Trevor's Toy Box

Trevor's Toy Box provides free toys to children in hospitals in San Diego County, all year round. Some of the ongoing programs involve supporting Kaiser San Diego and the Balboa Navy Hospital with toys, art projects and games, which bring happiness to the children. Trevor's Toy Boy is currently selling Trevor's Toybox cookbooks, with over 100 recipes submitted by supporters. The cookbooks are $25, plus shipping and can be purchased online. Visit http://trevorstoybox.org/Make_a_Donation.html for all the details.

Invisible Children

Today there’s no better way to say it than a quote directly from Invisible Children: “Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s rebel war and restore Northern Uganda to peace and prosperity.” Donations can be made online at http://www.invisiblechildren.com/ or check out a nice assortment of clothing and accessories, with proceeds going to Invisible Children: http://store.invisiblechildren.com/    

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was first founded in 1962, with the intention to change the lives of children with medical needs. Since then, thousands of children have had access to treatments that would not have otherwise been possible without St. Jude's. The San Diego chapter would like your support. One way to help is by sending someone you love a personalized card or E-card through the St. Jude website at http://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/shop.do?cID=10180  

Food not Bombs

Across the United States, Food Not Bombs provides free vegetarian and vegan meals to the hungry in over 1,000 cities nationwide. The goals are to reduce hunger and environmental destruction while promoting peace. The San Diego chapter of Food Not Bombs meets on Wednesdays at 5:15pm downtown to distribute food. If you're interesting in trying it out, call (619) 263-7264.

YMCA Teen Link

Teen Link is a series of classes for teenagers run by the YMCA. These classes, which are held at community centers, schools and treatment centers, focus on self-esteem, skill development and reducing the pressure that the media puts on teenagers. Teen Link also has a program for helping young mothers and fathers learn how to parent their new babies. Teen Link has ongoing community activities and new volunteers are always needed. Call the Teen Link program director at (619) 281-8313 if you're interested. 

Rolando Clean Up Day

Live near the San Diego community of Rolando? This coming Saturday, January 29th from 9am until 12 noon the Rolando Community Council is going to ring in the new year with a neighborhood clean-up. Meet at Clay Park (4759 Seminole Dr, San Diego, CA 92115). If you have them, please bring rakes, gloves, brooms, clippers, plastic trash bags or whatever other items you have. The Rolando Community Council thanks you! Even if you don't live in San Diego, consider organizing or participating in a clean-up event in your area.

Win a $25 Gift Certificate to Jewelry4Change!

Time to thank all of my awesome readers who give back to their communities…

I’ll be giving a $25 gift certificate good for anything in the Jewelry4Change shop.  This is your chance to pick up sparkly new earrings, a bracelet or necklace FOR FREE!  J 

And, since Jewelry4Change donates 40% of the proceeds from sales to Africa Water and Life, this is a way for me to support a non-profit organization while giving you a freebie.

There are several ways to enter. Please leave me a message for each entry.  A winner will be chosen using Random.org. 

Mandatory for first entry:

 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect.   

Next,  visit the Jewelry4Change site and tell me about a product you like.

Optional Additional Entries:

(1)    Like 365 Days of Good in San Diego on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/365DaysofGoodSD)

(2)    Email Sarah@RealtorSD.com with "subscribe me to your monthly newsletter" in the heading.

(3)    Update YOUR status on YOUR Facebook WALL by writing this: “I entered to win the Jewelry4Change $25 Gift Certificate @ 365 Day of Good in San Diego!  Stop by and enter at http://365daysofgoodsd.blogspot.com/"

(4)    Follow the  Jewelry4Change Blog (http://jewelry4change.blogspot.com/) via Google Friend Connect.

(5)    Make a blog post linking to this giveaway and the featured company stating why you would like to win this giveaway. Please leave a comment with a direct link to your post (3 entries).

Giveaway ends Feb 2nd at 11:59pm PST. USA only. Winner will be picked via Random.org. If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment. For example: 365Days (at) gmail (dot) com so that I may get in touch with you if you are selected as the giveaway winner. Please respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.
Good Luck!

Bread of Life

doing this a little early because of the giveaway...

The Bread of Life Rescue Mission is an organization dedicated to helping poor and homeless people in North County, San Diego. They operate an overnight shelter and provide food, clothing and other supplies to the working poor and homeless, throughout the year. Bread of Life is looking for those who can volunteer in preparing and serving meals, facilitating drug tests, preparing supply kits and fundraising. This would be a great idea especially if you live in the North County! Check out http://bolrescue.org/

Jacobs Family Foundation

If you live in the 4^th district of San Diego, especially Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Lincoln Park or Valencia Park, this organization is helping increase the prosperity of your neighborhood. The Jacobs Family Foundation helps to support resident ownership within the 4^th district and also provides neighborhood grants for organizations that better the safety, beauty and community of the area.  Log on to http://www.jacobsfamilyfoundation.org/how.htm for grant information.

San Diego Environmental Foundation

The San Diego Environmental Foundation (SDEF) provides environmental education to and a hands-on learning experience to 4^th to 8^th grade students throughout San Diego County. One of the SDEF’s main projects is to operate their 6,000 square foot EcoCenter, with an exhibit hall and theater for state-of-the art education. Each year, about 35,000 middle school students get to experience the EcoCenter. The San Diego Environmental Foundation is looking for corporate sponsors so if you own a business and would like to team up for a good cause and some great publicity, check out http://www.sdecocenter.org/index.php/opportunities/

Camp Fire USA

The mission statement of the Camp Fire USA San Diego & Imperial Counties Council is “to build caring, confident youth and future leaders”. The organization hosts school field trips, child development programs and motivational workshops for youth. The children get to learn about confidence and nature at the same time. Camp Fire USA is looking for volunteers who would like to spend time outdoors, clearing trails and working together with children. For a volunteer application check out http://www.campfiresdi.org/

Never Knew a Father's Love

Never Knew a Father's Love is a supportive ministry in San Diego, which provides healing and resources to those who grew up without a loving father in their life. Mentorship programs, weekly support groups at the Rock Church and skill-building seminars help those in need to connect and experience a deeper love and healing. If you or someone you know could use the help of Never Knew a Father's Love or would like to be of service to others, email neverknewafatherslove@yahoo.com and be sure to check out the facebook page as well: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Never-Knew-A-Fathers-Love/102800649768587  

California Native Plant Society

         The San Diego chapter of the California Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization that increases awareness of native plants, their benefits and preservation throughout California. In San Diego county, the Native Plant Society hosts field trips and meetings for those who are interested in the growth of native plants. Check out http://www.cnpssd.org/ for information on a few interesting upcoming events.

Free Family Arts and Literacy Program at the Salvation Army Kroc Center

     Here’s a fun, free event for the whole family: the Salvation Army Kroc Center is having a free event called “Build Your Own Global Village” on Thursday January 27^th from 6:30 to 8pm. The event is for families with children of all ages and will provide entertainment with a variety of visual artists as well as hands-on fun. Children will get to create replicas of houses from all around the world using paper bags and other fun supplies all the while, learning about other cultures. The event will be held in the Kroc’s Center’s multipurpose room, at 6605 University Avenue in San Diego. To get more information, contact the Family Arts and Literacy Connection at (619) 282-7599 extension 114.

Old Town Visitor's Center

If you enjoy shopping, dining or just having fun in Old Town, the Old Town Visitor’s Center needs you! The Old Town Visitor’s Center is looking for volunteers who can assist others in activities related to Old Town, as well as helping out with city information and directions. Even students needing community service hours can volunteer at the Old Town Visitor’s Center, and the center is especially seeking those who know multiple languages. You can even volunteer on your own schedule. Call Marie in the center at (619) 291-4903 to inquire.

Girl's Think Tank

Girl’s Think Tank is a grassroots advocacy group that helps make a difference in San Diego through hands-on public service. Some of their main objectives include fighting homelessness, gang violence and human trafficking. Girl’s Think Tank also provides backpacks full of blankets and hygiene products to homeless people in need and they have given over 1,200 since the non-profit was founded in 2006. Girl’s Think Tank has about 50 regular volunteers and they are looking for more. They meet the first Thursday of every month at 6pm, at 655 W. Broadway Street on the 19^th floor. For more information about how to get involved, visit http://girlsthinktank.org/getinvolved/

Behavioral Diabetes Institute

The Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI) is a non-profit organization committed to helping people deal with the many psychological needs associated with having diabetes. Three of their main focuses include clinical services for diabetics, training programs for healthcare professionals and research programs to help fight diabetes. Volunteers and donations are what keep the BDI going! It’s easy to submit a volunteer application online or to make a donation without leaving your desk, at http://behavioraldiabetesinstitute.org/BDI-Volunteers.html

Escondido Children's Museum

 The Escondido Children’s Museum inspires children through a variety of informative hands-on exhibits. Located at 380 N. Escondido Blvd, the Museum is currently seeking volunteers with excellent communication skills and a love of education, science and the arts. Volunteers are wanted to do demonstrations at various events, meet and greet visitors and work in the administrative office, from Tuesday through Saturay between 10am and 4pm or on Sunday between 12 and 4pm. If you’re interested in a volunteer position, email cslotman@escondidochildrensmuseum.org or call (760) 233-7755 extension 1002.

The Foundation for Women

   The Foundation for Women is a non-profit organization that seeks to help impoverished women locally and globally through microcredit loans that allow and encourage women to work. The Foundation for Women helps women by funding loans in Liberia, Africa and right here in San Diego! You can make a big impact in a woman’s life by donating to the Foundation for Women or purchasing a bag of their micro credit coffee blend online!

The Foundation for Women also has a monthly marketplace bazaar with delicious food like tamales, tacos and flan and special crafts, jewelry and clothing. All of the items are made by women who have benefited from microcredit loans! Check out the bazaar every 2^nd Sunday of the month from 10am to 2pm at the Heartland Masonic Center, 695 Ballantyne St. in El Cajon. For more information, visit: http://www.foundationforwomen.org/

The Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego

The Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego is a non-profit focused on the welfare of animals, specifically Chihuahuas. They provide foster homes to abandoned Chihuahuas and help get them adopted into permanent, loving homes. The Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego also provides special care for Chihuahuas with medical needs and also spays and neuters to help reduce the number of homeless pets in San Diego. On Sunday, January 16, The Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego is going to be at the Blessing of the Animals event in Old Town, from 12 to 3pm. You can also make a donation to the Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego using paypal at http://www.chihuahuarescueofsandiego.com/

Solana Beach Citizen Commissions

Do you live in Solana Beach? Thinking about moving to the area? The city of Solana Beach is encouraging residents to get involved in citizen commissions in order to help better the safety and beauty of the area. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in a commission of their choice such as  Budget & Finance, Parks & Recreation, Public Arts Advisory or Public Safety. For a volunteer application, visit www.cityofsolanabeach.org or City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA.Applications are due by January 18, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Africa Water and Life

Each year, approximately 250,000 children die in Ethiopia due to an illness caused by lack of clean water. Africa Water and Life is a group of churches and individuals in San Diego, which have come together to help the Arsi Oromo people in the south-east region of Ethiopia. Their initiatives include well-drilling, self-help groups, vocational training and providing the saving message of the good news of Jesus Christ. For information on how to get involved or make a donation, visit http://www.africawaterandlife.com/how-to-help.html. Want to do good while shopping? Jewelry 4 Change offers unique, handmade jewelry, and 40% of the proceeds go to helping Africa Water and Life! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelry4change

5 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Get a Job... (from Monster Jobs)

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-5_ways_volunteering_can_help_you_get_a_job-1124

There are a lot of obvious benefits to volunteering for your favorite charity -- a sense of accomplishment, giving back to others, gaining perspective, and meeting new people. You can also find business benefits, and ways your efforts can help land you your dream job.

Develop New Skills
Volunteering can be a positive way to get training in areas your current or past jobs didn't provide. If you need some additional experience for a particular job or promotion, there are many options. For example:

• Project management -- organizing events or fundraising efforts
• Sales skills -- contacting people for donations or recruiting volunteers
• Managing a team -- many projects require a group effort, and a leader to coordinate it

VolunteerMatch.org offers free webinars on "How to be a great volunteer" to get you started.

Meet New Networking Contacts
You never know who you'll meet doing charity work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 42.8% of all volunteers in 2009 had a bachelor's degree or higher, while the U.S. Census 2007 put the national average of degree holders at 25.6%. So your chances of meeting professionals in the volunteer pool are good. If you choose a volunteer role related to your target job, you might run into people with similar interests or that have jobs similar to the one you want.

Impress Employers With Your Ambition
Many companies have a strong social responsibility core, and showing your charitable side displays a good cultural fit.
Tony Blake, staffing director at DaVita, a Fortune 500 kidney dialysis provider, notes that candidates who volunteer stand out in a positive way. "As our CEO Kent Thiry says, 'We're a community first and a corporation second.' We value the passion and involvement with community. It adds depth to a candidate's resume and experience, and it gets noticed."

Fill in Employment Gaps, Add Experience
Volunteer experience is also professional experience. List the organization and dates, and instead of using the title "volunteer," use your responsibilities as a title -- "project coordinator" or "instructor." Mention your accomplishments, results, or awards like any other job, without being misleading.
Using your time to gain new skills and help your community -- either while looking for employment or while working -- highlights your willingness to jump in, learn new things, and do more.

Get That Extra Spring in Your Step
Giving back can be an energizing boost to your self-worth and confidence. Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit. By helping others, you'll get that fulfilling "I made the world a little better" feeling in return.
"Without our 14,000 volunteers putting in 45,000 hours of service each year, we could only serve a tiny fraction of the 1.2 million meals we serve a year," says Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. "There are opportunities to mentor, tutor, plan events and activities, work in the back office, and multiple other options. Volunteers really do impact peoples' lives."

San Diego Microfinance Alliance

The San Diego Microfinance Alliance is made up of a group of donors, microfinance practitioners, educators, students and other professionals. They work to educate people in the San Diego community about the benefits of microfinancing, to provide local business owners, professionals and students more opportunities and a place to network. To find local internships and jobs in microfinancing as well as local microfinance clubs, check out http://sdmicrofinance.org/get-involved/

San Diego County Animal Services

San Diego County Animal Services is actively looking for volunteers who would be willing to spend some of their time each week walking dogs at different shelters throughout San Diego county. Many of the dogs are waiting desperately, for a permanent home. In the meantime, you can help bring joy into the lives of the animals by giving them love, attention and exercise. If you’re interested, call the San Diego County Animal Service’s Volunteer Recruitment Line at 619-767-2782. 

Free Buffet Today!

Food budget tight? How ‘bout a free buffet today at Viejas? All you have to do is bring any working or non-working electronics such as computers, TVs, radios, phones, printers, software or cords, to the California Welcome Cneter at the Viejas Outlet today, Saturday January 8^th from 10am to 1pm. Volunteers will be there to accept your items for donation to Computers 2 Kids SD, so that these items can be refurbished and placed into a home where they can help increase a child’s education. In exchange for your item or items, you’ll receive a free buffet ticket for the Harvest Buffet! The outlet center where you can drop off your items is located at 5005 Willows Road in Alpine. For more information, call (619) 659-2070.

San Diego Peace Corps Association

The San Diego Peace Corps Association helps to promote peace and understanding in San Diego and abroad through social, educational and community services. The SDPCA provides many volunteer opportunities and helps fund local and global peace projects, especially those in developing nations. If you’re interested in becoming a member of the San Diego Peace Corps Association, visit http://edweb.sdsu.edu/sdpca/membership.html

Lets Say Thanks

Lets Say Thanks is a website created for the purpose of thanking and honoring American troops that are stationed overseas. You can send a design a special postcard and send your own personal thank you message to a deployed serviceman or woman for free, by visiting www.letssaythanks.com

OASIS San Diego

OASIS San Diego is a local chapter of the national organization which enriches the lives of adults ages 50 and up. The main focuses of OASIS San Diego include leaning programs such as art, technology and health as well as services that aid in the lives of older adults. The San Diego chapter is looking for volunteers to help teach computer skills and to assist groups on fun day trips. To view all of the local volunteer openings, visit http://www.oasisnet.org/Cities/SanDiegoCA/Volunteer.aspx

Donate Your Old Glasses - Pearl Vision

Do you wear glasses? Throughout the world there are many people with poor vision who cannot afford glasses. Here’s an easy way to help: Donate the old glasses that you aren’t using any more. Whether they are children’s or adult’s, you can donate them to help someone in need. To find a Pearl Vision store where you can drop off the glasses, visit http://www.pearlevision.com/store-locator/

Shoes That Fit

Shoes That Fit is an organization that started in Clairemont in 1992, based on the knowledge that some children in San Diego come from families that cannot afford to buy new shoes, even as they grow taller and bigger. Shoes That Fit helps boost kids’ self esteem by providing them with new shoes for school so that they are both comfortable and productive. To donate online or find out how to make your online shopping support Shoes That Fit, check out http://shoesthatfit.org/Get-Involved/How-You-Can-Help

Ferdinand's Familia

Ferdinands’ Familia is a non-profit organization that rescues and finds permanent, loving home for abandoned, injured and homeless animals in San Diego. They are also active in educating others about animal welfare issues through events and K-12 school field trips. Thinking about getting a dog, cat or bunny? Check out the lovable, available animals for adoption at http://ferdinandsfamilia.org/tag/available-animals/

Cuyamaca Conservation Garden

The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College has almost five acres of themed gardens and native plant displays, along with continual programs such as landscaping and gardening classes, school tours and educational events. If you enjoy gardening, you’d be a perfect volunteer to help the Cuyamaca Conservation Garden flourish! Visit http://www.thegarden.org/volunteer/index.html for a volunteer application form.