Family Volunteering

July 2016 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

July 2016 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

July 2016 - Silicon Valley 

 
Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association 4th of July Carnival
Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association
 
Date/Time: Monday, July 4, 9am - 12:30pm
 
Location: Miner Park, 29 Copco Lane, San Jose

Volunteers are needed to help set up and run games at the annual Blossom Valley Neighborhood Celebration. The event includes a patriotic program and old-fashioned carnival. Tasks include setting up and running games and other activities. Please dress for hot weather, wear sunscreen and a hat (optional).

Ages: All ages are welcome with adult.
 
Time Commitment: Approximately three hours
 
Contact: Deborah Torrens, 408.281.3070, torrens@sbcglobal.net
www.facebook.com/blossomvalleyna/

 
 
Annual Bike 4 Breath Charity Ride
Breathe California Golden Gate Public Health Partnership
 
Date/Time: Saturday, July 9, 7am - 2pm
 
Location: Encinal Elementary School, 195 Encinal Ave., Atherton

Each summer, Breathe California's Bike 4 Breath charity ride offers the opportunity to fight lung disease, while enjoying a beautiful ride along the peninsula. Funds raised by riders will support lung health in our local communities and will help ensure that breathing is not a struggle, or a risk, for anyone. Volunteers will assist in event set-up, provide technical support to riders, and prepare breakfast/lunch services for riders and guests.
 
Ages: Children ten years and older are welcome to volunteer with an adult.
 
Time Commitment: Between five and seven hours, depending on the tasks.
 
Contact: Christopher Ndubuizu, christophern@ggbreathe.org, 650.994.5868
www.ggbreathe.org/b4b-volunteer/
 
 
Park Beautification - Los Gatos Creek County Park
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
 
Date/Time: Saturday July 16, 8:30am  - 12:30pm
 
Location: Los Gatos Creek Park, 1250 Dell Ave., Campbell. Volunteers will meet park staff at 8:30 a.m. at the Los Gatos Creek parking lot.

Come help keep the Los Gatos Creek trail healthy and native plants flourishing through the removal of invasive plants. No special skills are required. Please wear long pants and hiking boots and bring a long-sleeved shirt, sun or rain protection and a water bottle and snack. All necessary tools and work gloves are provided.

Ages: Kids, teens and adults are welcome to volunteer.
 
Time Commitment: Up to four hours
 
Contact: volunteer@prk.sccgov.org or call 408.918.4930. Preregistration is required.
www.parkhere.org
 
 
Relay For Life Events July 2016
American Cancer Society

Volunteer opportunities at local Relay for Life events can include, but are not limited to: Luminaria set up, trash pick up, track signs & general signage, set up/tear down, registration, and staffing the Fight Back Tent. The following Relay for Life events are happening in July:

Relay For Life of Milpitas
Date/Time:
 Saturday, July 9 - Sunday July 10, 10am - 10am
Location: Murphy Park, 1601 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas
Contact:
Tima Maharaj, tima.maharaj@cancer.org or 408.688.0126
 www.relayforlife/milpitas

Relay For Life of Cupertino
Date/Time:
 Saturday, July 16, 10am
Location: Cupertino High School, 10100 Finch Avenue, Cupertino
Contact: Tima Maharaj, tima.maharaj@cancer.org or 408.688.0126
www.relayforlife/cupertino 

Relay For Life of Campbell
Date/Time:
 Saturday, July 16 - Sunday July 17, 10am - 10am
Location: Campbell Community Center, 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell
Contact: Miranda Glaser, Miranda.glaser@cancer.org or 408.688.0087
www.relayforlife/campbell

Relay For Life of Saratoga
Date/Time: Saturday, July 23 - Sunday July 24, 10am - 10am
Location: St. Andrews Episcopal School and Parish,
13601 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga
Contact: Tima Maharaj, tima.maharaj@cancer.org or 408.688.0126
www.relayforlife/saratoga

Ages: There are volunteer opportunities for all ages

Time Commitment: Varies depending on event, but Relay For Life is flexible for you!
 
 
Team Citizen Scientists and Community Service
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
 
Date/Time: Flexible, works with your schedule!
 
Location: 1751 Grand Blvd. Alviso

From sand dunes to salt marsh, from rocky, offshore islands to golden beaches, the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex offers a glimpse into the biological wonders of the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite booming industries and growing populations, these National Wildlife Refuges preserve an incredibly complex ecosystem.

Become a citizen scientist - help monitor plants, birds, monarchs, reptiles, and/or the weather! Come help monitor native plants and animals at the refuge and contribute to eBird and the California Phenology project. You will be contributing with thousands of other citizen scientists to monitor climate change. Changes in phenological events like flowering and bird migrations are among the most sensitive biological responses to climate change.
 
Ages: Ages nine and up with an adult present. Without an adult, ages 15 and up.
 
Time Commitment: One monitoring field per month, times and dates are flexible. An orientation and one hour instructional in the training with biologists and experienced volunteers is required.
 
Contact: Julie Kahrnoff, 408.262.5513 ext. 104 or julie.kahrnoff@sfbws.com
www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay/
 
 
Swim for MS
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
 
Date/Time: Any date or time
 
Location: Any pool
 
Swim for MS is a national fundraiser in which volunteers create their own swim challenge while recruiting online donations to support the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Swim for MS is unique because you can create and arrange your own special swim activity, participating individually or recruiting other swim enthusiasts to form a team. Swim for MS is perfect for: all levels of swim enthusiasts; swim clubs or teams; social clubs such as fraternities, sororities, youth groups, etc.; students seeking volunteer service hours for school; and families enjoying the summer. You can participate in Swim for MS as an individual or with a team. You can create an on going challenge or a one-day event. For example swim 300 laps in 30 days and raise $1,000 or do one cannonball for every dollar raised. Think of something that will work best for you and your schedule! Prizes are given to the top fundraiser each month. Through the participation of Swim for MS, you will help spread awareness of multiple sclerosis and promote the positive benefits of swimming for people of all ages and skill levels.
 
Ages: Everyone who can swim!
 
Time Commitment: Flexible
 
Contact: SwimForMS@mymsaa.org, 1.800.532.7667. Register online at www.SwimForMS.org
www.swimforms.org
 
 
Adopt-a-Park in San Jose
City of San Jose Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Varied - Current areas in need of adoption are: Almaden Meadows Park, Parma Park, Los Alamitos Creek Trail from Almaden Lake to Harry Rd, and Almaden Lake Park.

The mission of Adopt-a-Park is to protect and enhance San José's neighborhood parks and open spaces by ongoing volunteer support and special events, and to educate San José residents about the importance of parks and open spaces. You and your family can adopt your local park! You can adopt the entire park, trail or a particular area in a park, including: courts, exercise courses, flower beds, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, trees and shrubs, undeveloped park land.

Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Flexible and ongoing
 
Contact: Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Coordinator, 408.793.4190,
adopt-a-park@sanjoseca.gov. Print and fill out the Adoption Proposal and Agreement and fill out the Volunteer Service Agreement for the group leader and any other initial group members. Volunteers under 18 years of age must use the Volunteer Service Agreement - Minor form and must have a parent/guardian signature. All forms and information are on the San Jose PRNS website.
www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/

 
 
St. Francis' Hot Meals and Ecumenical Hunger Program
Ecumenical Hunger Program at St. Francis of Assisi Church
 
Date/Time: Wednesdays, 5 - 6pm for the Hot Meal Program, other volunteer opportunity days and times vary.
 
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1425 Bay Road, East Palo Alto

Ecumenical Hunger Program, along with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, prepares and serves hot meals to needy individuals and families every Wednesday night at St. Francis of Assisi Church in East Palo Alto. At St. Francis, you'll be serving pre-made food to the less fortunate. When volunteers arrive, they sign in, grab aprons and gloves to either prepare the plates or go out and serve the plates to the guests. Some of those served are homeless, while others are families with children who take advantage of this program to conserve the limited funds they have. There are also opportunities for families to volunteer in the Food Closet (sorting, packing and distributing boxes), and in the warehouse (sorting clothing, shoes and other items).

Ages: All ages welcome, please make sure that you are not sick when you come to volunteer.
 
Time Commitment: One to two hours
 
Contact: Lakesha Roberts, info@ehpcares.org, 650.323.7781
www.ehpcares.org/food-services.html
 
 
Sunday Friends' Programs for Very Low-Income Families 
Sunday Friends
 
Date/Time: Sundays: Shifts available between 10:30am and 5:30pm. There are also some after-school shifts on weekdays at Sunday Friends special "store".
 
Location: 
  • Santee Elementary, 1313 Audubon Dr., San Jose, on the 1st Sunday of every month
  • Anne Darling Elementary, 333 North 33rd St., San Jose, on the third Sunday of every month
  • Lowell Elementary, 625 South 7th St., San Jose, on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
  • Sunday Friends special store, 730 Story Rd. Ste. 3, San Jose, open weekdays from 4 to 7pm.
Sunday Friends empowers families to break the generational cycle of poverty by fostering positive development in children while educating and guiding parents to support their children's life success. Since 1997, Sunday Friends has been offering day-long programs on Sundays that bring together whole families to work together, learn together, earn together, make spending decisions together and share in the healthy, warm, productive, mutually-supportive community together. Families volunteer together to facilitate service and learning projects, including: craft gift making, healthy food preparation, letter and essay writing, hands-on science projects, math and other learning games, computer education, English as a Second Language classes, reading and book report writing, exercise class, parents' classes, and more. Because children and parents earn tickets for their participation, 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: Lilly, lillyp@sundayfriends.org or Vanessa, volunteer@sundayfriends.org, with questions or call 408.217.9587. Volunteers should begin by completing the New Volunteer Registration. Please register to volunteer a couple of weeks in advance of the date you'd like to come.
www.SundayFriends.org
 
 
Host a Fundraiser
 
Date/Time: Anytime this summer!
 
Location: Anywhere in your community
 

Support a cause that's special to your family by holding a family fundraiser. Your children will learn about working together to make a real difference, and they'll love to brainstorm themes for their fundraiser. Visit the Doing Good Together Host a Fundraiser Project Page for ideas for your next family fundraiser!
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Flexible, whatever fits in your schedule
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
 
 
School is OUT, but summer reading is IN. We've got big-hearted story ideas for your family.

Summer is a great time for big-hearted reading! Encourage your child to expand their reading with titles carefully selected by DGT™. Whether you find books at the library, your local bookstore, or online*, we've got recommendations on discussion-worthy topics, such as gratitude, diversity, mindfulness, citizenship, and nature. Our Read Together page not only features picture book and chapter book lists, we also include Conversation Starters For Any Story.

To round out our selection of children's books, we offer adult-oriented titles, along with website and video recommendations on our Complete DGT™ Resource Collection pages.

*Please note: Our DGT™ website features affiliate links to Amazon, which allows DGT™ to earn advertising fees on purchases made from those pages. Thank you!

 

 

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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

June 2016 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

June 2016 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

June 2016 - Silicon Valley 

 
The Ultimate Hike: Create Your Own Adventure
CureSearch for Children's Cancer
 
Date/Time: Flexible - on your own time
 
Location: Choose your own location

CureSearch raises funds for children's cancer research to ensure that more children have access to life-saving treatments today and into the future. Ultimate Hike: Create Your Adventure is your chance to plan your lifesaving adventure from start to finish. You pick the trail, the distance, the date, and you set your own fundraising goals. All you need is a trail and your own two feet, and every step you take will make a difference! From the main Create Your Adventure page, click Register in the navigation bar at the top of the page and choose whether you want to register "As an individual", "As a Team Captain" (to start a new team), or "As a Team Member" (if the team already exists). You will then have the chance to start a new adventure!

Ages: Any age can participate
 
Time Commitment: Flexible

Contact: Courtney Bollman, 240.235.2286, courtney.bollman@curesearch.org 
www.curesearchevents.org
 
 
Pregnant Mare Horse Rescue
Pregnant Mare Rescue Foundation
 
Date/Time: Flexible for your family! Contact Carolyn to schedule (see below).
 
Location: Gilroy

Pregnant mare horse rescue in Gilroy is looking for volunteers to help clean stalls, sweep the barn, groom the horses, clean their feet, help with light exercise, and other duties. Pregnant Mare Rescue is a horse sanctuary committed to rescuing pregnant mares and orphan foals from abuse, advocating for the humane treatment of all horses through education while enriching the human experience. Pregnant Mare Rescue is a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries verified, 501(c)(3) certified nonprofit.

Ages: All ages are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Flexible
 
Contact: Carolyn, 408.859.3269 (preferred) or lacoel@aol.com.
www.pregnantmarerescue.org
 
 
Program and Entertainment Assistance for Seniors
Live Oak Adult Day Services
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: 1147 Minnesota Ave, San Jose

Live Oak Adult Day Services is a loving and compassionate adult day care - a nonprofit, community-based agency that provides a specialized program of adult day care for frail elderly dependent adults who are residents of Santa Clara County. The Center organizes various fun activities and programs to meet the needs of the seniors. Volunteers are needed to befriend these seniors and/or assist with the activities. You can also offer your talents and skills at anytime to enrich their experience.
 
Ages: Most ages are welcome with a parent/guardian present.
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Anna Jones or Marcus Ransom, 408.971.9363 or willowglen@liveoakadultdaycare.org. To register, visit the Volunteer page.
www.liveoakadultdaycare.org

 
 
Relay For Life Events June 2016
American Cancer Society

Volunteer opportunities at local Relay for Life events can include, but are not limited to: Luminaria set up, trash pick up, track signs & general signage, set up/tear down, registration, and staffing the Fight Back Tent. The following Relay for Life events are happening in June:
 
Relay For Life of Sunnyvale
Date/Time:
Saturday and Sunday, June 11 & 12. Event times TBD
Location: Sunnyvale Middle School, 1080 Mango Ave, Sunnyvale
Contact:
Mary Beth Muscarella, MaryBeth.Muscarella@cancer.org or 408.688.0120
www.relayfor life/sunnyvale
 
Relay For Life of Berryessa
Date/Time:
Saturday, June 11, Event times TBD
Location: Piedmont Hills High School. 1377 Piedmont Rd, San Jose
Contact:
Leah Arceneaux, leah.arceneaux@cancer.org or 408.688.0088
www.relayforlife/berryessa

Relay For Life of Los Altos
Date/Time: Sunday, June 12, 5 - 9pm
Location:
Hillview Park, 97 Hillview Avenue, Los Alto
Contact:
Steve Yodz, steve.yodz@cancer.org or 408.688.0104
www.relayforlife/losaltos
 
Ages: There are volunteer opportunities for all ages
 
Time Commitment: Varies depending on event, but Relay For Life is flexible for you!  
www.relayforlife.org
 
 
Summer Scamper 5K/10K
Lucille Packard Children's Hospital
 
Date/Time: Sunday June 19, 6:30 -11:30am
 
Location: Stanford campus. The Start/Finish line is on Galvez Street between Campus Drive and Memorial Way, in front of the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center.

The annual Summer Scamper is a family-friendly fundraising walk/run benefiting Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. The courses on the beautiful Stanford campus are designed for participants of all ages. They offer a 5k walk/run, 10k run, Kid's Fun Run (ages 3-10), as well as the option to participate as a virtual racer for out-of-town supporters. Event participators fundraise for a child health program of their choice. You can register your family as runners/walkers, or as volunteers! Volunteer tasks will include registration facilitation, monitoring start/finish lines, handing out water, food prep/distribution, Kid's Fun Run cheering and event cleanup. All volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt, plenty of coffee, breakfast and snacks!

Ages: Volunteers should be age 13 and up with an adult present. Volunteers ages 13-16 must fill out the waiver included in the volunteer registration process. Families with younger children can participate in the event.
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Robin Nelson, robin.nelson@lpfch.org, 650.725.2970. To register as a participant or volunteer, visit the registration page.
www.summerscamper.org

 
Duck Pond-looza
The Duck Pond, part of Gateway Community Outreach Center
 
Date/Time: Saturday, June 4, 8:30am - 2pm
 
Location: 5884 Eden Park Place, San Jose

The Duck Pond is a nonprofit, safe, clean indoor play space designed for infants and toddlers where they can learn while playing! The Duck Pond-looza needs volunteers to help with ticket sales, manning activity tables, taking tickets, directing cars for parking, table set-up, decorations and tear down. The Duck Pond is always looking for volunteers to help with craft prep, story time, to help during open play, and with other needs that arise.

Ages: Volunteers should be 14 or older
 
Time Commitment: One or two 3 1/2 hour sessions
 
Contact: Sarah Jimenez, DuckPond@gcosj.org. To volunteer for the Duck Pond-looza on June 4 please fill out the registration form.
www.theduckpondsj.org

 
 
Silicon Valley Tour de Cure
American Diabetes Association
 
Date/Time: Saturday and Sunday, June 11 & 12. Shift times vary depending on assignment.
 
Location: 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto

The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Volunteer duties for this event can include set-up, signage, greeters, cheering crew, and rest stop assistance.

Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and up, but can accommodate younger volunteers (with parents) if spots for kid-friendly duties are still available.
 
Time Commitment: Varies, depending on shift
 
 
 
Historic Orchard Garden Clean Up
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
 
Date/Time: Saturday June 4, 8:30 - 11:30am
 
Location: The Historic Orchard is a 3.3-acre site, planted in 1994, located in Guadalupe Gardens just south of Taylor Street and adjacent to the River Park trails in San Jose.

Help preserve a portion of the old Santa Clara Valley that pays homage to when orchards stretched across the valley floor. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the Historic Orchard in the garden area of the Guadalupe River Park. Today, with very few orchards remaining, this is a place where adults and children can come to experience a piece of local history. Fruit harvested from the Historic Orchard is donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
 
Ages: Families with children ages 10 and older are welcome to volunteer. Children under 16 must have a signed waiver form.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Monica Floyd, 408.298.7657. Registration is available online.
www.grpg.org
 
 
Neighborhood Cleanup
Downtown Streets Team
 
Date/Time: Three Saturday mornings each month, 9:30am to noon.
  • First Saturday, Santee Neighborhood
  • Second Saturday, McKinley Neighborhood
  • Third Saturday: Mayfair Neighborhood
Location(s):
  • Santee: Santee Community Center - 1535 Santee Drive, San Jose
  • McKinley: McKinley Community Center - 651 Macredes Avenue, San Jose
  • Mayfair: Mayfair Community Center - 2039 Kammerer Avenue, San Jose
The mission of Downtown Streets Team is to eradicate homelessness by empowering homeless individuals to be part of the solution to homelessness. Join your community by beautifying the Santee, McKinley or Mayfair neighborhoods with Downtown Streets Team Members. Not only will you be beautifying one of the most blighted neighborhoods in San Jose, fostering a safe place for people to live and play, you will be volunteering side-by-side with people who are volunteering their way out of homelessness. Feel free to ask them questions and get a new perspective on what it's like to be homeless and living on a low income in Santa Clara County. 

What to wear and bring:
  • Please wear covered shoes, pants, long sleeves and work gloves.
  • Wear sunscreen and bring water to stay hydrated.
  • For safety reasons please do not wear these items: no red or blue, no logos on hats/shirts and no numbers. Blue jeans are okay.
  • All that's left is your "Can-do" attitude and we'll be on our way to making our neighborhoods safer and more beautiful places.
Ages: Youth under 18 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: Cliff Navales, San Jose Project Manager; cliff@streetsteam.org. Registration is available online.
www.streetsteam.org
 
 
Full Circle Farm Education Garden - Sustainable Community Gardens
Full Circle Farm
 
Date/Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 7pm or dark, whichever comes first.
 
Location: Our West Gate at 955 Dunford Way, Sunnyvale

Full Circle Farm's Education Garden is a one-acre patch of green at the west end of the farm. The Education Garden meets several community needs while the production fields are focused on food production. Volunteer garden tasks are different everyday-you might be harvesting, planting, weeding, composting, digging and more. No experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to take home some veggies with them. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

What To Bring/Wear
  • water bottle
  • closed toed shoes
  • sunblock
  • hat
  • snacks and/or a lunch
  • garden gloves (if you have them)
Ages: All ages, families are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Come when you can and leave whenever you need to.
 
Contact: Dan Hafeman, danh@fullcirclesunnyvale.org
www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org
 
 
Host a 'Shoe Cutting Party' or Hold a Collection Drive
Sole Hope
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Shoes and donations can be mailed to:
605 East Innes Street #3263, Salisbury, NC 28145

Sole Hope is an organization working to create a positive difference in the lives of individuals in impoverished communities of Uganda to combat diseases that enter through the feet. Jiggers are small sand fleas that live in the dust, and are found on the dirt floors in schools and the homes of many families in Uganda and other similar climates. Female jiggers can burrow into the skin and these wounds are painful, and cause difficulties for victims in daily activities such as walking, playing, and attending school. In addition to shoe making events and collections, Sole Hope holds medical clinics, and provides education and jobs for the beautiful souls of Uganda. Volunteers can help by holding a Shoe Cutting Party or by Coordinating a Collection Drive. If you're holding a shoe cutting party, start by deciding approximately how many people you're going to invite. You can then purchase the corresponding shoe cutting kit from their website. Kits come with an instructional DVD, pictures, shoe sponsorship cards, bookmarks, stickers, a pattern, and much more! You can hold a collection for simple items to help with jigger removals and to assist the Outreach House in Africa. Sole Hope will ensure they go with the next bunch of shoe uppers and medical supplies to Uganda.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: info@solehope.org
www.solehope.org
 
 
Make this a Summer of Kindness with DGT's Summer Bucket List
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: All summer long
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Print and post one or both of DGT's two innovative Summer of Kindness bucket lists. These creative kindness projects will keep your family making big-hearted memories all summer long.
 
Ages: Preschool to teen
 
Time Commitment: 15 minutes to 1 hour per week depending upon the activities you choose to complete.
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
www.doinggoodogether.org
 
 
DGT™ in the News
 
Looking for a media source to quote in your blog or print article or to feature in your upcoming podcast, radio show, or TV report?  Contact DGT™ for tips, insight, and wisdom on a variety of topics including parenting kind kids and family volunteering tips. To see DGT's vast array of past media appearances, visit our IN THE NEWS page.

 
 

 

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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

May 2016 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

May 2016 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

May 2016 - Silicon Valley 

 
Watch the Wild
Nature Abounds
 
Date/Time: Ongoing
 
Location: Your own neighborhood and local area

Watch the Wild needs your help! As a Watch the Wild volunteer, you observe and report the "wild" in your community, from trees and plants to lakes and streams to weather and wildlife activity. In as little as ten minutes, your observations help us to understand how our eco-systems are changing and help us to adapt for the future. Becoming a Watch the Wild volunteer is very easy. All you need to do is sign-up to be a volunteer with Nature Abounds, choose a location to observe, whether it be your backyard, a local park, your favorite beach spot, or an area that you visit or hike in regularly, record your observations and report your observations to us online, via mail, or email. Your observations will then be entered into a database and shared with interested scientists.

Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Flexible
 
Contact: Melinda, info@natureabounds.org, 814.765.1453
www.natureabounds.org
 
 
St. Francis' Hot Meals and Ecumenical Hunger Program
Ecumenical Hunger Program at St. Francis of Assisi Church
 
Date/Time: Wednesdays, 5 - 6pm for the Hot Meal Program, other volunteer opportunity days and times vary
 
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1425 Bay Road, East Palo Alto

Ecumenical Hunger Program, along with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, prepares and serves hot meals to needy individuals and families every Wednesday night at St. Francis of Assisi Church in East Palo Alto. At St. Francis, you'll be serving pre-made food to the less fortunate. When volunteers arrive, they sign in, grab aprons and gloves to either prepare the plates or to go out and serve the plates to the guests. Some of those served are homeless, while others are families with children who take advantage of this program to conserve the limited funds they have. There are also opportunities for families to volunteer in the Food Closet (sorting, packing and distributing boxes) and in the warehouse (sorting clothing, shoes and other items).
 
Ages: All ages welcome. Please make sure that you are not sick.
 
Time Commitment: One to two hours
 
Contact: Lakesha Roberts, info@ehpcares.org, 650.323.7781
www.ehpcares.org/food-services.html

 
Activity Time Helpers
White Blossom Care Center - Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
 
Date/Time: Ongoing
 
Location: 1990 Fruitdale Avenue, San Jose

Volunteers are needed to help staff during activity time. You can assist individual seniors or the whole group. You can also share any talents or skills you may have to educate, entertain or empower the seniors. White Blossom Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that strives to serve the greatest generation. The White Blossom Care Center healthcare professionals strive to help patients reach their maximum potential in a caring and supportive environment.
 
Ages: All ages welcome, good cheer and any talents to share are helpful!
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Pele, info@whiteblossomcarecenter.com, 408.998.8447. A Volunteer Application and brief orientation is required before starting.
www.whiteblossomcarecenter.com
 
 
PLAY: Family Connections
Family Connections
 
Date/Time: Thursday, May 19, 6 - 8pm
 
Location: Redwood City and East Palo Alto Locations. Details and directions will be sent after signing up.
 
Spend time with a lively group of preschoolers! Family Connections, a parent-participation preschool, serves low-income families. Once a month, volunteers help with crafts and snacks for the kids while parents participate in a parent education class. Some Spanish is preferred but not necessary. There are a limited number of spots so be sure to sign up early for this month or for the following month!
 
Ages: Ages eight and older with an adult present
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Betsy Carter, bcarter@familyconnections.org, 650.556.9503 x112. Registration is available online through HandsOn Bay Area.
www.familyconnections.org
 
 
Human Race Walkathon & Fun Run
Santa Cruz County Human Race
 
Date/Time: Saturday, May 7. Shift times vary depending on volunteer position.
 
Location: Santa Cruz
 
The Santa Cruz County Human Race Walkathon & Fun Run is a nationwide community fundraising event for nonprofit organizations and schools. In Santa Cruz County, the Human Race is the largest collaborative community fundraiser and has helped address the needs of local nonprofit agencies, schools, religious, social and arts groups over the past 30 years. Volunteers can help many of our local agencies that depend on the Human Race to raise their operating funds for the year. Volunteers are needed for: set-up, check-in, signage, leading games for kids, volunteer registration, greeters, water stations, serving breakfast/lunch, cheering stations and greeters.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome to participate. A parent must accompany children under 14.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours or more. Time commitment varies by shift.
 
Contact: Anna Bontrager, engagement@scvolunteercenter.org. Registration is available online.
 
 
National River Clean Up Day
Creek Connections Action Group
 
Date/Time: Saturday May, 21, 9am - noon
 
Location: Multiple Locations throughout the South Bay in San Jose, Milpitas, Cupertino, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Campbell, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, sunscreen and to bring their own pick-up sticks. Trash bags, extra gloves and first aid supplies will be available on site. The goal of our cleanup events is to remove as much trash, debris, and recyclables as possible out of our waterways. For most events we hold a "Most Unusual Item" contest and includes prizes donated by local businesses!
 
Ages: All youth under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian signature on their Waiver of Liability (English) (Spanish), and also need adult supervision for the entire event.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: volunteer@valleywater.org (individual locations have specific contact information - see website)
www.cleanacreek.org
 
 
Morgan Hill Sprint Triathalon
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
 
Date/Time: Sunday May 15, 6 - 11am
 
Location: UVAS Reservoir Morgan Hill

Team for Life partners with a number of local race companies and helps to recruit volunteers for local races. In exchange, Team for Life spreads the word about the Lazarex Cancer Foundation and receives a charitable donation to the Foundation from the races to help cancer patients. Volunteers are needed to help out with water stations, registration, and cheering on the participants. This is a great way to get outside, have fun, and get some service hours!

Ages:  Families with children six and up are welcome to volunteer. Younger children with parents will be guided mostly toward cheering and water stations and families with older kids can help with organized race activities.
 
Time Commitment: Two to five hours
 
Contact: Susan, sblick@lazarex.org, 925.820.4517
www.teamforlife.org
 
 
Relay For Life Events May 2016
American Cancer Society
 
Volunteer opportunities at local Relay for Life events can include, but are not limited to: Luminaria set up, trash pick up, track signs and general signage, set up/tear down, registration, and staffing the Fight Back Tent. The following Relay for Life events are happening in May:

Relay For Life of Almaden
Date/Time:
 Saturday May 7. Event runs from 9am to 9pm.
Location: Bret Harte Middle School, 7050 Bret Harte Drive, San Jose
Contact:
Steve Yodz, Steve.Yodz@cancer.org, 408.688.0104.
www.relayforlife/almaden
 
Relay For Life of Willow Glen
Date/Time: Saturday, May 14 & Sunday, May 15. Event runs from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday.
Location: Willow Glen High School, 2001 Cottle Ave, San Jose
Contact: Mary Beth Muscarella, Marybeth.muscarella@cancer.org, 408.688.0120
www.relayforlife.org/willowglenca
 
Relay For Life of Morgan Hill
Date/Time:
Saturday, May 14 & Sunday, May 15. Event runs from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday.
Location:
Morgan Hill Community Park, 171 W Edmundson Ave, Morgan Hill
Contact:
Tima Maharaj, tima.maharaj@cancer.org, 408.688.0126
www.RelayForLife.org/morganhillca
 
Relay For Life of Blossom Valley
Date/Time:
Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22. Event runs from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday.
Location:
Stratford School, 6670 San Anselmo Way, San Jose
Contact:
Kristi Cole, Kristi.cole@cancer.org, 408.688.0089
www.RelayForLife.org/blossomvalleyca
 
Ages: There are volunteer opportunities for all ages
Time Commitment: Varies depending on event, but Relay For Life is flexible for you! 
www.relayforlife.org
 
 
Silicon Valley Kidney Walk
National Kidney Foundation
 
Date/Time: Saturday June 4, 6:30am - 1pm (shift times vary)
 
Location: Cityview Plaza, 125 South Market St., San Jose
 
Volunteers are needed to set up, register walkers, cheer along the route, and help with cleanup. We hope to see you there!
 
Ages: Youth middle school age and up can volunteer. Families with children can participate in the walk.
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: Darneesha Polee, darneesha.polee@kidney.org, 415.543.3303 ext. 510
www.kidney.org/

 
 
Sunday Friends' Programs for Very Low-Income Families
Sunday Friends
 
Date/Time: Sundays: Shifts available between 10:30am and 5:30pm. There are also some after-school shifts on weekdays at the Sunday Friends special "store."
 
Location(s):
  • Santee Elementary, 1313 Audubon Dr., San Jose, on the 1st Sunday of every month
  • Anne Darling Elementary, 333 North 33rd St., San Jose, on the third Sunday of every month
  • Lowell Elementary, 625 South 7th St., San Jose, on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
  • Sunday Friends special store, 730 Story Rd. Ste. 3, San Jose, open weekdays from 4 to 7pm
Sunday Friends empowers families to break the generational cycle of poverty by fostering positive development in children while educating and guiding parents to support their children's life success. Since 1997, Sunday Friends has been offering day-long programs on Sundays that bring together whole families to work together, learn together, earn together, make spending decisions together and share in the healthy, warm, productive, mutually-supportive community together. Families volunteer together to facilitate service and learning projects, including: craft gift making, healthy food preparation, letter and essay writing, hands-on science projects, math and other learning games, computer education, English as a Second Language classes, reading and book report writing, exercise class, parents' classes and more. Because children and parents earn tickets for their participation, 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: Lilly, lillyp@sundayfriends.org or Vanessa, volunteer@sundayfriends.org, with questions or call 408.217.9587. Volunteers should begin with New Volunteer Registration. Please register to volunteer a couple of weeks in advance of the date
www.SundayFriends.org
 
 
Meal-Serving Program
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen
 
Date/Time: Monday - Friday; see location information for times
 
Location(s): 
  • Goodwill Building, 3:30 - 6pm, 1080 N. 7th St., San Jose
  • Eastside Neighborhood Center, 3:45 - 6pm, 2150 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen provides nutritious prepared meals that are delivered and served to disadvantaged individuals with a special concern for families, seniors and the homeless. Volunteers help with meal preparation, dining hall set-up, serving food and drinks, and clean up. Wear comfortable "work" clothes and closed-toed shoes (i.e., jeans, walking shorts, tennis shoes, etc.) Please do not wear sandals, halter or tank tops, short shorts, etc. For those with longer hair, please wear your hair up and off your face.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to volunteer. An adult must accompany children 14 and younger.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: Hyru Gau, 408.998.1500 or volunteer@loavesfishes.org. Registration is available online.
www.loavesfishes.org
 
 
Veggielution's Youth Garden
Veggielution Community Farm
 
Date/Time: Every Saturday 10am - 12:30pm
 
Location: 647 S. King Road, San Jose; located in the back of Emma Prusch Park

Come join Veggielution farms for weekly Youth Garden Activities. Every Saturday the whole family can enjoy gardening, crafting, and learning together in the Youth Garden. Participating in our Youth Garden activities is a great way to spend time with your children while exploring the garden, learning about healthy lifestyle choices, and discovering the exciting processes of the natural world - not to mention making new friends. This is a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty and become better stewards of the environment as a family. Veggielution volunteer activities encourage exploration and play-based learning for the whole family.

Ages: Families with children ages three and up are welcome to volunteer.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: Jennifer Aguilar, jena@veggielution.org or Dana Shinners, danas@veggielution.org
www.veggielution.org/youth-garden
 
 
Host Families for High School International Exchange Students
International Student Exchange
 
Date/Time: Students arrive in August and January, and stay five months, ten months or one year and attend local public high schools.
 
Location: Your home and community

ISE is seeking families to host incoming international exchange students. This is a fantastic opportunity for families who wish to enrich their families' culture, to build memories and friendships, and to showcase their culture and values. Host families are expected to provide basic room and board. Students coming to the United States through ISE will arrive with spending money and health insurance. Students may share a room with siblings of the same sex. International students are between the ages of 15 and 18 ½. Host families are assigned a supervising area representative to help you through the entire process from beginning to end. The supervising representative will be with you every step of the way providing extensive guidance and support during the student's exchange program.

Ages: Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome. An adult over the age of 25 must be part of the household.
 
Time Commitment: Five months, ten months or one year.
 
Contact: Lisa, 800.766.4656x103 for additional information or referral to a local representative. Click here for the link to becoming a host family.
www.iseusa.org
 
 
Download DGT's Feelings Flashcards and Play Empathy-Building Games
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: Anytime
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Download and print our Feelings Flashcards and use them to play a variety of games that help kids of all ages recognize and converse about different emotions.
 
Ages: Preschool on up
 
Time Commitment: Games will take 15 to 60 minutes.
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
www.doinggoodtogether.org
 
 

For your next reunion, company party, or school gathering, help your organization help others! Doing Good Together™ Family Service Fairs allow groups of all ages to serve others in a two-hour fair-style event. Attendees come together to do simple and fun hands-on projects that benefit nonprofit organizations. Want to host a fun fair of your own? Our Family Service Fair Manual with Online Toolkit has everything you need to get started.

 

 

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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

April 2016 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

April 2016 Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

 

April 2016 - Silicon Valley 

 
Sheltering the Unhoused
Winter Faith Collaborative
 
Date/Time: Now through April 2016
 
Location: Multiple churches throughout San Jose
 
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 40 faith communities across San Jose with the collective aim to serve and shelter those in the houseless community who are living outdoors this El Nino winter. Your willingness to volunteer at the shelters is critical in this community effort to house the unhoused and save lives this winter. Volunteers are needed to staff the temporary shelters, perform services such as laundry, and provide meals. Each shelter has its own rules for volunteer eligibility, but there are multiple options for serving with children. Volunteer positions for each shelter can be found on the sign up page.
 
Ages: Varies by shelter, check the Volunteer Spot sign up page for details by location.
 
Time Commitment: Varies by position
 
Contact: winterfaithcollaborative@gmail.com or 408.345.5351. Registration is available online.
www.faithcollaborative.wordpress.com/
 
 
Neighborhood Cleanup
Downtown Streets Team
 
Date/Time: Three Saturday mornings each month, 9:30am to noon.
  • First Saturday, Santee Neighborhood
  • Second Saturday, McKinley Neighborhood
  • Third Saturday: Mayfair Neighborhood
Location(s):
  • Santee: Santee Community Center - 1535 Santee Drive, San Jose
  • McKinley: McKinley Community Center - 651 Macredes Avenue, San Jose
  • Mayfair: Mayfair Community Center - 2039 Kammerer Avenue, San Jose
Beautify San Jose's most blighted neighborhoods with homeless Downtown Streets Team Members who are working hard to get housing and employment. The mission of Downtown Streets Team is to eradicate homelessness by empowering homeless individuals to be part of the solution to homelessness. Join your community by beautifying the Santee, McKinley or Mayfair neighborhoods with Downtown Streets Team Members. Not only will you be beautifying one of the most blighted neighborhoods in San Jose, fostering a safe place for people to live and play, you will be volunteering side-by-side with people who are volunteering their way out of homelessness. Feel free to ask them questions and get a new perspective on what it's like to be homeless and living on a low income in Santa Clara County.  
What to wear and bring:
  • Please wear covered shoes, pants, long sleeves and work gloves.
  • Wear sunscreen and bring water to stay hydrated.
  • For safety reasons please do not wear these items: no red or blue, no logos on hats/shirts and no numbers. Blue jeans are okay.
  • All that's left to bring is your "Can-do" attitude and we'll be on our way to making our neighborhoods safer and more beautiful places.  
Ages: Youth under 18 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: Cliff Navales, San Jose Project Manager; cliff@streetsteam.org. Registration is available online
www.streetsteam.org/
 
 
Great American Litter Pick Up
City of San Jose
 
Date/Time: Saturday April 23, 8:30 - 11:30am. Event will occur rain or shine
 
Location: Various neighborhood options in San Jose
 
Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in keeping San Jose clean and green. Each District in San Jose is hosting its own event - please contract your local District office or check out this flyer for more details! On the day of the event, register at your meeting location and receive litter cleanup supplies. There will be a celebration lunch at noon at your Council District's Event Kickoff Location. Lunch is free for volunteers.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Bernie Rosales, bernie.rosales@sanjoseca.gov, 408.975.7233
www.sanjoseca.gov/

 
Full Circle Farm Education Garden - Sustainable Community Gardens
Full Circle Farm
 
Date/Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 7pm or dark, whichever comes first.
 
Location: Our West Gate at 955 Dunford Way, Sunnyvale

Full Circle Farm's Education Garden is a one-acre patch of green at the west end of the farm. The Education Garden meets several community needs while the production fields are focused on food production. Volunteer garden tasks are different everyday; you might be harvesting, planting, weeding, composting, digging and more. No experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to take home some veggies with them. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

What To Bring/Wear
  • water bottle
  • closed toed shoes
  • sunblock
  • hat
  • snacks and/or a lunch
  • garden gloves (if you have them)
Ages: All ages, families are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Come when you can and leave whenever you need to.
 
Contact: Dan Hafeman, danh@fullcirclesunnyvale.org
www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org

 
 
GRPC River Clean up
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
 
Date/Time: Every third Saturday each month (weather permitting)
 
Location: Meet at 438 Coleman Ave,  San Jose

Alongside the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, take a visit to the Guadalupe River Park, a gem in the heart of downtown San Jose. The Guadalupe River acts as a flood control channel; meaning trash from the streets is often destined to run off into the sewer straight to the river. With Chinook Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and California Golden Beaver, we cannot afford to allow litter to deplete such critical habitat. Volunteers help collect any loose debris along the riverbank and keep the litter from making it to The Bay.
 
Ages: Volunteers 7 and older are welcome to participate. Volunteers 15 and under must volunteer with responsible and active parents or guardian. Minors are required to bring a completed and signed waiver.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica Gonzalez, Jessica@grpg.org. Registration is required and is available online.
www.grpg.org/
 
 
Beautiful Day Projects
Beautiful Day
 
Date/Time: Weekends throughout the month of April
 
Location: All locations are listed on the Beautiful Day Projects page

Since its inception in 2004, Beautiful Day has sought to invest in communities with simple, direct and unyielding kindness. Each project is an act of no strings attached service for those who are otherwise unable to help themselves. Our goal is to aggressively spread compassion, to discard apathy in favor of activity, and to light fires of good will in the neighborhoods we work and live in. Have a direct effect on our community. Service projects take place at multiple local organizations from San Martin to San Jose. Most projects involve helping beautify and improve local non-profits, city parks or schools.
 
Ages: Many projects are family friendly for those that are between the ages of 5-12 years old, and will be listed in the description. At this time there isn't a way to sign those kids up so please just bring them with you to the project site, with a minor waiver that will be attached in your confirmation email. Childcare is available at Westgate Church for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. Click here  for details about childcare.
 
Time Commitment: Each shift is approximately four hours
 
Contact: info@beautifulday.org
www.beautifulday.org
 
 
Fremont Adult School Campus Cleanup
Hosted by the Fremont Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 9, 8:30 - 11:30am
 
Location: 4700 Calaveras Avenue, Fremont

Join members of the community in cleaning and organizing preschool classrooms, prepping and painting building eaves, weeding and cleaning up landscape areas throughout the campus. Helpful skills are weeding and painting. Bring gardening gloves, tools (rakes, shovels, brooms, clippers, hoes, etc.), wheelbarrows and water; wear a hat, long sleeves, long pants, and sunscreen.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Teri Topham, t.topham@comcast.net, 510.299.3644. Sign up is
 
 
Downtown Spring Family Parade
City of Mountain View
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 23, 9am - noon
 
Location: Castro and Villa streets, Downtown Mountain View

Volunteers are needed to help organize parade participants (time and place); act as block monitors, help pedestrians, and assist others with special needs (i.e., baby strollers, handicapped, etc.). Dress in comfortable clothes; prepare for the sun.

Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Flexible
 
Contact: Bill Mykytka, 650.903.6331 or Bill.Mykytka@mountainview.gov. Sign up is available online.
www.mountainview.gov
 
 
De Anza Park - Beautify the Park
City of Sunnyvale
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 30, 9am - noon
 
Location: 1150 Lime Drive, Sunnyvale

Beautify the park through general trimming and cleanup. Tools, water, and gloves will be provided. If you have a pair of gloves you like, please bring them. Dress for regular yard work and bring sun protection.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Matt Ashee, 408.718.2656 or parks@sunnyvale.ca.gov. Sign up is available online
www.sunnyvale.ca.gov
 
 
City of Campbell Litter Pick-Up Event
Campbell City Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department
 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 23, 9am - noon.
 
Location: Los Gatos Creek County Park, 1220 Dell Ave., Campbell. This location is where volunteers will sign-in and be dispersed into groups. Instructions on safety and debris removal will be discussed, and supplies such as gloves, vests and other tools will also be distributed at check-in.

The Great American Litter Pick Up event is a national event wherein volunteers across our nation participate in a volunteer cleanup program. The City of Campbell cleanup will focus on five locations: Los Gatos Creek County Park, the Los Gatos Creek Trail, the freeway on and off ramps at Camden and Highway 17, and along the railroad tracks adjacent to Winchester Boulevard at Hacienda Avenue. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the event. Refreshments will be provided in the morning and the event will conclude at noon with a luncheon. This event will take place rain or shine.

Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Diana Johnson, 408.866.2749, dianaj@cityofcampbell.com. Sign up is available online
www.ci.campbell.ca.us/
 
 
San Jose Family Camp Work Weekend or Fish Camp
Friends of San Jose Family Camp
 
Date/Time: April 15-17 (work weekend) or April 29-May 1 (fish camp). Check in time begins noon Friday (lunch is not served). Dinner is served from 6 to 8pm to accommodate late arrivals. Volunteers work Saturday all day, and Sunday morning. The weekend ends with lunch on Sunday.
 
Location: San Jose's Family Camp is located in the heart of the Sierras near Yosemite National Park, just east of Groveland. The camp address is 11401 Cherry Lake Road, Groveland, CA  Click for directions.

Family Camp at Yosemite provides an all-inclusive camping experience where guests of all ages can fish, hike, swim, participate in organized programs, or just sit back, relax and take it easy. At a Family Camp work weekend you and your family will help prepare the camp for the summer season. There are a variety of jobs to be done at camp, including carpentry, plumbing, clean up, electrical, planting, painting, concrete, and more. Children eight and older will be given a job assignment according to their abilities.

The Friends of San Jose Family Camp is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing and preserving a quality, family oriented Sierra camping experience. You must be a member of the Friends of San Jose Family Camp to participate in work weekends. An annual membership is only $20 per family. The cost to participate in work weekends is $10 per person, age three and older, with a maximum of $40 per family. There is no cost other than a Friends of San Jose Family Camp membership to help out at Fish Camp.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome. Some childcare is available for children under six years old as needed. Children under eight will not be allowed in areas where there are power tools being used.
 
Time Commitment: Full weekend for most dates.
 
Contact: Tom Bonsack, wash2tub@gmail.com, 408.603.5498. Click here for sign-up form. Forms can be sent to Friends of San Jose Family Camp at 21472 Almaden Rd. San Jose, CA 95120.
www.friendsofsanjosefamilycamp.org/wp/
 
 
Relay for Life Events April 2016
American Cancer Society
 
Volunteer opportunities at local Relay for Life events can include, but are not limited to: Luminaria set up, trash pick up, track signs & general signage, set up/tear down, registration, and staffing the Fight Back Tent. The following Relay for Life events are happening in April:
 
Relay For Life of Santa Clara University
Date/Time:
Saturday & Sunday, April 16 - 17. Event runs from 1pm Saturday to 9am Sunday.
Location:
Benson and Kenna Lawns, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Contact: 
Steve Yodz, Steve.Yodz@cancer.org
www.relayforlife.org/scuca
 
Relay For Life of Cambrian
Date/Time:
Friday & Saturday, April 29 - 30, Event runs from 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday.
Location:
Dartmouth Middle School, 5575 Dartmouth Drive, San Jose
Contact:
Miranda Glaser, Miranda.Glaser@cancer.org
www.RelayForLife.org/cambrianca

Relay For Life of Santa Clara
Date/Time:
Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1. Event starts at 10am Saturday.
Location:
Townsend Field, 111 Bellomy St, Santa Clara
Contact:
Steve Yodz, Steve.Yodz@cancer.org
www.relayforlife.org/santaclaraca

Relay For Life of UC Santa Cruz
Date/Time:
Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1. Event runs from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday
Location:
Opers Field, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz
Contact:
Leah Arceneaux, Leah.Arceneaux@cancer.org
www.RelayForLife.org/ucsantacruzca

Ages:
There are volunteer opportunities for all ages
 
Time Commitment: Varies depending on event, but Relay For Life is flexible for you!
 www.relayforlife.org
 
 
Seeds for Change
Family-to-Family
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location:  Seeds can be sent to one of the locations on the Family-to-Family Seeds for Change page

You and your family can help a family in need to grow their own food by starting a collection of seed packets. You can raise money through a yard sale or a bake sale and purchase the seeds from your local gardening or hardware store. Visit the Doing Good Together Send Seeds for Change Project page for more ideas and reflection questions.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: kids@family-to-family.org
www.doinggoodtogether.org, www.family-to-family.org
 
 

Have you and your family worked on a Project of the Month from our monthly listings? Please tell us about it using our Good Stories form!  Here's a quote from Noah who participated in the Assemble CWS Kits project:

"I bet in the places the [Syrian] refugees have to stay, they don't have a school, so they need the same things I do like notebooks and pencils."

Noah's mom added: "This was a great project for Noah for two reasons: First, he has been very interested and concerned about the Syrian refugees, so it was nice to have something proactive for him to do; and second, he loves his schooling so much, the idea that refugees would not have the supplies to keep doing their schooling was very upsetting to him. With this project, he was able to help. "
 

 

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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

March 2016 - Silicon Valley Family Volunteer Opportunities

View as a webpage

 

March 2016 - Silicon Valley 

 
Sunday Friends' Programs for Very Low-Income Families
Sunday Friends
 
Date/Time: Sundays: Shifts available between 10:30am and 5:30pm. There are also some after-school shifts on weekdays at the Sunday Friends special "store."
 
Location(s):
  • Santee Elementary, 1313 Audubon Dr., San Jose, on the 1st Sunday of every month
  • Anne Darling Elementary, 333 North 33rd St., San Jose, on the third Sunday of every month
  • Lowell Elementary, 625 South 7th St., San Jose, on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
  • Sunday Friends special store, 730 Story Rd. Ste. 3, San Jose, open weekdays from 4 to 7pm
Sunday Friends empowers families to break the generational cycle of poverty by fostering positive development in children while educating and guiding parents to support their children's life success. Since 1997, Sunday Friends has been offering day-long programs on Sundays that bring together whole families to work together, learn together, earn together, make spending decisions together and share in the healthy, warm, productive, mutually-supportive community together. Families volunteer together to facilitate service and learning projects, including: craft gift making, healthy food preparation, letter and essay writing, hands-on science projects, math and other learning games, computer education, English as a Second Language classes, reading and book report writing, exercise class, parents' classes and more. Because children and parents earn tickets for their participation, 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: Lilly, lillyp@sundayfriends.org or Vanessa, volunteer@sundayfriends.org, with questions or call 408.217.9587. Volunteers should begin with New Volunteer Registration. Please register to volunteer a couple of weeks in advance of the date
www.SundayFriends.org
 
 
Meal-Serving Program
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen
 
Date/Time: Monday - Friday; see location information for times
 
Location(s): 
  • Goodwill Building, 3:30 - 6pm, 1080 N. 7th St., San Jose
  • Eastside Neighborhood Center, 3:45 - 6pm, 2150 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen provides nutritious prepared meals that are delivered and served to disadvantaged individuals with a special concern for families, seniors and the homeless. Volunteers help with meal preparation, dining hall set-up, serving food and drinks, and clean up. Wear comfortable "work" clothes and closed-toed shoes (i.e., jeans, walking shorts, tennis shoes, etc.) Please do not wear sandals, halter or tank tops, short shorts, etc. For those with longer hair, please wear your hair up and off your face.

Ages: Everyone is welcome to volunteer. An adult must accompany children 14 and younger.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: Hyru Gau, 408.998.1500 or volunteer@loavesfishes.org. Registration is available online.
www.loavesfishes.org
 
 
GRPC River Clean up
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
 
Date/Time: Every third Saturday each month; weather permitting
 
Location: Meet at 438 Coleman Ave. San Jose

Alongside the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, take a visit to the Guadalupe River Park, a gem in the heart of downtown San Jose. The Guadalupe River acts as a flood control channel; meaning trash from the streets is often destined to run off into the sewer straight to the river. With Chinook Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and California Golden Beaver, we cannot afford to allow litter to deplete such critical habitat. Volunteers help collect any loose debris along the riverbank and keep the litter from making it to The Bay.
 
Ages: Volunteers 7 and older are welcome to participate. Volunteers 15 and under must volunteer with responsible and active parents or guardian. Minors are required to bring a completed and signed waiver.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica Gonzalez, Jessica@grpg.org. Registration is required and available online
http://www.grpg.org/
 
 
Heritage Rose Garden Volunteer Days
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
 
Date/Time: Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 - 11:30am
 
Location: 412 Seymour Street San Jose, CA

Come support the largest diverse rose garden on the western hemisphere! Despite having over 3,000 varieties of roses, the Heritage Rose Garden is maintained entirely by volunteers. Volunteers may spread wood chips around the drip lines of the roses in order to prevent weeds and improve water retention, deadhead or prune and work on irrigation fixes. In the meantime, don't be afraid to smell the roses! 

Ages: 13+ (minors are required to bring waiver and anyone 15 and under must volunteer with responsible and active parents or guardian)
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Jessica Gonzalez, Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica@grpg.org. No registration required for groups of three or fewer. For larger groups please call 408.298.7657 to register.
http://www.grpg.org

 
Relay For Life
American Cancer Society
 
Date/Time: Visit the Relay For Life website to find the closest event near you! First events in Silicon Valley begin in April and go through September 2016.
 
Location: Various locations in Silicon Valley

Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement. You can volunteer at a Relay For Life or sign up to start/join a team to participate in the relay. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, registration, setup/cleanup, decorating, activities/games, etc.

Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies depending on event
 
Contact: Check website for contact info based on event location
www.RelayForLife.org
 
 
Host a 'Shoe Cutting Party' or Hold a Collection Drive
Sole Hope
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Shoes and donations can be mailed to 605 East Innes St. #3263,
Salisbury, NC 28145

Sole Hope is an organization working to create a positive difference in the lives of individuals in impoverished communities of Uganda to combat diseases that enter through the feet. Jiggers are small sand fleas that live in the dust, and are found on the dirt floors in schools and the homes of many families in Uganda and other similar climates. Female jiggers can burrow into the skin and these wounds are painful, and cause difficulties for victims in daily activities such as walking, playing, and attending school. In addition to shoe making events and collections, Sole Hope holds medical clinics, and provides education and jobs for the beautiful souls of Uganda. Volunteers can help by holding a Shoe Cutting Party or by Coordinating a Collection Drive. If you're holding a shoe cutting party, start by deciding approximately how many people you're going to invite. You can then purchase the corresponding shoe cutting kit from their website. Kits come with an instructional DVD, pictures, shoe sponsorship cards, bookmarks, stickers, a pattern, and much more! You can hold a collection for simple items to help with jigger removals and to assist the Outreach House in Africa. Sole Hope will ensure they go with the next bunch of shoe uppers and medical supplies to Uganda.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: info@solehope.org
www.solehope.org
 
 
Veggielution's Youth Garden
Veggielution Community Farm
 
Date/Time: Every Saturday 10am - 12:30pm
 
Location: 647 S. King Road, San Jose; located in the back of Emma Prusch Park

Come join Veggielution farms for weekly Youth Garden Activities. Every Saturday the whole family can enjoy gardening, crafting, and learning together in the Youth Garden. Participating in our Youth Garden activities is a great way to spend time with your children while exploring the garden, learning about healthy lifestyle choices, and discovering the exciting processes of the natural world - not to mention making new friends. This is a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty and become better stewards of the environment as a family. Veggielution volunteer activities encourage exploration and play-based learning for the whole family.

Ages: Families with children ages three and up are welcome to volunteer.
 
Time Commitment: Two and one-half hours
 
Contact: Jennifer Aguilar, jena@veggielution.org or Dana Shinners, danas@veggielution.org
www.veggielution.org/youth-garden
 
 
Full Circle Farm Education Garden - Sustainable Community Gardens
Full Circle Farm
 
Date/Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 7pm or dark, whichever comes first.
 
Location: Our West Gate at 955 Dunford Way, Sunnyvale

Full Circle Farm's Education Garden is a one-acre patch of green at the west end of the farm. The Education Garden meets several community needs while the production fields are focused on food production. Volunteer garden tasks are different everyday - you might be harvesting, planting, weeding, composting, digging and more. No experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to take home some veggies with them. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

What To Bring/Wear:
  • water bottle
  • closed toed shoes
  • sunblock
  • hat
  • snacks and/or a lunch
  • garden gloves (if you have them)
Ages: All ages, families are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Come when you can and leave whenever you need to
 
Contact: Dan Hafeman, danh@fullcirclesunnyvale.org
www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org
 
 
Sheltering the Unhoused
Winter Faith Collaborative
 
Date/Time: Now through the end of March
 
Location: Multiple churches throughout San Jose
 
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 40 faith communities across San Jose with the collective aim to serve and shelter those in the houseless community who are living outdoors this El Nino winter. Your willingness to volunteer at the shelters is critical in this community effort to house the unhoused and save lives this winter. Volunteers are needed to staff the temporary shelters, perform services such as laundry, and provide meals. Each shelter has its own rules for volunteer eligibility, but there are multiple options for serving with children. Volunteer opportunities at each shelter can be found on the sign up page.
 
Ages: Varies by shelter, check the Volunteer Spot sign up page for details by location
 
Time Commitment: Varies, depending on opportunity
 
Contact: winterfaithcollaborative@gmail.com or 408.345.5351. Registration is available online
https://faithcollaborative.wordpress.com/
 
 
Birthday Giving Project  
Family-To-Family
 
Date/Time: Flexible
 
Location: Contact birthdays@family-to-family.org to ask for the name of a shelter or pantry where you can deliver the birthday boxes or call your local food pantry to ask if they accept birthday in a box donations
 
It's hard for many of us - adults or children - to imagine celebrating a child's birthday without a party or presents. Family-to Family's Birthday Giving Project is designed to help families by providing a small "party in a box" for a child in need, and at the same time gives children with "more" the opportunity to learn empathy in a concrete way by helping another child. You and your children can decorate and fill shoeboxes with everything needed for a small birthday party. Each box goes to a different child. If you are making a lot of boxes, please make them for different ages!

Directions:
  • Pick an age (or ages), and choose either boy(s) or girl(s) to send your box to.
  • Find a large sneaker-sized shoebox or party bag and buy the things needed for a party.
Include: 
  • Box of cake mix and a can of frosting
  • Birthday candles (no matches please!)
  • Wall decoration (like streamers, or a happy birthday banner)
  • New or gently used children's book
  • Small $5-$10 gift appropriate to the age and gender of child.
  • Optional: goody bag filled with small surprises
Then:
  • Wrap the book and the gift in birthday paper.
  • Wrap the top and bottom of the shoebox separately (so that even wrapped, the box can be opened), and fill the wrapped box with the birthday items.
  • If you want to give your recipient a chance to write you back, include a stamped postcard with your name, c/o Family to Family, P.O. Box 255, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, 10706. Then email kids@family-to-family.org, put "birthday postcards" in the subject line, say you may get a return postcard, and provide your name and address.
  • You can also make a birthday card to put inside the box. Then tie the box closed with ribbon, and label it with the age and "boy" or "girl". (For example, you might write "6-7 year old boy" or "10-11 year old girl".)
  • Ship or deliver the box(es) you've assembled
Visit the Doing Good Together Birthday Giving Project page for more ideas and reflection questions.
 
Ages: Everyone can participate
 
Time Commitment: Varies

Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org or birthdays@family-to-family.org 
 
DGT FAMILY SERVICE FAIR MANUAL WITH ONLINE TOOLKIT

We've got a great way for you to help your organization help others!
Doing Good Together Family Service Fairs allow groups of all ages to serve others in a two-hour fair-style event. Attendees come together to do simple and fun hands-on projects that benefit non-profit organizations. Want to host a fun fair of your own? Our DGT Family Service Fair Manual with Online Toolkit has all you need to get started.

 

 

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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™

                                                                                    

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