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/.