January

January 2020 NYC Family Volunteer Opportunities

NYC January 2020 Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

January 2020 - NYC

 
 
Book Events
Brooklyn Book Bodega

Date/Time(s):
Friday, January 10, 10am - noon
Sunday, January 12 - three shifts:
  • 10am - 12:30pm
  • 11:30am - 2pm
  • 1:30 - 3:30pm 
Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 77, 141 Flushing Avenue

Ages: Families are welcome to volunteer together

Time Commitment: Two or two and one-half hours

On January 10 Brooklyn Book Bodega will be organizing and stamping books in preparation for our events at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Then, on January 12, the first Brooklyn Book Bodega event of the new year will be held. Responsibilities include checking in guests, checking out guests, setting up books, helping guests with browsing and assisting with miscellaneous tasks. The Brooklyn Book Bodega increases the number of 100+ book homes in Brooklyn. Research shows that households with 100+ books boost life outcomes for children and adolescents. Our vision is to create a vibrant and welcoming community that encourages children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds to engage with each other over a shared passion for reading while building their personal libraries.

Contact: brooklynbookbodega@gmail.com. Registration is available online

 
Serve a Hot Meal to the Homeless
Manhattan Church of Christ

Date/Time(s):
  • Saturday, January 11, 18 and 25, 9am - 1pm
  • Monday, January 20 - MLK Day, 9am - 1pm 
Location: Manhattan Church of Christ, 48 East 80th Street

Ages: All ages, families are encouraged to volunteer together.

Time Commitment: Varies, four to five hours.

Volunteers help set up, prepare and serve meals, then break down and clean up. All shifts are family-friendly, and involve a set-up team to set tables and decorate, a service team to run trays of food back and forth to the guests, and a break down & clean up team.

Contact: carl@manhattanchurch.org. Volunteers should email Rev. Carl Garrison to sign up. Registration is also available online.
www.manhattanchurch.org

 
MulchFest 2020 - TreeCycle!
City of New York Parks & Recreation

Date/Time: December 26 to January 11 - special Chipping Saturdays on January 4 and January 11, 10am - 2 pm.

Location(s): Various locations, search by zip code here.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

Join the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Sanitation and GreeNYC to recycle your Christmas trees into wood chips. These wood chips are used to nourish trees and plants on streets and gardens citywide. More than 30,000 trees were recycled last year. You can bring your tree to a chipping location on either Chipping Saturday, January 4 or 11, or to a drop-off location and the city will recycle it for you later. The Sanitation Department also conducts curbside collections. See website for chipping and drop-off locations. Please remember to remove all lights and ornaments.

Contact:  If you'd like to volunteer at MulchFest, you may register to join the Green Team and MillionTreesNYC volunteer group. See website for details.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest

 
MLK Day of Services
UJA Federation - NY/ Time For Good Initiative

Date/Time: Monday, January 20 - Various times and locations across NYC

Location(s): Variety of locations, depending on project

Ages: There will be projects for families with children of all ages

Time Commitment: Varies, depending on project

On January 20th, join thousands of New Yorkers and sign up to participate in UJA-Federation/Time for Good sponsored MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities. There are dozens of ways to give back to the community, in many locations across New York, Westchester and Long Island.  
 
Projects include:
  • Painting a community mural
  • Serving lunch to seniors
  • Gardening activities
  • Making care packages for seniors
  • Assembling food packages
  • And many more!

 
MLK Weekend of Service 2020
Repair the World

Date/Time: Various dates and time.

Location: Locations throughout New York City

Ages: Most projects are open to all ages

Time Commitment: Varies

We honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and commitment to racial and economic equity. Today, we hold these values in mind as we join together to serve our communities. Together we amplify work that is being done and move towards repairing the world. You can also fill out our group interest form if you know you're bringing a class or group! 
 
Family friendly volunteer opportunities include:
  • Package winter care kits for The Campaign Against Hunger
  • Package high nutrient meals with Muslims Against Hunger
  • Package school supply kits for Brooklyn Community Services (BCS)
  • Assemble hygiene kits and paint a mural at Temple Beth Elohim
Contact: Kate Thomas kate.thomas@werepair.org. Explore our project offerings for families in Brooklyn and Harlem at our MLK Day website. Registration is available online.
https://werepair.org/

 
MLK Weekend Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer New York!

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, various times

Location(s): Click here for project locations

Ages: Many opportunities are family-friendly; check individual opportunities for specific age requirements.

Time Commitment: Varies, depending on the opportunity

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service is a day intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community." MLK Day 2020 will be the 10th year Volunteer New York! has hosted this community-wide action day, which has united thousands of volunteers to serve for shared causes and beliefs, providing tens of thousands of hours of support to local nonprofits and creating countless memories for the families and individuals that have served together in honor of Dr. King. Volunteer New York! is a Westchester-based organization that encourages volunteerism and supports local non-profits. Projects include packing diapers for families in need, making birthday boxes and cards for children, serving meals, paint therapy for seniors and many others.

Contact: 914.948.4452, or fill out the online contact form. Registration is available online. Please select the opportunity and follow the registration prompts.
https://www.volunteernewyork.org/

 
Host a PJ and Book Drive!
Pajama Program

Date/Time: Flexible

Location: Your own community

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment: Varies

The Pajama Program is a non-profit that provides new pajamas and new books to children in need through a nation-wide network of service agencies. Winter is considered the "danger season" for children in shelter and temporary housing. Snuggling up in cozy, new pajamas with their very own new book, these children are given a secure and nurturing "good night" at bedtime. You can help by organizing a drive to gather new pajamas and books for the children who need them most.

Consider hosting a Pajama Party or Book Drive for your child's next Birthday!
  • Invite your guests to a Pajama Party (or any theme party)
  • In lieu of gifts, ask guests to bring a new pair of pajamas or a new book to donate to Pajama Program
  • Pajamas should be new/unused and a complete set or nightgown
  • Decide on an age range to collect (all ages, infant, children to age 5, children 6 - 12, teens, etc.)
  • Posters, signs and brochures can be used for invitations or to decorate the party space, and may be downloaded from the Pajama Program website, https://pajamaprogram.org/pajamas-books/start-a-drive/
  • Once your drive is complete, report the donation to the Pajama Program through this link on their website
  • Within 7 days, the Pajama Program will contact you with a receiving organization in your area that will accept the donations, and help you get the donation into the hands of the children they serve.
Contact: 212.716.9757
www.pajamaprogram.org

 
Winter Package Delivery
DOROT

Date/Time: Sunday, February 2, 10 am - 2 pm. Be aware that registration will open in January and slots fill quickly.

Location: Various locations around the Upper West and Upper East Side. Package pick-up locations will be announced.

Ages: Appropriate for families with children above age five.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Bring warmth and companionship to an older neighbor with a Sunday morning visit. Sign up for the East or West Side location for orientation, package pick-up, and a home visit assignment.

Contact: Quinn Lockwood, qlockwood@dorotusa.org. Registration will be available on the DOROT Winter Package Delivery page.

 
Families Helping Families: Family Day
Little Essentials

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Location: Little Essentials Warehouse, 15 Warren Street, NYC

Ages: Families with children age eight and older are welcome to participate. All minors must have a volunteer release form - please contact alex@littleessentials.org for a minor volunteer release form if you or a family member are under 18 years of age.

Time Commitment: Two hours

Little Essentials offers at-risk families living in poverty urgently needed children's supplies and parenting education to promote the health, well-being and safety of their children under five years of age. Families are welcome to help sort, clean, bundle and count donated items for families living in poverty.


 
Host a Birthday Party for Kids
CelebrateU

Date/Time: Thursday, January 23, 6 - 8pm

Location: The Henry Street Settlement House, 130 Baruch Place

Ages: Fifth grade and up

Time Commitment: Approximately two hours

The Celebrate U Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to spread happiness by throwing birthday parties for children in shelters or who can't afford to celebrate their birthday in the New York City area. The effect of these celebrations goes way beyond cake and party favors. Celebrate U believes that by showing children that their community truly cares about them, it can raise self-esteem, provide hope for a brighter future and empower children. Early education is essential, but so is building a child's self-esteem, giving them hope for a bright future and knowing society cares about them. And every child deserves a birthday party. Volunteers set up a birthday party with decorations, a banner and paper goods, they do an arts and crafts project with the kids, sing songs and serve cake to the children. The party celebrates any child with a birthday that month and is open to all shelter guests.  A short training session will take place for new volunteers one week prior to each event.

Contact: Alisonkauder@gmail.com

 
Outreach, Serving at a Soup Kitchen or Food Pantry, Advocacy
Hunger Free America

Date/Time: Events run from Wednesday, January 16 through Wednesday, January 22

Location(s): Throughout New York City

Ages: Ages 13 and up, teens under the age of 18 must have a guardian fill out a waiver form.

Time Commitment: Varies by project

Some 12.3% of Americas struggle with hunger every year, which is why we are holding our 19th Annual MLK Serve- A-Thon. The purpose of our Serve-A-Thon is to provide an opportunity for people to bond over service and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who struggle with hunger, social injustice, and poverty. Help honor Dr. King's legacy as a civil rights and anti-poverty leader and activist by volunteering to help advance food security in our communities. 

Contact: volunteer@hungerfreeamerica.org. Registration is available online.

 
Monday, January 20th is Martin Luther King Day of Service
"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve"

Monday, January 20th is a school and bank holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Instead of just making it a day OFF, make it a day ON and consider participating in a service project with your family. Many organizations provide tips, resources and hands-on opportunities to begin a conversation about social justice around the Holiday.

Visit the following sites for more ideas:
https://www.pointsoflight.org/mlk-jr-day-of-service/
https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service
https://www.nycservice.org/pages/pages/158


 
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!

 

 

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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
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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!

January 2018 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

January 2018 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
January 2018  - Silicon Valley 
 
Donation Sorting at EPA Shop
EPAMade
 
Date/Time: First Saturday of the month, 9am - noon
 
Location: 900A Willow Rd., Menlo Park

EPAMade is a social enterprise that employs and trains single mothers from East Palo Alto to gain job and life skills needed for sustainable employment. We help empower single mothers through employment and job coaching. EPAMade is a social enterprise under LevMade, Inc., a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit that incubates and launches social businesses to level the economic playing field. On the first Saturday of each month volunteers are needed to help sort donations at our thrift shop.

Ages: Families with children ages ten and older are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: volunteer@epamade.com. To sign up for the Saturday Donation Sorting, email the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@epamade.com.  
www.epamade.com

 
 
Volunteer at the Tully Battlefields (Sunday Series)
City of San José
 
Date/Time: Sunday, January 7, 10am - 12:30pm
 
Location: Tully Community Battle Fields, 800 Tully Rd., San José

City parks always need a bit of volunteer help! Come join our new Sunday Series: park clean-up volunteer events on Sunday mornings. With 10 Council Districts in the City of San José, each week we will visit a different park in one of the 10 Council Districts. Come volunteer and experience all the unique and special parks we have in San José. All tools and supplies provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a filled water bottle.

Ages: All ages are welcome
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: ParkVolunteer@sanjoseca.gov, 408.595.3483. No need to RSVP, simply show-up and help-out!
City of San José Calendar Page
 
 
South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition Team 222 Event
South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition
 
Date/Time: Saturday, January 13, 8:45 - 11am
 
Location: Guadalupe River at the Julian Street Bridge, 333 Julian Street, San José

Volunteers are needed to participate in a creek and trail cleanup. Please bring your own water container which we will fill for you. South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition supplies gloves, pick-up sticks and miscellaneous tools. Please wear long pants, a hat, sunscreen, and be ready to spend the morning in light to moderate work. We have work for all ages and physical ability levels.

Ages: Minimum age to volunteer is 13. Volunteers age 13 to 15 must have an adult present to participate.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-quarter hours
 
Contact: Carol, 408.529.4460. Registration is available online.
www.sbcleancreeks.myevent.com
 
 
MLK Day Volunteer Event: School Garden Workday
Aspire East Palo Alto Charter School
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 15, 9am - noon
 
Location: 1286 Runnymede St., East Palo Alto

Come celebrate MLK Day and the National Day of Service by helping maintain our magical one-acre school garden. Join families and students in the East Palo Alto Charter School Garden for a morning of weeding, mulching, planting, turning compost, and starting seeds. The school's one-acre garden is a beautiful outdoor learning classroom full of vegetables, flowers and fruit trees. We appreciate your help maintaining the garden and getting it ready for 2018. Event will be cancelled if it rains.

Ages: All ages are welcome
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Eron Truran, Eron.Truran@aspirepublicschools.org, 650.614.9100
www.aspirepublicschools.org
 
 
11th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day of Service - Mitzvah Day
Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC)
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 15, 8:30am - 4pm
 
Location: Variety of locations from the Peninsula to San José

Join hundreds of your neighbors for a community-wide day of "tikkun olam" ("repair of the world") as part of a National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This intergenerational event will feature a range of hands-on service projects; participants will work in small groups on projects addressing issues of poverty, hunger, housing and homelessness, aging, the environment, and more. Come on your own or with your family and friends! We look forward to working with you to promote Dr. King's legacy of tolerance, peace, and equality and increase our community's commitment to service and justice. This fun and inspirational day will leave you feeling accomplished and energized.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate. Volunteer projects are organized by age, please check the website for details. We ask that a parent accompany any volunteers under the age of 15. This event is open to families of all faiths or beliefs.
 
Time Commitment: Varies by activity, generally two to four hours
 
Contact: Pre-registration is required and space is limited at each service project. Registration is available online. For questions or more information contact Robin Vasilakos at rvasilakos@paloaltojcc.org, or 650.223.8791
paloaltojcc.org/mitzvah
 
 
2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Train & Events
The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 15, 8:30 - 11am.
Train departs:
  • 9:45am: San José Diridon Station
  • 10:05am: Palo Alto Station
  • 10:22am: San Mateo Station
Location(s):
San José Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St., San José
Palo Alto Station, 95 University Ave., Palo Alto
San Mateo Station, 385 First Ave., San Mateo

Take the Caltrain Norcal MLK Celebration Train to the MLK2018 celebration events in San Francisco on Monday, January 15, and honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through exciting activities for all. This free commemorative service is a program of the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation, in partnership with Caltrain, and it signals the region's dedication to continue the service begun by the late Coretta Scott King.
 
Once there, celebrants will be able to immediately take part in the MLK2018 March/Parade or head directly to Yerba Buena Gardens to take part in a full day of festivities. For more information about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, visit sfmlkday.org. All of the day's events are free and open to the public.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome
 
Time Commitment: Train ride is approximately two hours one-way, event times may vary.
 
Contact: For more information please contact info@sfmlkday.org. Reserve your complimentary commemorative tickets for departure from one of the above stations today, and pick up your tickets at your point of departure on Monday, January 15, one hour before travel. This Commemorative Ticket is valid for the "Celebration Train" and one southbound Caltrain trip on January 15, 2018 after 1pm. (See the Caltrain schedule to plan your southbound travel.)
 
 
Welch Park Cleanup
San José Project/District 8 Councilmember Sylvia Arenas
 
Date/Time: Saturday, January 20, 9 - 11am
 
Location: Welch Park, Kenesta Way, San José

Volunteers are needed to pick up litter, scrub down picnic tables, and clean graffiti at Welch Park. Our work will allow family, friends, and local community members to enjoy the beauty of the park, which has been neglected for some time. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. San José Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to the city of San José. Through different service projects, we hope to create a sense of unity and togetherness, and to positively impact our community.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Patrick Wong, President, SJP, Patrick@sjproject.org, 408.838.4332
 
 
Help Feed the Hungry
Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP Cares)
 
Date/Time:
  • 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

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, 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.

Ages: Ages six and older are welcome with an adult present. Teens can volunteer with parental consent. NOTE: Please email your volunteer request OR call to schedule volunteer dates and times.
 
Time Commitment: Three to four hour shifts. Volunteers may work full or partial shifts as needed.
 
Contact: 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: Sundays - Shifts available between 10:30am and 5:30pm. There are some afterschool shifts on weekdays at our special store.
 
Location(s): 
  • Santee Elementary, 1313 Audubon Dr., San José, 2nd Sunday of every month
  • Meadows Elementary, 1250 Taper Ln., San José, 3rd Sunday of every month Lowell Elementary, 625 South 7th St., San José, 4th Sunday of every month
  • Sunday Friends Special Store, 730 Story Rd. Ste. 3, San José, 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: 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
 
 
Make Friends and Help Out at the Alzheimer's Activity Center
Respite and Research for Alzheimer's Disease
 
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

The mission of the Alzheimer's 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 Rosa Elena Childcare Center, a program of Respite and Research for Alzheimer's Disease, brings an intergenerational component to their programs. 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
  • Fill out a Volunteer Application packet 
  • 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.
Ages: Minimum age is 11 years old and anyone below the age of 15 would need to be accompanied by an adult. Both the children and their parents will need to attend the orientation, which can be done on the day of their first scheduled placement.  
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Jill Moore, jill@alzdaycare.org, 408.279.7515
 
 
Sheltering the Unhoused
Winter Faith Collaborative

Date/Time: January 15 through end of March 2018

Location: Multiple faith communities throughout San José and Santa Clara county offer temporary overnight/daytime shelter or a safe car park for those who sleep in their vehicles. You can volunteer at either one location or multiple locations depending on your preference and time.

The Winter Faith Collaborative is an interfaith movement that was formed to share ideas and advocate for the houseless community. The Collaborative has engaged over 100 faith communities across Santa Clara county with the collective aim to serve and shelter those in the houseless community who are living outdoors. Your willingness to volunteer is critical in this community effort to shelter the unhoused and save lives this winter!

Volunteers are needed to staff the temporary shelters and safe car parks, and perform services such as providing meals for the guests, and if possible stay to eat with the them. Part of our aim is to raise awareness of who those without homes actually are. By sharing a meal with guests, volunteers quickly realize that the guests are people just like themselves who have landed in this position due to situations such as loss of a job, poor health, domestic violence, or eviction due to rent increase. Misconceptions are broken down by talking with one another over a meal. Guests are screened and it is very safe for children to participate. We have found that families with children have enjoyed helping with meal preparation, serving guests, and eating and talking with the guests. And the guests appreciate the chance to be treated with dignity and care. We encourage you to give it a try! Each location has its own rules for volunteer eligibility, but there are multiple options for serving with children. Providing a home cooked meal is usually the most needed job that children can enjoy with their families and is very appreciated by the guests.

Ages: Varies by shelter. Adult supervision is required when children are present.

Time Commitment: Varies by position

Contact: winterfaithcollaborative@gmail.com or 408.345.5351. Registration will be available online soon. Volunteer opportunities begin in mid-January and will be added throughout the spring. Please check sign-up page periodically.
www.faithcollaborative.wordpress.com/
 
 
Make No-Sew Blankets
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Enjoy a cozy family kindness project for a cold month! Your children can help make these simple, fleece  blankets and provide comfort to a child in need. No sewing is required. Many local organizations would appreciate your donations of these easy-to-create fleece blankets. Check with hospitals, homeless shelters, care facilities, or police and fire stations to gauge interest. Or you can deliver them to your local chapter of Project Linus or Binky Patrol. These two groups will distribute them to organizations with the greatest need. Visit the Doing Good Together Make No-Sew Blankets Project page for blanket-making instructions and reflection questions.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
 
Resolve to make 2018 your year to stand for kindness!

Want to make kindness a priority? You're not alone! In fact, there are big-hearted families nationwide who've decided sharing acts of kindness and service should be a top priority in 2018. The Big-Hearted Families Membership Circle can help! Our big-hearted experts are at your service to provide inspiration, motivation, and advice. Plus there are members-only perks too. All for just $24.99 annually.

Get started by joining in conversation with like-minded people. Our Facebook Big-Hearted Conversation Group is now available (free of charge) to anyone who wants to start or continue their family kindness practice. Discuss your goals, challenges, and ideas with other big-hearted families. And enjoy the tips posted by our Big-Hearted Families™ Director, Sarah Aadland.
 

 

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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. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2018 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

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

January 2018 - NYC Family Volunteer Opportunities

January 2018 New York City Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

January 2018 - New York City

 
MulchFest 2018 - TreeCycle!
City of New York Parks & Recreation
 
Date/Time: Saturday and Sunday, January 6 and 7, 10am - 2pm
 
Location: Click here to find a chipping or drop off location near you.

Join the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Sanitation, and GreeNYC to recycle your Christmas trees into wood chips. These wood chips are used to nourish trees and plants on streets and gardens citywide. More than 30,000 trees were recycled last year. You can bring your tree to a chipping location on January 6th and 7th, or to a drop-off location, and the city will recycle it for you later. The Sanitation Department also conducts curbside collections. Please remember to remove all lights and ornaments before bringing a tree to a MulchFest site. If you'd like to volunteer at MulchFest, you may register to join the Green Team and MillionTreesNYC volunteer group. See website for details.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
 
 
ConSERVE NY: MLK Day Service at St. Nicholas Park
Student Conservation Association
 
Date/Time: Saturday, January 13, 9am - noon. Breakfast and check-in beginning at 9 am, kick-off at 9:30 am
 
Location: St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave. and W. 135th Street (A/B/C trains to 135th Street)

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is America's conservation corps. Our members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in all 50 states. Volunteers will help to restore this historic green space by mulching, improving trails, and combatting invasive species. Please wear sturdy boots or shoes that you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Bring extra layers as the event will take place in any weather! Bring reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Coffee, breakfast, snacks, work gloves and project supplies will be provided.
 
Ages: All ages; students age 14 and up may participate independently with a signed waiver from a parent, younger children must be accompanied by a parent.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Ann Pedtke, SCA Events Manager at apedtke@thesca.org or 724.678.9401. Registration is available online.
www.thesca.org/

 
 
Community Meal with Mandala Café
Repair The World in partnership with JCC Harlem
 
Date/Time: Sunday, January 14, two shifts:
  • Prep, Serve and Eat:  3 - 6pm
  • Serve, Eat and Clean:  5 - 8pm
Location: All Souls Church, 88 St. Nicholas Ave. Harlem

In partnership with JCC Harlem, Repair the World invites you to volunteer with Mandala Cafe to prep, serve, and and/or clean up a community meal! Mandala Cafe is a nonprofit committed to providing culinary training for those who have difficulties finding and/or keeping jobs. The kitchen staff, based out of All Souls Church, is typically made up of unemployed/underemployed, formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated, undocumented individuals, and youth. The meal is distributed to community members with varying levels of food security.
 
Ages: All ages; family-friendly
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Alli Lesovoy, alli.lesovoy@werepair.org. Registration is available online. Find additional family friendly MLK Day opportunities on the Repair the World website. www.werepair.org
 
 
MLK Weekend Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer New York!
 
Date/Time: Friday, January 12 through Monday, January 15
 
Location: Opportunities are located in Westchester, Rockland or Putnam
 
Volunteer New York! is a Westchester-based organization that encourages volunteerism and supports local nonprofits. Various volunteer opportunities over MLK weekend throughout the region. Projects include packing diapers for families in need, making birthday boxes and cards for children, serving meals, paint therapy for seniors and many others. 
 
Ages: Many opportunities are family-friendly; check individual opportunities for specific age requirements.
 
Time Commitment: Varies depending on opportunity
 
Contact: 914.948.4452. Register for all events on the website (which has been updated and clearly marks "FAMILY FRIENDLY" opportunities.
www.volunteernewyork.org/mlk
 
 
Deliver a Smile and a Meal to Homebound Elderly
Carter Burden Center
 
Date/Time: Monday through Saturday, 10:15am to 12:30pm.
 
Location: Upper East Side. All the seniors we deliver to are within walking distance.

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to homebound seniors. These seniors are either very frail and cannot provide food for themselves or have other physical setbacks. Most of the seniors don't receive much company, so a friendly face delivering a hot meal is especially welcome. Volunteers should be able to carry 5-10 pounds and walk up several flights of stairs comfortably.
 
Ages: Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Minors age 15 years or younger are required to deliver with an adult.
 
Time Commitment: Delivery routes take around 60-90 minutes to complete. Volunteers may choose the frequency of their commitment, from a one-time experience to a regular weekly route.
 
Contact: saldanai@carterburdencenter.org, Isidro Saldana, 212.835.8768
www.carterburdennetwork.org/
 
 
The Saturday Lunch Program
Manhattan Church of Christ
 
Date/Time: Saturday, January 13 and Saturday, January 27, 9:30am - 2pm
 
Location: Manhattan Church Community of Hope, 48 East 80th Street between Park and Madison

The Saturday Lunch Program provides hot meals to the homeless with dignity and compassion. All shifts are family-friendly, and involve a set-up team to set tables and decorate, a service team to run trays of food back and forth to the guests, and a break down & clean up team. Volunteers help set up, prepare and serve meals, then break down and clean up. 

Ages: Children ages five and up are welcome to volunteer with parents/guardians.
 
Time Commitment: The full lunch program is five hours but volunteers are welcome any time during the day.
 
Contact: carl@manhattanchurch.org
www.manhattanchurch.org
 
 
MLK Day of Services
UJA Federation - NY/ Time For Good Initiative

Date/Time: Monday, January 15, various times

Location: A variety of locations across NYC

On January 15th, join thousands of New Yorkers and sign up to participate in UJA-Federation/Time for Good sponsored MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities. There are dozens of ways to give back to the community, in many locations across New York, Westchester and Long Island. You will find a wide assortment of opportunities on the Time for Good MLK Day of Service website. When you click on one, at the top it will say if it is appropriate for "All ages", "Families", "Bar/Bat Mitzvah age", "Teens", etc. 
 
Projects include:
  • Painting a community mural
  • Serving lunch to seniors
  • Gardening activites
  • Making care packages for seniors
  • Assembling food packages
  • And many more!
Ages: There are projects for families with children of all ages

Time Commitment: Varies

Contact: View family-friendly opportunities and register online. REGISTER EARLY - SPOTS FILL QUICKLY!!
www.timeforgood.org/mlk-day

 
Winter Package Delivery
Dorot
 
Date/Time: Sunday, January 28, 10am - noon
 
Location: The home of a senior; typically Upper East or Upper West Side.
Groups will meet at two locations for Winter Package Delivery:
  • DOROT, 171 West 85th Street, Off Amsterdam Avenue
  • Park Avenue Synagogue, 50 East 87th Street
Brighten the day for a senior! Participate in the Winter Package Delivery, bringing a package of food and treats to a senior client of Dorot. Volunteers visit and chat with the senior for about an hour.
 
Ages: Families with kids ages five and up
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Shai Rosenfeld, volunteers@dorotusa.org. Registration is available online.
www.dorotusa.org
 
 
Host a Birthday Party for Kids
CelebrateU
 
Date/Time:
  • Wednesday, January 24, 4 - 6 pm
  • Friday, January 26, 4 - 6 pm
Location(s):
  • Wednesday, January 24: The Jewish Board of Family and Children Services at the Ittleson Center, 505 Iselin Avenue, Bronx
  • Friday, January 26: Homes for the Homeless, 730 Kelly Street, Bronx
The Celebrate U Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2014 by two 15-year-old girls. The mission of Celebrate U is to spread happiness by throwing birthday parties for disadvantaged children living in underserved communities. The effect of these celebrations goes way beyond cake and party favors. Celebrate U believes that by showing children that their community truly cares about them, it can raise self-esteem, provide hope for a brighter future and empower children. A short training session will take place for new volunteers one week prior to each event.

Ages: Fifth grade and older

Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Alisonkauder@gmail.com
 
 
Intergenerational Chess
DOROT
 
Date/Time: January 29 - May 14; Mondays from 4pm - 5:30pm
 
Location: DOROT, 171 West 85th Street, Off Amsterdam Avenue

Share your love of the game, play chess with older adults, and help build intergenerational connections across the chess board. Students and DOROT Seniors will get to know each other and play chess together. Chess Masters will demonstrate different strategies at each session. Refreshments will be served.
 
Ages: Students in grades 6 through 12
 
Time Commitment: One and one-half hours each Monday. Volunteers must commit to all sessions.
 
Contact: Shai Rosenfeld, Coordinator of Youth and Family Volunteers, srosenfeld@dorotusa.org, 917.441.5051. Registration is now open and available online.
www.dorotusa.org/chess
 
 
Host a PJ and Book Drive!
Pajama Program - One Million Good Nights Campaign
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Your own community

The Pajama Program is a non-profit that provides new pajamas and new books to children in need through a nation-wide network of service agencies. Winter is considered the "danger season" for children in shelter and temporary housing. Snuggling up in cozy, new pajamas with their very own new book, these children are given a secure and nurturing "good night" at bedtime. You can help by organizing a drive to gather new pajamas and books for the children who need them most.

Consider hosting a Pajama Party or Book Drive for your child's next Birthday!
  • Invite your guests to a Pajama Party (or any theme party)
  • In lieu of gifts, ask guests to bring a new pair of pajamas or a new book to donate to Pajama Program
  • Pajamas should be new/unused and a complete set or nightgown
  • Decide on an age range to collect (all ages, infant, children to age 5, children 6 - 12, teens, etc.)
  • Posters, signs and brochures can be used for invitations or to decorate the party space, and may be downloaded from the Pajama Program website.
  • Once your drive is complete, report the donation to the Pajama Program.
  • Within 7 days, Pajama Program will contact you with a receiving organization in your area that will accept the donations, and help you get the donation into the hands of the children they serve.
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: 212.716.9757
www.pajamaprogram.org
 
 
DOROT Winter/Spring School Year TEEN Internship Program
DOROT
 
Date/Time: February - May, one day per week, Monday - Thursday, 4 - 6pm
 
Location: DOROT, 171 West 85th Street, Off Amsterdam Avenue
 
Teens help alleviate loneliness and social isolation of DOROT's seniors through a variety of hands-on experiences in the community and onsite at DOROT. Teen Interns may:
  • Visit seniors in their home for companionship.
  • Teach seniors how to use a computer, iPad, iShuffle, and other types of technology.
  • Celebrate seniors' birthdays.
  • Deliver meals to seniors.
  • Send birthday cards to seniors.
  • Read to visually impaired seniors.
  • Shop and deliver groceries to seniors.
  • Play chess, cards, Scrabble, and other games with seniors.
  • Assist with office work at DOROT. 
  • Take part in a variety of other opportunities and experiences.
Ages: High School students
 
Time Commitment:
  • One day a week (Monday - Thursday)
  • Two hours a day (after school - no later than 4 - 6pm)
  • One semester (minimum of 10 times at DOROT)
Contact: Shai Rosenfeld, Coordinator of Youth and Family Volunteers, srosenfeld@dorotusa.org or 917.441.5051
www.dorotusa.org/teen
 
 
Monday, January 15th is Martin Luther King Day of Service
"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve"

Monday, January 15th is a school and bank holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Instead of just making it a day OFF, make it a day ON and consider participating in a service project with your family. Many organizations provide tips, resources and hands-on opportunities to begin a conversation about social justice around the Holiday. 
 
Visit the following sites for more ideas:

 
 
Make No-Sew Blankets
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Enjoy a cozy family kindness project for a cold month! Your children can help make these simple, fleece  blankets and provide comfort to a child in need. No sewing is required. Many local organizations would appreciate your donations of these easy-to-create fleece blankets. Check with hospitals, homeless shelters, care facilities, or police and fire stations to gauge interest. Or you can deliver them to your local chapter of Project Linus or Binky Patrol. These two groups will distribute them to organizations with the greatest need. Visit the Doing Good Together Make No-Sew Blankets Project page for blanket-making instructions and reflection questions.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
 
Resolve to make 2018 your year to stand for kindness!

Want to make kindness a priority? You're not alone! In fact, there are big-hearted families nationwide who've decided sharing acts of kindness and service should be a top priority in 2018. The Big-Hearted Families Membership Circle can help! Our big-hearted experts are at your service to provide inspiration, motivation, and advice. Plus there are members-only perks too. All for just $24.99 annually.

Get started by joining in conversation with like-minded people. Our Facebook Big-Hearted Conversation Group is now available (free of charge) to anyone who wants to start or continue their family kindness practice. Discuss your goals, challenges, and ideas with other big-hearted families. And enjoy the tips posted by our Big-Hearted Families™ Director, Sarah Aadland.
 

 

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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. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2018 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

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

January 2018 - Boston Family Volunteer Opportunities

January 2018 Boston Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

January 2018 - Boston

 
JF&CS Family Table Distribution
Jewish Family and Children's Service
 
Date/Time: Sunday, January 7 or Sunday, February 11 between two to three hours     
  • 9am: If interested, participate in setting up for the food distribution.
  • 10:15-11:45am: Receive your assignment and pack and deliver groceries. You may arrive anytime during this time frame. You will receive a quick orientation and can then begin packing groceries for several families.
Location: 1430 Main Street, Waltham
 
Family Table provides healthy food on a monthly and emergency basis to individuals and families in need. Their mission is to end hunger in the Greater Boston Jewish community while serving people who need our assistance, regardless of religious affiliation. Family Table fulfills its mission by providing Kosher food, creating a caring Jewish connection, and empowering people to make healthy eating a part of their daily lives. Family Table serves more than 100 towns across Greater Boston, the North Shore, and the South Area. Currently, Family Table is helping more than 500 families each month with groceries and connections to other services. Volunteers are needed to help with the following tasks:
  • Setting up the pantry
  • Packaging and delivering food orders to recipient families
Packing will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes. Your delivery location will not be more than 30 minutes from your hometown but not in your hometown for confidentiality reasons. The clients know that you are just dropping off the food and not visiting.

Ages: All ages are welcome and encouraged to volunteer when accompanied by an adult.
 
Time Commitment: One to three hours depending on the activity. Volunteers can arrive at 9am to help with setup.
 
Contact: Email familytable@jfcsboston.org at least two weeks before distribution date to sign up. All adult volunteers must complete a JF&CS administered CORI background check. If you have volunteered at Family Table previously, you can sign up one week before the distribution date.
www.jfcsboston.org/Our-Services/Community-Services/Center-for-Basic-Needs-Assistance/Family-Table
 
 
The Cambridge MLK Day of Service
Many Helping Hands 365
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 15, 2 - 5 pm
 
Location: Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
 
Come spend an afternoon making a difference in the lives of others. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lend your hands and come work with your children, friends and neighbors for hands-on service projects that will touch the lives of thousands of people in need. Projects include:
  • Making fleece scarves and blankets for homeless children and adults.
  • Making Valentines for elders and veterans.
  • Sorting food, winter clothing, books and toiletries for people in need and more
Don't come empty handed! Bring a can of food, a children's book or a gently used item of winter clothing.

Ages: All ages can participate. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
 
Time Commitment: Flexible, up to three hours
 
Contact: info@manyhelpinghands365.org. Registration is available online.
 
 
Operation Sock Drop
Friends of Boston's Homeless
 
Date/Time: Anytime (we need socks all year round)
 
Location: Drop off donations at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter right in the South End. Please contact John Comaschi, in-kind donations coordinator at 617.947.6852. Just let John know when you'd like to drop off your donations and he or someone from the shelter will meet you and unload your car so you don't have to park.
 
Fresh, clean socks (and underwear!) are vital for people's health, warmth, comfort, and dignity and the least donated item to people in greatest need. The shelters we support give out over 8,000 pairs of socks each year. By participating in Operation Sock Drop you not only help keep our community's neediest, most vulnerable citizens safe, warm, and healthy, but you'll them help maintain their dignity and comfort during this most difficult time in their lives. Friends of Boston's Homeless supports the Woods Mullen Women's Shelter and the 112 Southampton Men's Shelter in the South End. These shelters serve over 800 homeless individuals every day.  To get started, just download this flyer and share with everyone you'd like to participate.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact:  Mariann Bucina Roca, mariannbucina@fobh.org
www.fobh.org
 
 
Make Housewarming Baskets for Newly Housed People
Friends of Boston's Homeless
 
Date/Time: Anytime (we're helping 150 people/yr. move beyond homelessness into their own safe, dignified housing)
 
Location: Drop off donations at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter right in the South End. Please contact John Comaschi, in-kind donations coordinator at 617.947.6852. Just let John know when you'd like to drop off your donations and he or someone from the shelter will meet you and unload your car so you don't have to park.
 
You and your family can help people who've spent years living on our streets and in shelters feel warmth and excitement as they move into their new place and get started on their new lives by providing the essential items we all need to make our house a home. By assembling and donating Housewarming Baskets, you'll be an important part of welcoming people into their new homes where they'll find the stability and serenity they need to begin their journey to hopeful, peaceful futures. It's as simple as assembling new (not used) items like cleaning supplies, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, a set of sheets or towels, in a basket to be given as a housewarming gift to someone about to move into a place of their own- many for the first time in their lives.

And please include a welcome note, it means a lot to the person who receives it.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Mariann Bucina Roca, mariannbucina@fobh.org
www.fobh.org
 
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2018
Boston Cares
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 15, 10am - 1pm
 
Location: Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.

Since 2006, Boston Cares has organized A Day ON, Not a Day OFF projects for MLK Day that have collectively engaged 6,250 individuals of all ages from Boston's neighborhoods and surrounding communities. This year, Boston Cares will organize 600 volunteers to support Boston families who are immigrants and refugees through the creation of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learning tools for community organizations and schools throughout the city of Boston. Volunteers will create English journals, conversation games, mobile lap desks, and vocabulary and citizenship flashcards for organizations for immigrant and refugee families learning English and preparing for the citizenship exam. Additionally, volunteers will join us in building beds for families who do not have a bed of their own. Volunteers will select an activity station based on age and interest.
 
Ages: MLK Day is always kid-friendly and open to youth ages five and older. There must be one adult for every three youth under 18. If you are under 18 years old, you will need to bring a signed waiver in order to participate. You can download the waiver here.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Simon Pringle-Wallace at springle-wallace@bostoncares.org. Registration is available online and pre-registration is required.
www.bostoncares.org/

 
Nevins Farm Reading Program
MPSCA

Date/Time: First or second Sunday of the month, 11am - 2pm. Check website for 2018 dates. The next available date is Sunday, February 4.

Location: The MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen

Accompanied by a parent or guardian, children will read out loud to an adoring canine, feline, or even rabbit audience at this fun family event. While your child practices reading, you'll also be providing valuable social time to our adoptable animals. Bring your favorite book, or borrow one from the MPSCA library.

Ages: For children ages six to ten and a parent/guardian. All participants must have a parent or guardian present for the duration of the program. This event is appropriate for children who are learning to read, and/or could benefit from some practice reading out loud (1st - 4th grade). Please note that due to the nature of this program, and the limited space, we regretfully cannot accommodate younger siblings at this event (or any other unregistered guests).

Time Commitment: Three hours

Contact: humaneeducation@mspca.org. Advanced registration is required and is available online. Registration for February (the next available date) will open at the end of December. Families are also welcome to join our kids programs Facebook group!
www.mspca.org/nevinseducation
 
 
Make No-Sew Blankets
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Enjoy a cozy family kindness project for a cold month! Your children can help make these simple, fleece  blankets and provide comfort to a child in need. No sewing is required. Many local organizations would appreciate your donations of these easy-to-create fleece blankets. Check with hospitals, homeless shelters, care facilities, or police and fire stations to gauge interest. Or you can deliver them to your local chapter of Project Linus or Binky Patrol. These two groups will distribute them to organizations with the greatest need. Visit the Doing Good Together Make No-Sew Blankets Project page for blanket-making instructions and reflection questions.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
 
Resolve to make 2018 your year to stand for kindness!

Want to make kindness a priority? You're not alone! In fact, there are big-hearted families nationwide who've decided sharing acts of kindness and service should be a top priority in 2018. The Big-Hearted Families Membership Circle can help! Our big-hearted experts are at your service to provide inspiration, motivation, and advice. Plus there are members-only perks too. All for just $24.99 annually.

Get started by joining in conversation with like-minded people. Our Facebook Big-Hearted Conversation Group is now available (free of charge) to anyone who wants to start or continue their family kindness practice. Discuss your goals, challenges, and ideas with other big-hearted families. And enjoy the tips posted by our Big-Hearted Families™ Director, Sarah Aadland.
 

 

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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. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2018 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

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

January 2017 - NYC Family Volunteer Opportunities

January 2017 New York Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

January 2017 - New York 

 
MulchFest 2017 - TreeCycle!
City of New York Parks & Recreation
 
Date/Time: Saturday and Sunday, January 7 and 8, 10am - 2pm. You can bring your tree to a chipping location on January 7th or 8th, or to a drop-off location anytime between Saturday, December 31 and Sunday, January 8. The NYC Department of Sanitation will also be conducting special curbside collections for mulching and recycling of Christmas trees from Tuesday, January 3 through Saturday, January 14.
 
Location: Click here to find a chipping or drop off location near you.

Join the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Sanitation, and GreeNYC to recycle your Christmas trees into wood chips. These wood chips are used to nourish trees and plants on streets and gardens citywide. More than 30,000 trees were recycled last year. Please remember to remove all lights and ornaments before bringing your tree to a MulchFest site.

Ages:
Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest
www.nycgovparks.org/
 
 


Learn more about
helping the earth

 
Outreach, Serve at a Soup Kitchen or Food Pantry, Advocacy
Hunger Free America
 
Date/Time: Friday, January 13 through Sunday, January 16, Martin Luther King Weekend
 
Location: Various locations throughout New York City

Hunger Free America is partnering with agencies throughout New York City to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for our 2017 Weekend of Service. Check out HungerVolunteer.org for volunteer opportunities--we'll be adding more over the next few weeks.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Two to four hours
 
Contact: Rebecca Ligrani, rligrani@hungerfreeamerica.org, 646.553.1547
www.hungervolunteer.org
 
 
MLK Weekend Volunteer Projects
Volunteer New York!
 
Date/Time: Friday, January 13th through Monday, January 16th
 
Location: Various locations throughout Westchester

Volunteer New York! Is a Westchester-based organization that encourages volunteerism and supports local nonprofit organizations.  

Volunteer projects include:
  • Packing diapers for families in need
  • Making birthday boxes and cards for children
  • Serving meals
  • Paint therapy for seniors
  • And many others
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate. Individual projects may have separate age restrictions.
 
Time Commitment: Varies depending on project

Contact: 914.948.4452. Browse the Volunteer New York! 2017 MLK Day Volunteer page for projects and registration information
www.volunteernewyork.org 
 
 
MLK Weekend of Service Family Art Project: A Hand in Freedom
NYC Parks Department - Partnership for Parks
 
Date/Time: Saturday and Sunday, January 14 and 15, 10 am - 1 pm. This event is free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
 
Location: Wave Hill House, West 249th Street & Independence Ave., Bronx

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, consider his powerful message of justice and freedom. Participants will trace hands on fabric to cut out and then layer and paste on muslin. Use fabric markers and sprays to embed messages and quotes that speak out for kindness to all. Add to your design with bits of cloth, yarn and felt and lots of freedom.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
 
 
Serve a Hot Meal
Repair the World (in partnership with Mandala Café)
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 16, noon - 2 pm or 6 - 8 pm
 
Location: All Souls Church, 88 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York

Mandala Café founder Daiken Nelson has been cooking and serving hot meals on W. 116 St. and Adam Clayton Powell every Wednesday evening for 75-150 people for years. Repair the World hopes to serve upwards of 300 people for a lunch and dinner shift on MLK Day, when children are out of school and hot meals are needed.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: timeforgood_help@ujafedny.org. Registration is available online
www.repairtheworld.nyc/

 
 
MLK Day of Service - various activities to benefit neighbors in Brooklyn
Repair the World (in partnership with Met Council, Union Temple and UJA Federation of New York)
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 16, 10 - noon or 12:30 - 2:30 pm
 
Location: Union Temple, 17 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
  • Assembling winter accessory packets
  • Refreshing supplies for children in local schools
  • Packing food for those experiencing food insecurity
  • Preparing materials for outreach about SNAP benefits
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate

Time Commitment:
Two hours
 
Contact: timeforgood_help@ujafedny.org. Registration is available online
www.repairtheworld.nyc/ 



Learn more about
how to help fight poverty

 
Winter Package Delivery
Dorot
 
Date/Time: Sunday, January 29, 10:00am
 
Location: The home of a senior - typically Upper East or Upper West Side

Brighten the day for a senior! Participate in Dorot's Winter Package Delivery, bringing a package of food and treats to one of Dorot's senior clients. Volunteers will visit and chat with the senior for about an hour.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Shelley Levine, 917.441.5051
www.dorotusa.org
 
 
Intergenerational Chess
Dorot - Intergenerational After School Programs
 
Date/Time: Mondays, January 30 - May 15, 4 - 5:30pm
 
Location: Dorot, 171 West 85th Street

DOROT offers intergenerational programs for youth of varying ages to connect with older adults. Interacting with older adults enables youth to develop communication skills, positive attitudes toward aging, and a sense of purpose and community. Students in 6th - 12th grades and older adults play chess together, share their love of the game and help build intergenerational connections across the chessboard.
 
Ages: Students in grades 6 - 12
 
Time Commitment: Each session is an hour and a half
 
Contact: Shelley Levine, 917.441.5051
http://www.dorotusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=after
 
 
Host a PJ and Book Drive!
Pajama Program
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Your home or location of your choosing
 
Pajama Program is a nonprofit that provides new pajamas and new books to children in need through a nationwide network of service agencies. Winter is considered the "danger season" for children in shelter and temporary housing.

Consider hosting a Pajama Party or Book Drive for your child's next Birthday!
  • Invite your guests to a Pajama Party (or any theme party).
  • In lieu of gifts, ask guests to bring a new pair of pajamas or a new book to donate to Pajama Program.
  • Pajamas should be new/unused and a complete set or nightgown.
  • Decide on an age range to collect (all ages, infant, children to age 5, children 6 - 12, teens, etc.)
  • Posters, signs and brochures can be used for invitations or to decorate the party space, and may be downloaded from the Pajama Program website.
  • Once your drive is complete, report the donation to the Pajama Program through the link on the website.
  • Pajama Program cannot provide pickup service for donations. However, within seven days they will contact you with an organization in your area that would love to take your donation. They will give you the contact name and number to arrange for a convenient time for you to drop it off.
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: 212.716.9757
www.pajamaprogram.org
 
 
Monday, January 16th is Martin Luther King Day of Service
"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve"
 
Monday, January 16th is a school and bank holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Instead of just making it a day OFF, make it a day ON and consider participating in a service project with your family. Many organizations provide tips, resources and hands-on opportunities to begin a conversation about social justice around the Holiday.

Visit the following sites for more ideas:
 

DIY Kindness Journal
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: This is a great project to begin in the New Year, but you can start anytime.
 
Location:  Your home
 
Keeping a compassion-themed journal is a wonderful way to build kindness into busy weeks and shine a spotlight on acts of kindness. Plus, you'll have a place to record family volunteering memories! Decorate a composition notebook with duct tape. Scatter compassion-themed prompts and quotes throughout it. Then make time periodically to discuss, draw, and write about those kindness prompts as a family. Visit the Doing Good Together DIY Kindness Journal page to find printable Family Service Memory Sheets, Kindness Journal Prompts, and ideas for keeping your kindness journal.
 
Ages: Everyone in the family can participate
 
Time Commitment: We suggest scheduling at least fifteen to thirty minutes each week to discuss the journal prompts and write or draw together.
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
www.doinggoodtogether.org
 
 
New Year's Resolution Idea: Join Our Membership Circle for just $24.99!

Whether you're new to family volunteering and want to stay focused on your service goals, or you've gotten started but want expert help on how to expand your family's kindness practice, DGT's Big-Hearted Families™ Membership Circle is a great way to make 2017 a year of kindness and service! Learn more today, and sign up any time throughout the year.
 
 

 

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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. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2016 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

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

January 2017 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

January 2017 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 
January 2017  - Silicon Valley 
 
San Jose Rose Garden Annual Pruning Event
City of San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
 
Date/Time: Saturday January 7, 8:45am - Noon
 
Location: San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, Naglee Ave. & Dana Ave. San Jose. There is free parking on surrounding city streets.

Volunteers will be helping to prune 3,500 rose bushes at the Rose Garden. Many helping hands are needed, so please bring your family and friends! Or simply come and meet others who enjoy volunteering at the Rose Garden. Everyone is welcome (6 years old and up) to participate in this dynamic San Jose volunteer event! No experience necessary--we'll begin with a training on how to prune roses.
  • If you have hand pruners and garden gloves, please bring them. We will have a limited amount of tools available.
  • Please wear closed-toe shoes and dress in layers, as the early morning dampness can be chilly.
  • Roses are naturally thorny--wear long sleeves and clothes that can get a bit dirty!
  • Bring a filled water bottle--we like to be 'green'!
  • Please wear sunscreen as the roses are in the full sun.
  • High School community service hours will be given.
  • Food Trucks will be available afterwards. Stay and enjoy the peacefulness of the barren park.
The event goes on, rain or shine!

Ages: Volunteers age six and up are welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Three hours maximum
 
Contact: City Volunteer Management Services, parkvolunteer@sanjoseca.gov, 408.595.3483
 
 
Team 222 Clean-Up Event
South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition
 
Date/Time: Saturday, January 14, 8:45 - 11am
 
Location(s): 
  • Los Gatos Creek (Bascom Ave.) Parking is just north of Hooter's Restaurant in the business complex at 1475 S. Bascom Avenue. Please park on the north end of lot and take bike trail access down to the creek trail and sign-up table.
  • Los Gatos Creek (Auzerais Ave.) Parking is on the street. The cross streets are Wright Place and Auzerais Avenue where our sign-up table will be adjacent to the entrance of the bike trail next to Los Gatos Creek.
Volunteers will participate in a creek and trail cleanup at one of two locations. Please bring your own water container, which we will fill for you. SBCCC supplies gloves, pick-up sticks and miscellaneous tools. Please wear long pants, hat, and sunscreen - be ready to spend the morning in light to moderate work. We have work for all ages and physical ability levels.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Two to three hours
 
Contact: Carol, 408.529.4460. Registration is available online.
http://sbcleancreeks.myevent.com
 
 
MLK Day of Service & East Palo Alto Mayor's Tree Planting
Canopy
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 16, 9am - noon
 
Location: Jack Farrell Park, 2509 Fordham St, East Palo Alto

Volunteers are key to maintaining our community's urban forest and shaping neighborhood character. We welcome everyone with an interest in community and trees; no green thumb or previous experience required! Join Canopy to plant trees in honor of Martin Luther King Day of Service at Jack Farrell Park. The planting event will also include a Ceremonial Mayor's Tree Planting with the East Palo Alto mayor.

Ages:
All ages are welcome with an adult
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Uriel Hernandez, Community Forestry Coordinator, uriel@canopy.org, 650.964.6110. Registration is available online.
http://canopy.org/
 
 


Learn more about
helping the earth

 
10th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day of Service
Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC)
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 16, 8:30am - 12:30pm
 
Location: Variety of locations from the Peninsula to San Jose

Join hundreds of your neighbors for a community-wide day of "tikkun olam" ("repair of the world") as part of a National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This intergenerational event will feature a range of hands-on service projects; participants will work in small groups on projects addressing issues of poverty, hunger, housing and homelessness, aging, the environment and more. We look forward to working with you to promote Dr. King's legacy of tolerance, peace and equality and increase our community's commitment to service and justice. This fun and inspirational day will leave you feeling accomplished and energized!
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate. Come on your own or with your family and friends! We ask that a parent accompany any volunteers under the age of 15. Volunteer projects are organized by age, please check website for details.
 
Time Commitment: Four hours
 
Contact: Robin Vasilakos, rvasilakos@paloaltojcc.org,  650.223.8791. Pre-registration is required and space is limited in each service project. Registration is available online.
https://paloaltojcc.org
 
 
Project READ Story Hour
Redwood City Friends of Literacy
 
Date/Time: Story hours are held the 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30pm
 
Location(s):
  • Downtown Branch Library: 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
  • Fair Oaks Branch Library: 2510 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
Project READ fuels the fire of hope through literacy. We believe literacy is not only a human right, but also a necessity - a gift of opportunity and hope for the future. Our innovative intergenerational programs bring literacy to the adults, youth and families in our community. Our programs are designed to break the cycle of illiteracy by surrounding families with literacy services that promote education and a lifelong love of learning. Project READ provides a fun night for families with puppet shows, songs, crafts, snacks and a book to take home. Volunteer duties include anything from preparing craft samples and snacks to helping a child pick a book to add to his/her home library.

Ages: Ages six and up with adult
 
Time Commitment: Two hours

Contact: Events Volunteer Coordinator, rclread@redwoodcity.org, 650.780.7077
http://www.projectreadredwoodcity.org 
 
 
Organize a Basic Necessities Drive
Sunday Friends
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Deliver to Sunday Friends, 625 South 7th Street, San Jose

You and your family can help Sunday Friends by organizing and running a Basic Necessities Drive throughout your school, club, church, synagogue, neighborhood, family or other community. Sunday Friends makes it possible for very low-income families in our community to earn tickets and then select and purchase their own items! They need diapers, toiletries, dish soap, laundry detergent, school supplies, etc. Sunday Friends can provide child-decorated collection boxes, customizable flyers, party ideas, prizes and more to help you with your drive. Check their website for more ideas.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Lilly Perez-Ngo, lillyp@sundayfriends.org, 408.217.9587
https://www.sundayfriends.org
 
 
Host Food Drives
Town Cats of Morgan Hill
 
Date/Time: Varies, depending on location
 
Location: Varies

Town Cats is looking for volunteers of any age to host food drives. Volunteers identify a storefront in their area (such as a grocery store, pet store, or hardware store) where they can hand out flyers to raise awareness about Town Cats, and tell people that we are collecting cat food and kitty litter to benefit both our kitties that are in foster care in private homes or in one of our adoption centers. Town Cats also needs volunteers of any age to distribute flyers. You may post these in store windows (with management permission), post on public bulletin boards, or walk around and hand them out to people on the sidewalk at shopping centers, etc. NOTE: It is illegal to leave these in people's mailboxes or on car windshields, so please don't do that.

Ages:
All ages with an adult
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Marcie Monteleone, volunteercoordinator@towncats.org. If interested, please fill out the Volunteer registration form.
www.towncats.org

 


Learn more about
helping animals

 
Bring Joy through Flowers
Random Acts of Flowers
 
Date/Time: Varies. The normal volunteer schedule is Monday through Thursday, with most shifts during daytime hours. Evening and weekend shifts are scheduled occasionally.
 
Location: Varies depending on delivery area and/or volunteer assignment

Random Acts of Flowers recycles flowers from the floral industry, as well as local companies, florists, grocery stores, funeral homes, and events like weddings. We turn these flowers into beautiful bouquets and deliver them to those struggling with injury, illness and the aging process every week in neighborhoods all over the country. Random Acts of Flowers improves the emotional health and well being of individuals in health care facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness. Volunteering at Random Acts of Flowers helps us spread joy and allows people to nurture a culture of compassion and care. Volunteers range in age from elementary students to retirees. Individuals and groups - including schools, church groups, civic groups, businesses and even sports teams - make up the more than 2,000 people who share their time and talent to bring flowers and moments of joy to those in area hospitals, hospices, and health care facilities.
 
Ages: Ages seven and up with adult present. Most volunteer opportunities are best suited for children 12 and older but younger children can attend with an adult. An adult must accompany all children under 16. Every child must have a signed Youth Waiver before volunteering. We ask that anyone interested in volunteering attend an orientation. During orientation, new volunteers will meet our team, learn about volunteer opportunities, and have hands-on training working with the flowers.
 
Time Commitment: Varies

Contact: AnneLynn So, Program Coordinator, annelynn@rafsiliconvalley.org, 650.852.1450
http://siliconvalley.randomactsofflowers.org 
 
 

DIY Kindness Journal
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: This is a great project to begin in the New Year, but you can start anytime.
 
Location:  Your home
 
Keeping a compassion-themed journal is a wonderful way to build kindness into busy weeks and shine a spotlight on acts of kindness. Plus, you'll have a place to record family volunteering memories! Decorate a composition notebook with duct tape. Scatter compassion-themed prompts and quotes throughout it. Then make time periodically to discuss, draw, and write about those kindness prompts as a family. Visit the Doing Good Together DIY Kindness Journal page to find printable Family Service Memory Sheets, Kindness Journal Prompts, and ideas for keeping your kindness journal.
 
Ages: Everyone in the family can participate
 
Time Commitment: We suggest scheduling at least fifteen to thirty minutes each week to discuss the journal prompts and write or draw together.
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
www.doinggoodtogether.org
 
 
New Year's Resolution Idea: Join Our Membership Circle for just $24.99!

Whether you're new to family volunteering and want to stay focused on your service goals, or you've gotten started but want expert help on how to expand your family's kindness practice, DGT's Big-Hearted Families™ Membership Circle is a great way to make 2017 a year of kindness and service! Learn more today, and sign up any time throughout the 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. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2016 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

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

January 2017 - Boston Family Volunteer Opportunities

January 2017 Boston Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

January 2017 - Boston

 
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Boston Cares
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 16, 10am - 1pm. Kick off is at 10am sharp
 
Location: Boston Latin School, 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston. (T-Accessible, Green Line- E Train at Longwood Medical Area)

For MLK Day 2017, Boston Cares has created opportunities for 750 volunteers to support Boston youth through STEM education tools and beds for kids in need. 650 MLK Day volunteers will create "make your own robot kits", engineering kits, science-themed murals, math games and math flash cards for Boston Public Schools, providing classrooms with exciting tools for learning. Additionally, 100 volunteers will join us in launching our new twin bed design, for children who do not have a bed of their own. Volunteers will select a STEM tool activity station based on age and interest. There is a project for all ages! Completed STEM tools will be distributed to Boston Public Schools, and beds will be distributed to agency partners serving low-income and homeless families in our community.

Ages: Children as young as five and their families are welcome to attend.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Allegra Marra, amarra@bostoncares.org or 617.422.0910 ext.206. Pre-registration is required and available online. Space is limited so sign-up soon!
www.bostoncares.org/mlk_day

 
The 7th Annual Cambridge MLK Day of Service
Many Helping Hands 365
 
Date/Time: Monday, January 16, 2 - 5 pm
 
Location: Central Square, Cambridge City Hall, Senior Center, YWCA, and St. Peter's Episcopal Church
 
Come spend an afternoon making a difference in the lives of others. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lend your hands and come work with your children, friends and neighbors for hands-on service projects that will touch the lives of thousands of people in need. Projects include:
  • Making fleece scarves and blankets for homeless children and adults.
  • Making Valentines for elders and veterans.
  • Sorting food, winter clothing, books and toiletries for people in need and more.
Don't come empty handed! Bring a can of food, a children's book or a gently used item of winter clothing.

Ages:
 All ages can participate. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
 
Time Commitment: Flexible, up to three hours
 
Contact: info@manyhelpinghands365.org. Registration is available online .
www.manyhelpinghands365.org
 
 
Operation Sock Drop
Friends of Boston's Homeless
 
Date/Time: Anytime (we need socks all year round)
 
Location: Anywhere (at your school, place of worship, club, or with friends, family, and neighbors)

Fresh, clean socks (and underwear!) are vital for people's health, warmth, comfort, and dignity and are the least donated items to people in the greatest need. The shelters we support give out over 8,000 pairs of socks each year. By participating in Operation Sock Drop you not only help keep our community's neediest, most vulnerable citizens safe, warm, and healthy, but you'll them help maintain their dignity and comfort during this most difficult time in their lives. Friends of Boston's Homeless supports the Woods Mullen Women's Shelter and the 112 Southampton Men's Shelter in the South End. These shelters serve over 800 homeless individuals every day.  To get started, just download this flyer and share it with everyone you'd like to participate.

Ages:
Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Mariann Bucina Roca, mariannbucina@fobh.org
 www.fobh.org 
 


Learn more about
helping the homeless
 
Make Housewarming Baskets for Newly Housed People
Friends of Boston's Homeless
 
Date/Time: Anytime (we're helping 150 people a year move beyond homelessness into their own safe, dignified housing)
 
Location: Anywhere (at your school, place of worship, club, or even with friends, family, and neighbors)

You and your family can help people who've spent years living on our streets and in shelters feel warmth and excitement as they move into their new place and get started on their new lives by providing the essential items we all need to make our house a home. By assembling and donating Housewarming Baskets, you'll be an important part of welcoming people into their new homes where they'll find the stability and serenity they need to begin their journey to hopeful, peaceful futures. It's as simple as assembling new (not used) items like cleaning supplies, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, a set of sheets or towels, in a basket to be given as a housewarming gift to someone about to move into a place of their own- many for the first time in their lives. And please include a welcome note, it means a lot to the person who receives it.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Mariann Bucina Roca, mariannbucina@fobh.org
www.fobh.org

 
 
Family Table Distribution
Jewish Family & Children's Service
 
Date/Time: Sunday, January 8 or Sunday, February 5; 9am - 1:30pm
 
Location: 1430 Main Street, Waltham

Family Table provides healthy food on a monthly and emergency basis to individuals and families in need. Their mission is to offer food in a way that meets nutritional and spiritual needs. Family Table serves more than 100 towns across Greater Boston, the North Shore, and the South Area. Currently, Family Table is helping more than 450 families each month with groceries and connections to other services. Volunteers are needed to help with the following tasks:
  • Setting up the pantry
  • Packaging and delivering food orders to recipient families
Ages: All ages are welcome and encouraged to volunteer when accompanied by an adult.
 
Time Commitment: One to four hours depending on the activity.
 
Contact: familytable@jfcsboston.org, 781.693.5593. Please note that advance sign up is required and all adult volunteers must complete a JF&CS administered CORI background check.
www.jfcsboston.org/Our-Services/Community-Services/Center-for-Basic-Needs-Assistance/Family-Table
 
 
Donation Sorting and Kitchen Help
Daily Table
 
Date/Time: Monday - Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm
 
Location: 450 Washington St., Dorchester
 
The Daily Table is a not-for-profit retail store that offers a variety of tasty, convenient, and affordable foods. The store offers both "grab-n-go" ready to eat meals, and a selection of produce, bread, dairy and grocery items at prices designed to fit every budget. Daily Table receives donations of surplus produce that must be sorted and organized for quality assurance. Volunteers are needed to sort through donations and triage produce for use in the commissary kitchen, for sale on the floor, and for composting. Volunteers may also help in the kitchen with food preparation, packaging, and labeling, or preparing and distributing samples in our engagement zone. Plan to be busy and on your feet! By volunteering, you and your family will be helping to address the wastefulness of our food system, and actively contributing to increasing food security and improving diets in Boston.
 
Ages: Youth 14 and up with parental supervision; 16 and up may volunteer independently.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours (or more if you'd like!)
 
 
 

DIY Kindness Journal
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: This is a great project to begin in the New Year, but you can start anytime.
 
Location:  Your home
 
Keeping a compassion-themed journal is a wonderful way to build kindness into busy weeks and shine a spotlight on acts of kindness. Plus, you'll have a place to record family volunteering memories! Decorate a composition notebook with duct tape. Scatter compassion-themed prompts and quotes throughout it. Then make time periodically to discuss, draw, and write about those kindness prompts as a family. Visit the Doing Good Together DIY Kindness Journal page to find printable Family Service Memory Sheets, Kindness Journal Prompts, and ideas for keeping your kindness journal.
 
Ages: Everyone in the family can participate
 
Time Commitment: We suggest scheduling at least fifteen to thirty minutes each week to discuss the journal prompts and write or draw together.
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
www.doinggoodtogether.org
 
 
New Year's Resolution Idea: Join Our Membership Circle for just $24.99!

Whether you're new to family volunteering and want to stay focused on your service goals, or you've gotten started but want expert help on how to expand your family's kindness practice, DGT's Big-Hearted Families™ Membership Circle is a great way to make 2017 a year of kindness and service! Learn more today, and sign up any time throughout the year.
 
 

 

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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. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2016 Doing Good Together™

                                                                                    

Doing Good Together, 5141 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
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