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/