Here is a complete list of family-friendly volunteer events for March:
Location(s): Varies - Click on above links for location information
 
Grassroots Ecology leverages the power of volunteers to create healthy lands across Silicon Valley. We restore native plants to open spaces and neighborhoods, steward creeks and watersheds, and provide hands-on nature education. Please bring a reusable water bottle and dress for outdoor work (sturdy shoes and long pants recommended). We will provide gloves and any needed tools. While volunteering with Grassroots Ecology, you will learn interesting things about the natural world while making a positive impact on the environment. Grassroots offers opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to help with planting, weeding, creek monitoring, or installing rain gardens and rain barrels.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome to participate. Children under 12 require an accompanying adult unless prior approval is obtained from the workday supervisor. All volunteers under age 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
 
Time Commitment: Two to four hours, depending on event
 
Contact: Jeremy Merckling, jeremy@grassrootsecology.org, 650.384.5314
 
 
SB Clean Creeks Coalition Team 222 Clean Up
South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition
 
Date/Time: Saturday, March 9, 9 - 11am
 
Location(s):
North Down Stream, Guadalupe River, 351 West Virginia Street, San José
Coyote Creek at Corie Court, 1505 Schallenberger Rd, San José
 
Grab your oldest clothes and shoes and join SB Clean Creeks Coalition for a creek clean up. Their mission is to Reclaim, Restore and Revitalize our community's watershed. Many hands make this work a lighter task, so please join! Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8:45 am for a safety presentation. They will be providing trash pick-up tools, trash bags and gloves. Please bring your own water container and they will be happy to fill and refill it! Wear heavy soled shoes, long pants, hat and sunscreen.

Ages: Families with children ages 7 and older are welcome to participate. Volunteers under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers must complete the waiver form required by the City of San José.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Carol Szymkiewicz, info@sbcleancreeks.com. To register, please click the link for the event you'd like to attend: 
 
 
Donate Wishlist Supplies to Shelters
HomeFirst
 
Date/Time: Ongoing
 
Location: Multiple locations. Email donategoods@homefirstscc.org to arrange to drop off your donations.

HomeFirst operates housing and shelter sites across Santa Clara County. They serve approximately 5,000 chronically homeless individuals, families with children, veterans, and youth each year. Donations are needed to assist these shelters. Please visit their website for  their wish list of most needed items.
 
Ages: All ages welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: To donate items, please email donategoods@homefirstscc.org
www.HomeFirstSCC.org
 
 
Make and Donate Blankets to Children in Need
Project Linus
 
Date/Time: Ongoing
 
Location: Click here for drop-off locations

Project Linus has a mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers". They welcome blankets, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted and knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child friendly colors and patterns. Blankets must be new (made of new materials), handmade and washable. You don't have to be an expert with a sewing machine, knitting needles or a crochet hook, or even know how to sew! Elaborate or simple, these blanket gifts are all beautiful to a child. Project Linus accepts blankets in most any size. They donate to children ages infant through teen so many sizes are appropriate. The typical size is 45"x60", though infants can use blankets as small as 36"x36" (No fringe on baby blankets please!) and teens up to 54"x72". The vast majority of the blankets made by our local chapter remain in our area. Click here for easy no sew blanket directions.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Sharon Lee, sjlinus@comcast.net or visit the website for more information.
www.SJLinus.org
 
 
Sunday Friends' Programs for Very Low-Income Families
Sunday Friends
 
Date/Time: Sundays - Shifts available between 10:30am and 5:30pm. There are some after school shifts on weekdays at the special store.
 
Location(s):
  • Santee Elementary, 1313 Audubon Dr., San Jose, 2nd Sunday of every month
  • Meadows Elementary, 1250 Taper Ln., San Jose, 3rd Sunday of every month
  • Lowell Elementary, 625 South 7th St., San Jose, 4th Sunday of every month
  • Sunday Friends Special Store, 730 Story Rd. Ste. 3, San Jose (open weekdays from 4 - 7pm)
Volunteers are needed to work directly with children, and occasionally their parents, to facilitate service and learning projects. Projects include craft gift making, healthy food preparation, letter and essay writing, hands-on science projects, math and learning games, computer education, English as a Second Language classes, reading, book report writing, exercise class, parents' classes and more. Children and parents earn tickets for their participation which are redeemable for basic necessities in our special stores. Volunteers might also assist with the banking, store setup, or shopping.
 
Ages: Eight and older. Teens, adults, families and groups are all welcome. An adult must accompany children under age 14.
 
Time Commitment: No predetermined number of hours, but if you sign up to come to a program, you are expected to come.
 
Contact: Volunteers should begin by completing the New Volunteer Registration process. Please register to volunteer a couple of weeks in advance of the date. Contact Lilly, lillyp@sundayfriends.org, or volunteer@sundayfriends.org, with questions or call 408.217.9587
www.SundayFriends.org
 
 
Adult Day Program Volunteer with Alzheimer's Clients
Respite & Research for Alzheimer's Disease (RRAD)
 
Date/Time: Ongoing
 
Location: Varies
 
For over thirty years, Respite & Research for Alzheimer's Disease (RRAD) has served individuals of all stages of dementia - whether newly diagnosed or in the advanced stages. As the only dementia-specific adult daycare program in Santa Clara County, RRAD is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer's and related conditions by providing safe, nurturing intergenerational services and a rich network of support.

As a volunteer at the Adult Day Program, you will work directly with clients and engage in fun activities, games, crafts, and meaningful conversations. Volunteers need to:
  • Fill out an online volunteer application
  • Provide documentation of a negative TB test taken within the last year
  • Attend an orientation at the center, approximately an hour in length
Ages: Families with children ages 2 and older. All children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Jill Moore, jill@alzdaycare.org
 
 
Volunteer Beach Clean Up at Tunitas Creek
San Mateo County Parks
 
Date/Time: Sunday March, 17, 10am - 1pm
 
Location: Tunitas Beach, 23000 Cabrillo Hwy South, Half Moon Bay

Be part of the effort to clean and preserve Tunitas Creek Beach by joining the TLC Locals for weekend beach clean-ups. Halfway between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, where the waters from King's Mountain reach the Pacific Ocean, lies Tunitas Creek Beach. Waters from Tunitas Creek run onto the broad, sandy beach. To the north stands an iconic sandstone cliff. Tunitas Creek Beach currently has no facilities and is only accessible via a steep, eroded trail on the property or through the environmentally sensitive Tunitas Creek corridor.

Ages: All ages welcome to participate. There are no age restrictions, however it is not recommended for toddler aged children or younger due to the challenging hike in, glass on the beach, and other dangers.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
 
 
Help the TCV Foodbank
Tri-City Volunteers
 
Date/Time: Monday through Thursday, 8am - 4pm. Friday, 9 - 12:30pm
 
Location: 37350 Joseph Street, Fremont

Volunteers are essential to Tri-City Volunteers (TCV) food bank's daily grocery cart preparation and distribution. They need approximately 40 warehouse volunteers a day to ensure that as many as 350 client families per day receive adequate nutrition. Volunteers also help sort and hang donated clothing and attractively merchandise their boutique thrift store, which provides very low-cost items to struggling families. Community volunteers are the heart of the agency! Not only do volunteers work directly with low and very-low income families, they bring to life their vision of a community united together to ensure that every child and adult in our area is not just free from hunger, but can access pathways to financial stability and self-sufficiency. While volunteers assist families in Tri-City Volunteers' food bank and thrift store, they are also mentoring and deeply connecting with others. That is the real strength of TCV's work.
 
Ages: Children 10 and older are welcome to volunteer. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult or chaperone.
 
Time Commitment: Minimum of two hours
 
Contact: Attend orientation and set shift(s) by emailing volunteer@tcvfoodbank.org or call 510.793.4583. TCV hosts 40-50-minute orientations every Wednesday at 10am and Thursday at 1pm. Orientations are mandatory for new individual volunteers and no registration is required - just show up!
www.tri-cityvolunteers.org
 
 
Teach the Power of Speaking Up
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: Varies
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Your family can make a difference in your community by sharing your opinion with leaders. Contacting your elected officials when you feel strongly about an issue can teach your children about being engaged citizens. Doing Good Together has created three new printables to help your children create drawings, cards, and letters asking leaders to support issues that are important to them. Visit Doing Good Together's Teach the Power of Speaking Up project page to learn more and to download our new printables.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
 
 
DGT has the tools to help ensure your food drive succeeds!  With our DGT downloads, you can increase your donations and make a long-term impact on children as they learn about the complex issue of food insecurity. Our digital Hunger Curriculum uses books and activities to more easily discuss this big-hearted topic. You supply the books (from a library, bookstore or online); DGT supplies the printable teaching materials ready to download.
 

Last Chance! Did you remember to fill out the Doing Good Together Family Volunteering Survey? If you have already completed the survey, thank you. If you have not completed the survey yet, please take the survey now. The survey will take you less than 5 minutes to complete and your responses will help us understand how we can provide the best possible experience for our subscribers. As a thank you for participating in our survey we will be holding a drawing for two $25 Target gift certificate. The survey will close on February 28.

 

 

Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Find me on Pinterest  View on Instagram 

 

If you received this email from someone else and would like to subscribe, please click here.

 

 
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2019 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sent by mail@doinggoodtogether.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact