Hospice By the Sea

Hospice by the Sea is a hospice program in the North County coastal area of San Diego which provides palliative care to those in need. The Hospice by the Sea is looking for committed volunteers who are willing to visit patients, assist patients with errands and provide overall compassion and support. Hospice by the Sea will provide free training, which starts in January. Call (858) 794-0195 for more information.

City Libraries

Do you enjoy checking out books, CDs and DVDs from your local library for free? Here’s a great way to give back if you have some extra time – the San Diego City libraries is looking to match individuals with volunteer opportunities that utilize their own talents and interests. For example, you could volunteer to shelf books at your local branch of the San Diego City libraries. If you’re artistic, you could help create the visual displays that go inside the libraries each month. There are numerous opportunities open and they don’t require a ton of time. Log on to http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/ for more information, or to find the phone number of your local library branch, visit http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/ .

Hearts and Hands Working Together

The mission of Hearts and Hands Working Together is to provide food, clothing and shoes to at risk and underserved families and individuals in the San Ysidro Community. This organization believes that when people work together, they can accomplish much more than they could if they were to work alone. For that reason, Hearts and Hands Working Together provides monthly food distributions to those in need, emergency food distributions, new shoes, used clothing and weekly distribution of bread and other baked goods. Your support can make a big difference, so if you’re interested in helping out, call Executive Director, Alicia Jimenez, at (619) 662-7592 today.

Pegasus Rising

Pegasus Rising is a charity located in Rancho Sante Fe, which provides care for a unique family of horses with a special gift to help humans. Specifically, Pegasus Rising helps military personnel who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury heal though Equine Assisted Experiential Health Therapy. If you can commit 2 hours a week or more, you may qualify to work directly with the horses at the Valenti Ranch in North County. To donate or to find out how to volunteer, visit http://pegasusrising.org/2009/09/01/volunteer/

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad

The beautiful Flower Fields in Carlsbad is looking for volunteers to help teach elementary school children about flower, composting, recycling and the environment. Training will be provided and prior experience is not required. If you love working with children and are available on certain days between the hours of 9:100 am and 12:30pm, contact Joni at (760) 930-9123 extension 118 for more information.

Alliance for African Assistance

The Alliance for African Assistance helps refugees, immigrants and other economically-challenged people to attain self-reliance by providing services such as language assistance, transportation to doctor’s visits, education and job training. A few ways to help include donating professional clothing, spending time to tutor a child, taking a refugee family a meal or teaching English, especially if you are bi-lingual. Call 619-286-9052 extension 293 to learn how you can make a positive impact in the lives of a needy family.

Komen San Diego

The San Diego chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure actively works to combat breast cancer, through the funding of research grants, health education, screening, treatment and awareness. Up to 75% of the chapter’s net income is used for grants to local hospitals and organizations that help fight breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure of San Diego is looking for volunteers, with all different types of talents and schedules. Whether you like being outdoors, meeting people face-to-face or thrive with social media, you can help! You can fill out a volunteer application or make a donation online at http://www.komensandiego.org/get-involved/volunteer/

San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project

The San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project is a non-profit educational charity that believes that where you buy your food affects your health and the health of your community. The organization is made up of citizens, farmers, chefs, teachers and students with a common goal in mind: the consumption of local food. Roots promotes small family farms and local food businesses, supports school gardens and helps educate people about the benefits of eating locally-grown food. They hold public meetings every Monday from 4 to 5:30pm in the community room of the Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Co-op, at 4765 Voltaire Street in San Diego. To find out more, check out their website, http://www.sandiegoroots.org/work.html

Carlsbad Marathon for Huntington's Disease

Are you an athletic-minded person? Or has someone you love been affected by Huntington’s Disease?  Currently, 40 volunteers are needed to help support the Tri-City Medical Center Marathon and Half Marathon on January 23, 2011. The event will take place between 5:30 and 10:30 am and volunteers are needed to cheer the runners and walkers on and make sure that the course is safe for them. Volunteers should sign up as soon as possible. To sign up, fill out the online form at http://www.doitsports.com/volunteer2/user-volunteer-signup.tcl?job_id=54212454&event_id=118726&job_desp=Course+Support+%2d+Huntingtons+Disease&volunteer_date=2011%2d01%2d23&start_time=05%3a30+AM&end_time=12%3a30+PM

The United States Institute of Amateur Athletics (USIAA)

 The United States Institute of Amateur Athletics (USIAA) is an organization which lifts up inner-city youth and empowers them through “Olympic style” athletic events. The organization’s core values are hard work, commitment and integrity. They work on preventing violent behavior and gang membership in youth by teaching them people-skills and confidence through sports. Volunteer positions such as clerks and equipment managers are now open. To find out about volunteer opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation, call (619) 501-3759 or log on to http://www.usiaa.org/index.asp.

Becky's House

Becky’s House is a program of the San Diego County YMCA which was founded in 1999. Becky’s House started with a a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, crisis intervention, counseling and shelter placement for women and children in need of safety. Today, these programs still continue and in 2001, a 9-unit, 30-bed safe haven called Becky’s House was first opened. Becky’s House helps an average of 500 women and children in crisis each year. Some of the items that Becky’s House needs donated year-round include gift certificates to grocery stores, new pillows, new silverware, storage bins, day planners, journals, coloring books, stickers, and new twin-sized mattresses. To view the full wish list or to find out more information about donating, visit http://new.ywcasandiego.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=27  or call (619) 239-0355, ext. 244

Autism Research Institute

Autism is a severe developmental disorder that affects as many as one out of every 110 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Autism Research Institute of San Diego’s purpose is to conduct scientific research designed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of autism. The Autism Research Institute’s website provides free podcasts and webinars related to Autism as well as a list of experienced clinicians who can help. Monetary donations can also be made online, at https://www.autismdonations.com/donate.asp

The Ché Café

The Ché Café, located at 9500 Gilman Drive, Student Center B-0323C in La Jolla, is a non-profit co-op run by UCSD students and the community. The Ché Café hosts concerts, open-mic nights, vegan meals, fundraisers and other events and also utilizes local, organic gardening. Some of the items that the Ché Café would love to have donated include cooking equipment such as large pots, spice containers or a pressure cooker, serving items like mugs, cups and flatware and furniture like chairs and round tables. If you have any of these items that you’d be willing to donate or you’d like to volunteer with the Ché Café, email che@checafe.ucsd.edu.

Braille Institute of San Diego

The Braille Institute of San Diego has numerous volunteer opportunities awaiting you! The Braille Institute of San Diego helps people of all ages with low vision or vision loss adapt to their daily lives. They provide a variety of free, helpful services including a Braille library, adult classes, job counseling, teen groups and services for blind and visually impaired children. A few of the open volunteer opportunities including being a community ambassador, a community networker and even a virtual volunteer, which involves social media such as Facebook and Twitter! You can contact the local volunteer coordinator, Joy Durbin, at (858) 452-1111.

Gingerbread for a Cause

This coming Saturday, December 18^th at 12-4pm is a special event, Gingerbread for a Cause! Local chefs will compete, by creating special dishes inspired by the spirit of the holidays and gingerbread! For only $20 you get four food tickets and the right to vote for your favorite! The proceeds go to Second Chance, San Diego, an organization which is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment by assisting those in need with job skills, career placement, mental health counseling and affordable housing. The event will be held at Arclinea, 2515 5^th Ave in downtown San Diego. For more information, contact (619) 564-7440).

The Rock Prison Ministry

The Rock Prison Ministry’s purpose is to change lives for Jesus Christ, behind prison walls. The Ministry provides church services, bible studies, accountability and mentorship for both men, women and children who are incarcerated in local prisons such as Donovan, Las Colinas, East Mesa and Kearney Mesa Juvenile Detention Center. They also have a pen pal program to encourage those behind bars and help prisoners transition once they are released. The Rock Prison Minsitry is looking for dedicated volunteers who are interested in going inside prisons to be a part of the team. If that type of serving doesn’t suit you, you can also volunteer outside of prisons, to support the family members and children of prisoners at home. The Rock Prison Ministry would love to have paperback bibles donated as well as grocery store gift cards. If you own a business and have any open parolee-friendly job positions, please contact the ministry as well. For more information, visit www.therocksandiego.org/ministries/prison or find the ministry on facebook under "Rock Church Prison Ministry".

Wounded Warrior Homes

Wounded Warrior Homes, located in Vista, CA, is a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing to service members who have suffered from brain injuries, as a bridge between living in rehabilitation clinics and living independently. Wounded Warrior Homes is currently looking for business partners and people who can make either financial donations or the gift of real estate. For more details, log on to http://www.woundedwarriorhomes.org/

Passion 4 KIDS Event TONIGHT for baby Izaiah

This evening, December 14^th from 7 to 10 pm, Passion 4 KIDS is hosting a special event to honor baby Izaiah Wells. Only 18 months old, Izaiah and his grandfather were hit by a drunk driver has he was being taken to the park in a stroller. Izaiah is currently in a coma at Rady Children’s Hospital. This event, which is being held at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa, 1404 Vacation Road, San Diego CA, will help raise funds for Izaiah’s family to pay for the staggering medical bills. The event will include Adrain Gonzalez of the Padres, Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church, music, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $35 and an RSVP is highly suggested, as tickets are limited. To RSVP, email linda@passion4kids.com with the subject “fundraiser” and your name, number of guests attending and phone number in the email.

Project Angel Tree

Founded by a reformed bank robber, Project Angel Tree recognizes that children with an incarcerated parent or parents suffer, especially around the holidays. Project Angel Tree helps by providing children a Christmas gift, directly chosen and sent from their parent in prison. This helps children to understand that though they may feel abandoned, they are truly loved! You can sponsor a child’s gift on Project Angel Tree’s national website, at https://www.angeltree.org/deliverlove-gift or you can get involved through a local church that’s registered with Project Angel Tree, such as The Rock San Diego: http://www.therocksandiego.org/stories/angeltreejoy/

Kids Korps

Today, Sunday December 12, from 12-4pm, Kids Korps, an organization that engages kids and teenagers in community service, will be holding a special Santa “Cause” village event at the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar (2720 Via De La Valle). At the event, you can drop off your recyclable electronics such as computers, monitors, keyboards, used ink cartridges and routers, to be used for a great cause – helping less fortunate kids. You can also make holiday crafts and blankets for needy children and Christmas cards for the troops. There will be food available and you can get your child’s picture taken with Santa from 12-2pm. For more information, visit http://www.kidskorps.org/ .

Cleaning for a Reason

Do you know a woman in San Diego who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments? Chemotherapy can be physically exhausting, even long after the treatments. Cleaning for a Reason knows this, so they provide free housecleaning services for women undergoing chemotherapy, once a month for four months during treatments. Women undergoing chemotherapy can simply submit an online application for free housecleaning at the Cleaning for a Reason website. You can also make an online donation to sponsor a housecleaning service, at http://www.cleaningforareason.org/index.html

Urban Corps of San Diego

The Urban Corps of San Diego provides both education and jobs to people between the ages of 18 and 25. They empower young adults, especially those without high school or college degrees, to learn job skills and help their community at the same time as gaining valuable work experience. Recycling, tree planting and graffiti removal are just a few examples of projects done by Urban Corps employees. The Urban Corps of San Diego is currently hiring! If you know someone interested in working for the Urban Corps or if you are interested in having an Urban Corps crew provide services to your community, call (619) 235-6884.

Toys for an Orphanage in Tijuana

Children in orphanages in Tijuana do not have it easy. Christmas is one of the few times a year when they get some extra joy, due to the generosity of those participating in toy drives. A good friend of mine, Clarissa Glez, is collecting toys for the children at various orphanages in Tijuana, working in partnership with Corazon de Vida. For more information on where to drop off your safe, unwrapped toy in San Diego County, contact Clarissa at cglez01@gmail.com. She is collecting toys until December 16^th.

The Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation of San Diego seeks to protect all of the world’s oceans and beaches, especially those located in San Diego. Their key initiatives include access to clean water, the preservation of beaches and beach access. You can support the Surfrider Foundation by becoming a member of Surfrider, at https://www.surfrider.org/surfrider_membership/join/membership3.cfm. You can join them in volunteering at a local beach clean-up, storm-drain stenciling or petition drive. For more information about volunteering, email membership@surfrider.org.

Woodward Animal Center

The Helen Woodward Animal Center is a non-profit organization that has been helping animals for over 30 years. As a no-kill animal shelter best in Rancho Sante Fe, the Woodward Animal Center relies greatly on donations from the public. They provide educational programs to the public as well as food and shelter to dogs, cats and other animals. If you’ve been wanting to buy a puppy or kitty, the Woodward Animal Center recommends giving a pet a permanent home by adopting. The Center also needs canned pet foods such as Friskies or Pedigree for cats and dogs. If you can make a monetary donation or want to volunteer your time with the animals, contact (858) 756-4117 or visit http://www.animalcenter.org/.

Computers 2 SD Kids

Computers 2 SD Kids (C2SDK) believes that all kids in San Diego should have access to computers for the educational benefits that they can provide, regardless of the family’s financial situation. C2SDK has programs that refurbish used computers and place them into the homes of families with children who are in need. They also provide computer training for the families. If you have a computer that you don’t use anymore, computer parts, ink cartridges, printers, TV’s, cell phones, etc. or the heart to train kids on the computer, please contact C2SDK at (858) 635-5774 or by emailing info@computers2sdkids.org.

Bread for the Journey, Inc. - San Diego Chapter

The mission of Bread for the Journey, Inc. is to “find people with strength and vision who are passionate about improving their community, and help them make it happen.” Twenty-two years ago in Santa Fe, Bread for the Journey started micro-granting, giving small grants to people who had something special to offer to their community. Today, the San Diego Chapter of Bread for the Journey promotes everything from community fairs to youth sports to feeding the homeless. To find out more about Bread for the Journal, email breadjourney@gmail.com or visit http://breadforthejourney.org/index.html

UCSD Hearts & Hands Volunteer Doula Program

A doula is a birth assistant which helps a woman with emotional support during childbirth. While doulas are not typically doctors or nurses, they can help ease the stress and even pain associated with birth. At the UCSD Hearts & Hands Volunteer Doula Program, volunteers support women, who might not be able to afford that type of individual care, in every step of their birth. To find out about volunteering or to make a donation to the program, visit http://sandiegodoulas.org/

Elderhelp of San Diego

Elderhelp of San Diego is a non-profit group which helps to increase the quality of life that seniors in San Diego experience. Elderhelp helps seniors continue to live independently in their houses, by providing services such as grocery delivery, visitors and home and gardening services. Elderhelp needs items donated, such as walkers, scooters, Ensure nutritional drinks, portable heaters and fans. They are also looking for volunteers to visit the elderly and help them with their needs, especially in the North Park, Poway, Clairemont and Lemon Grove areas. For more information on how to donate or about the volunteer orientation on December 21^st, visit http://www.elderhelpofsandiego.org/get-involved/wish-list

Toys for Joy

On Saturday, December 11^th from 9am to 4pm Toy’s for Joy will be holding their 14^th annual Christmas toy drive at Abraham Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Avenue in San Diego. This event allows literally thousands of children and their families to receive a free toy, medical screenings and non-perishable food items. There will also be entertainment and a fun zone for the kids. If you’d like to volunteer to help at the event or sponsor a concession stand or promotional items, please contact Michele Kassa as soon as possible, at (858) 344-9298 or michele.kassa@therocksandiego.org. You can also donate new toys to Toys for Joy – drop them off on a Sunday from 8am to 8pm at the Rock Church, 2277 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92106 or make a financial donation online at http://www.toys-for-joy.org/donations

La Jolla Friends of the Seals

La Jolla Friends of the Seals helps preserve the colony of seals in La Jolla through environmental education. They encourage safe viewing and also protection of the harbor seals. The La Jolla Friends of the Seals is asking for your help in increasing protection of the seals. You can write a letter to your local district representative, urging them to create a marine mammal park and closing the beach during pupping season in the nighttime. To view a sample letter or find the contact information for your local representative, visit http://lajollafriendsoftheseals.org/.

Macy's Believe Campaign

Are you going to the mall do to some Holiday shopping? Macy’s is asking children and adults to bring a letter to Santa, stamped and addressed to “Santa at the North Pole” to the Santa Mail letterbox in any Macy’s store. Macy’s will donate $1 for each letter to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity that fulfills the wishes and dreams of children with life-threatening conditions such as cancer. It’ll only cost you 5 minutes and 44 cents to do some good today!

Accion San Diego

“Lending, supporting, inspiring” is Accion San Diego’s main purpose. Accion seeks to help San Diegans break out of the poverty level and into a better financial future, by assisting in job training and providing loans and business support to small businesses. Accion provides loans ranging from $300 to $35,000 so that San Diegans can start and maintain successful businesses. To donate your time or resources, visit http://accionsandiego.org/index.html or call (619) 795-7250.

Stepping Stone of San Diego

Stepping Stone of San Diego is a unique, non-profit, drug and alcohol treatment facility that welcomes all people and primarily services those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. They offer a comprehensive treatment approach based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and also incorporate progressive healing of the mind, body and spirit. To learn about volunteering or to make a donation, please visit http://www.steppingstonesd.org/

The Burn Institute of San Diego

Since 1972, The Burn Institute of San Diego has been working to reduce the number of fire-related injuries and deaths in San Diego County. Some of their programs include survivor counseling, burn education and installing free smoke alarms in homes for the elderly. A few of the many great volunteer opportunities include installing smoke alarms, helping out at a camp for burn survivors who are children and attending fun monthly outings like movies and baseball games with burn victims. To make a donation, call (858) 541-2277 and to volunteer, visit http://burninstitute.org/volunteer/register-form.html

The San Diego Eye Bank

This unique non-profit corporation aids people in preserving and also restoring sight. Thus far, the San Diego Eye Bank has helped give sight back to 25,000 people who had lost their sight due to injury or disease. The San Diego Eye Bank offers laser surgeries, tissue distribution and other family services. They are eager to have volunteers to participate in health fairs and in the office. If you’re interested in volunteering, call (858) 694-0400.

The San Diego River Park Foundation

The San Diego River Park Foundation is an organization dedicated to keeping the 52-mile San Diego River clean, healthy and beneficial to San Diego residents. They promote education of environmental issues, help to keep the river clean and maintain the beautiful river park in Mission Valley. The San Diego River Park Foundation is looking for people to help volunteer by planting, weeding and watering on Sunday mornings. There are also other volunteer opportunities available, so contact Doug Taylor, at 619-297-7380 if you’re interested. You can even register your savings cards for grocery stores like Vons and Ralphs online so that each time you spend money on groceries; the store gives a percentage of what you’ve spent to the San Diego River Park Foundation. To register your savings card, visit http://sandiegoriver.org/escrip.php

Reading is Fundamental

Founded in 1966, Reading is Fundamental helps encourage children to read by working with children and their parents to read, especially in underserved communities. They believe that literacy is the key to helping children succeed. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) provides reading help in schools, community centers and homeless shelters across the United States, including locally in San Diego. RIF volunteers distribute free books to children and read with them. To find the closest RIF program to you in San Diego, visit www.RIF.org

The Special Olympics of Southern California,San Diego

The Special Olympics of Southern California, San Diego provides year-round athletic programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Their sports coaching and competitions instill confidence and self-esteem in the athletes, whether they win or lose. The Special Olympics of San Diego has sports opportunities as far south as San Ysidro and as far North as Oceanside. Volunteers are always needed. A few volunteer opportunities include coaching the sports teams, event planning, providing first aid at sports competitions and administrative office tasks. To find out more about volunteering or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit http://www.sosc.org/sandiego

San Diego Audubon Society

The San Diego Audubon Society promotes education about and conservation of birds and their natural habitats. They have educational programs for 2^nd through 6^th graders and also help increase natural conservation through several local wildlife sanctuaries. The San Diego Audubon Society is also having a bird walk at 8am on Saturday, November 27^th. Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center; 5180 Tecolote Road, San Diego CA 92110. They are always happy to accept volunteers and do not require previous training for volunteers. T-shirts, posters and other items which benefit the San Diego Audubon Society are for sale at http://sandiegoaudubon.org/ 

Expanding Your Horizons

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is an annual conference that encourages middle school and high school girls to explore science, math and technology by learning from some of San Diego’s best scientists. Each year, Expanding Your Horizons helps young women become more aware of the opportunities they have in science and math careers. This is accomplished through hands-on activities, instead of long lectures. As a non-profit, EYH is specifically looking for businesses to act as corporate sponsors for 2011’s conference. Please visit http://eyhsandiego.org/ for more information.

Pathfinders of San Diego

If you’ve ever known anyone with struggling with an addiction to alcohol, you know that getting and staying sober cannot be done alone. Pathfinders of San Diego was founded in 1950, by a group of men looking for a sober living environment. Today, Pathfinders has several recovery houses for men, on Dale Street and Cedar Street in San Diego, which can each accommodate up to 40 men. Residents live in the recovery houses for an average of 3 to 9 months, where they attend daily AA meetings and participate in volunteer activities. You can make a tax-deductible donation by calling 619-260-1605 or visiting http://www.pathfindersrecovery.org .

 

Run/Walk for Foodmobile

Are you a runner? Looking to burn off some extra calories before the big Thanksgiving meal? On Thursday, November 25^th at 7:10am, you can participate in a 10k or 5k run/walk through Petco Park and the Gaslamp district to help fight hunger. Proceeds go to fund Foodmobile, a service provided by Jewish Family Services and the San Diego Food Bank. Foodmobile delivers almost 2,000 hot meals to the elderly in San Diego each month and provides the only kosher food delivery service. Today, November 19^th is the last day to pre-register for the race for only $25! For more information, visit http://www.kathyloperevents.com/hungry/

Empty Cradle

Empty Cradle provides emotional support and education to parents who have lost a baby, whether before or after birth. The organization started small in 1982 but today, they hold monthly meetings in San Diego, have telephone support and additional programs. Since Empty Cradle is a non-profit organization, it’s services are run entirely by volunteers. If you have a heart meant for volunteering to help parents who have suffered from a pregnancy loss or infant death, call (619) 595-3887 or email volunteer@emptycradle.org. You can also donate online at www.EmptyCradle.org 

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research

If you love visiting the zoo and seeing all of the amazing animals, why not volunteer? The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research needs people 18 and older to be service assistant volunteers. Research assistant volunteer positions are also available, but require a science-related degree. Another great opportunity: have your school, Girl Scout troop or family collect as many recyclable cans as possible from now until Earth Day, April 21, 2011. Then, recycle the cans and donate the proceeds to Cans for Critters. You’ll also have an opportunity to win prizes! For more information, email cansforcritters@sandiegozoo.org or visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/donate/

The San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation

The San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation was founded in 2002, in order to help children with sports-related injuries bounce back, despite medical insurance barriers or lack of insurance. They host free injury clinics on Saturday mornings and help children and teenagers in need of MRIs, surgeries and treatments after surgery. To see the stories of children who’ve been successfully treated by the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation or to make a donation online, visit http://sdsmf.com/ .

HEART of Chula Vista

HEART of Chula Vista stands for Help and Education for Animal Responsibility Team. This non-profit organization helps encourage responsible pet ownership throughout San Diego, especially in Chula Vista, National City, Lemon Grove and Imperial Beach. HEART of Chula Vista helps nurture over 9,000 abandoned animals each year, as they enter the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility. They provide the animals with medications, vaccinations and also pay for animals to be spayed and neutered in order to reduce the number of homeless pets. Monetary donations can be made online at http://www.heart-of-cvacf.org/contribute.html. Another way to help: adopt a homeless pet rather than buying one from a pet store or breeding.

Goodwill Industries of San Diego

Do you have clothes cluttering up your closet that you haven’t worn in over a year? It’s time to donate them for a good cause. Goodwill Industries of San Diego helps disabled people and others with barriers to employment gain valuable work experience that they can use in the real world. When you donate your unwanted clothes and accessories to Goodwill of San Diego, they sell them and use the earned money to provide job training and employment to Americans in need. To find your closest donation center where you can drop off goods, visit http://www.sdgoodwill.org/donationcenters.shtml 

Kactis 4 Kancer

Kactis 4 Kancer is a non-profit organization which sells cacti and other drought-tolerant succulent plants, with the proceeds going towards cancer research. Today, November 13, 2010 from 9am to 3pm, Kactis 4 Kancer is having their big open house sale at 4216 Cielo Ave. in Oceanside. The sale will feature not only cacti and succulents but also holiday-themed gifts and T-shirts with their special logo. They will be providing free hot dogs from 11am to 1pm as well. In addition to purchasing plants, you can also donate reusable pots, garden supplies or soil to Kactis 4 Kancer. Call (760) 845-8055 or visit http://www.kactis4kancer.org/ for more information.

Rebuilding Together San Diego

Rebuilding Together San Diego seeks to improve the various communities within San Diego County by helping out homeowners in need of improvements. Their programs target low-income elderly and disabled homeowners with free services such as adding in security lighting, grab bars and raised toilets as well as making repairs on minor electrical and plumbing problems. These programs not only help to keep people safer but also boost morale within the communities. Rebuilding Together San Diego is looking for volunteers, especially those with skilled trade experience such as landscapers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters. They also accept monetary donations of money, building materials or tools. For more information, visit http://www.rebuildingtogethersd.org/ .

San Diego Armed Services YMCA

The San Diego Armed Services YMCA provides free services to military personnel and their family throughout San Diego, such as counseling, after-school programs, moms and tots groups, cooking classes and emergency food assistance. They are looking for volunteers in good health to help run programs, assisting military families. Volunteers must be willing to be fingerprinted prior to serving. You can also donate online at http://militaryymca.com/.