9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance
The anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has become a very important National Day of Service in America, known as "9/11 Day"
9/11 Day is a time when Americans are asked to join together in unity, remember those lost on 9/11, and if possible, perform good deeds or other acts of service as a positive tribute to the 9/11 victims, as well as first responders and military personnel who rose in service in response to the attacks.
This year, the organizers of 9/11 Day are asking all of us to participate "virtually," through a special program called "9/11 Day At Home," and to do so also in remembrance of the many people lost to COVID-19. Their goal is to inspire one million acts of service in support of COVID relief, both in honor of the victims of 9/11, as well as those who have tragically lost their lives to COVID-19.
Below is a list of ways you can participate in 9/11 Day At Home. Share your 9/11 good deed, or activity on social media. Include the hashtags #handsonsandiego and #911day.
Get Involved in 9/11 Day of Service From Home
VIRTUAL: Tech Ambassadors
Empower the most vulnerable of individuals in San Diego County in moving into the Digital Age and promote digital inclusivity by assisting San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF) as a Tech Ambassador! Tech Ambassadors are individuals who feel comfortable using technology and want to help others get connected online. SDFF will provide the curriculum, resources and training needed and you, as the tech ambassador, will teach the class. No previous experience is necessary, SDFF will teach you everything that you need in order to be successful. Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes Required Skills/Experience: Must feel comfortable using computers and the internet Desirable Skills/Experience: A background in computer sciences Shifts: Share your availability when you express interest, each shift is a minimum of 2 hours. Note: San Diego Futures Foundation can only accept volunteers who live in San Diego County at this time. About San Diego Futures Foundation The mission of San Diego Futures Foundation is to improve lives in San Diego County by making information technology available to underserved populations by providing technology equipment, training, support, IT outsourcing, and digital media services to nonprofit organizations, disadvantaged small businesses, low-income households, people with disabilities, and seniors.
Virtual (Virtual)
Through 12/31/20
VIRTUAL: Happy Mail for The Arc's Clients
The Arc of San Diego serves adults and children with developmental disabilities in our community. Due to the impacts of Covid-19, many of our clients have been unable to attend adult day programs and other in-person services. Volunteers can sign up to write short letters or send postcards to their clients in group-homes. This is a great way to connect to their organization and participants! Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes Note: Addresses and other personal information will not be shared between participants or made public. Safety and privacy will be protected for both volunteers and participants. Signing up: Please contact ltestone@arc-sd.com for more information or to sign up to volunteer! About The Arc of San Diego The Arc of San Diego supports and empowers people with disabilities to achieve their life goals.
Remote (Virtual)
Through 12/31/20
VIRTUAL: Holiday Blanket Drive
PATH San Diego is hosting a blanket drive between now and December 11th. The holidays are fast approaching, and they are excited to have been able to house so many people the last few months. They opened the doors to their new East Village permanent supportive housing site, The Link, back in August, and they have another site opening early December located in Mission Valley. That's more than 300 of their clients moving into supportive housing in less than 5 months! PATH San Diego want their clients to have a very special (and warm) holiday season by providing each of them with a new adult-size fleece throw blanket, and they would love support from all of you. If you can provide 1, 5, 10, or more blankets it will help them get closer to their goal of 600 fleece blankets. How to Get Involved Click the "express interest" button for more information on donation drop-off. Purchase new adult-size fleece throw blankets or make your own no-sew fleece blankets following instructions like these using 2 pieces of fleece (2 yards long each). Drop off the blankets. About PATH (people Assisting the Homeless) PATH's mission is to end homelessness for individuals, families and communities. They do this by building affordable housing and providing supportive services throughout California.
Through 12/11/20
VIRTUAL: Community Outreach & Partnerships Specialist
Help build partnerships and grow Helping Hands Community's presence in San Diego as a Community Outreach & Partnerships Specialist! The volunteers in this role will help grow and engage their community of volunteers and requesters (individuals who need help). On a day-to-day basis the Community Outreach & Partnerships Specialist will be reaching out to and building relationships with local organizations such as food banks, healthcare organizations, and other community groups. They also help organize and execute events with community partners. This role is absolutely critical to scaling Helping Hands' platform and reaching a larger population of those most vulnerable to COVID-19. This can be a virtual volunteering opportunity with the option of contactless in-person event participation (if your situation allows). Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes Recommended Skills/Experience: Entrepreneurial spirit and self-starter mentality, empathy, excellent written and verbal communication, passion for community service, prior experience in a community outreach role is a plus but not required. Time Commitment: 8 hours/week About Helping Hands Helping Hands is a non-profit organization created to slow the spread of COVID-19 through tech-enabled, community volunteerism. We connect people who are most at-risk with those who can safely deliver critical items and provide various forms of assistance.
Virtual (From Home) (Virtual)
Through 3/13/21
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VIRTUAL: Posts for PATH
You can help spread the word about the amazing work PATH does for the community by posting on social media! Social media circulation is a great way to engage your community by creating and sharing content on the various virtual platforms that PATH utilizes (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). This is an ongoing role that can be done on your own schedule. About PATH San Diego PATH's mission is to end homelessness for individuals, families and communities. They do this by building affordable housing and providing supportive services throughout California.
Through 12/31/20
VIRTUAL: Research Project Volunteer
Have a topic that you are interested in studying, and would be relevant to PATH's mission? Help their staff by researching a subject that is applicable to their day-to-day operations. Examples of research topics include, but are not limited to: social media growth, food resource studies, political awareness for the homeless. Get creative! About PATH San Diego PATH's mission is to end homelessness for individuals, families and communities. They do this by building affordable housing and providing supportive services throughout California.
Through 12/31/20
VIRTUAL: Patient Advocacy Card Writing
Residents in Skilled Nursing Facilities have been particularly affected by COVID-19. With all facilities currently prohibiting any visitation with the exception of end of life, many of the residents have found themselves even more lonely and isolated than before. Jewish Family Service of San Diego's hope is to provide a warm hello with a hand written or hand decorated card to remind them they are not forgotten and we are all thinking about them every day. Their goal is to deliver 1,700 cards. Project Requirements & Important Notes Sign up here to make cards About Jewish Family Service of San Diego Jewish Family Service (JFS) is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego.
From Home (Virtual)
Through 12/31/20
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VIRTUAL: Social Wellness Friendly Match
Prior to the novel Coronavirus, the JFS Social Wellness Centers and Aging & Wellness Services provided a robust programming for older adults, such as daily meals, exercise classes, art classes, games, cultural programs, and live entertainment. As a human service agency that works with vulnerable populations, including older adults who are most at-risk, they’ve mobilized Social Wellness Centers to be online, providing virtual content such as online social gatherings, training, and entertainment. Their staff is continually working to ensure all clients impacted by program adjustments or closures continue to have the support they need. JFS continues to provide holistic programming through online opportunities. Moreover, JFS staff perform weekly wellness checks with clients, ensuring that their basic and social needs are addressed. But they are missing a key component: socialization. That’s where you come in! They are looking for caring volunteers to be matched with an older adult to create a connection through a mutually agreed upon platform - whether it be a friendly phone call, Zoom chat, an email, or written note or card. The goal would be to create a community while we are navigating social distancing and this new normal. Project Requirements & Important Notes Responsiblities: Connect with your match at least x2/month via email, phone, zoom or written card Provide follow-up and report feedback to JFS staff Qualifications: Must adhere to protecting personal identification of their assigned older adult Must speak clearly and have strong verbal skills Must be friendly and can work well with our older adult population Onboarding: Volunteers must sign up here, complete a Volunteer Application, JFS Friendly Match survey, and attend an online orientation and training before getting started. About Jewish Family Service Jewish Family Service (JFS) is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego.
From Home (Virtual)
Through 12/31/20
VIRTUAL: Page Turners
Words Alive receives dozens of book recommendations from their volunteers, teachers, and community partners for titles they think would be a strong fit for their programs. They pride themselves on selecting the most contemporary, diverse, relevant, and engaging texts they can get their hands on for their programs. That’s where passionate readers, like you, come in! By reading and reviewing titles from their recommendation list, you help them determine which books should be added to their program curriculum and taught in classrooms across San Diego county. And the best part? You can get started today from the comfort of your favorite reading spot! How to Get Started: Sign up here after checking this list to determine which book you're interested in reading. Read the book! Fill out this book report form (If you would prefer a paper version, email pageturners@wordsalive.org to request one). Repeat the process. Go back to Step 1 to review another book. About Words Alive Words Alive provides essential literacy services to underserved students and families. Their mission is to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading.
From Home (Virtual)
Through 12/31/20
More Virtual Opportunities Supporting Organizations in San Diego:
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Sew cloth masks for JFS staff, volunteers, and clients. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can pick up kits with pre-cut cloth and elastics to create masks that help everyone on their campus stay safe. Email volunteer@jfssd.org to ask about receiving a kit.
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Resounding Joy is recruiting musically talented volunteers to provide "Joyful Jingles" by calling isolated seniors and playing music for them over the phone or providing live music on their online platforms. They are also looking for volunteers to help facilitate the technical component of their Shine and Sing groups via Zoom. Sign up here to volunteer.
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San Diego River Park Foundation
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SDRPF has a multitude of ideas of ways you can support their efforts to care for the San Diego River: building a bat house, helping with GIS mapping, editing videos, leaving them a review on Yelp, and more!
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Many older adults would benefit from friendly connections during this deeply isolating time. The health impacts of loneliness are significant. Please consider writing letters, notes of encouragement or drawings. This can be a great at-home activity for youth and helps deepens intergenerational connections. Cheerful messages from all ages are encouraged!
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You can brighten a seniors' day by sending cards with encouraging messages, drawings, an inspirational message/story, puzzles, and more.
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Words Alive prides itself on being volunteer-founded and volunteer-led. Help them empower families and children to build healthy reading habits by volunteering reviewing books, helping on their social meida squad, translating resources, and more.
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Get Involved In-person on 9/11 Day at Essential Services
FOOD: Lucky Duck Meals for the Unsheltered Homeless Program in Chula Vista
There are 4,000+ unsheltered homeless individuals on the streets with scarce access to food and water. This initiative provides food and water to outreach workers who distribute it to unsheltered individuals to provide nourishment and water and to ultimately help end their homelessness. Help sort and load boxes into a “pick-up ready” configuration and then load meals into service providers' vehicles. You can be helpful by taking the direction of a team member and stacking and moving boxes carefully and efficiently. Expect some physical labor. Volunteers typically spend their time moving boxes that weigh about 20 lbs at distances of 5-20 feet (between the pallets and the vehicles). Also don’t forget to have some fun and remember why we’re out here: to help those who are down on their luck. Project Requirements & Important Notes Attire: This project is outside so wearing sun protection is recommended. Always check the weather forecast, but know that it does get hot at the distribution site, especially given the physical nature of the work. Closed-toe boots/sneakers that you feel comfortable moving boxes for an hour in are a must. Physical Requirements: Able to stand for the duration of the shift and lift boxes that weigh 20-25 pounds. Avoiding Injury: Poor lifting form will lead to injury and pain. You should only bend with your knees and hips, keep your back straight, and keep your shoulders back. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Hold the box as close to your body as possible. Set the box down by bending your knees and hips only (it is very easy to get in the habit of setting boxes down in cars by bending your back). About The Lucky Duck Foundation The Lucky Duck Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds to help alleviate the homelessness epidemic in San Diego County; and providing support and relief from harsh conditions to the thousands of homeless individuals and families living on our streets.
Chula Vista, CA
5 spots available on
12/4/20 7:30 AM + more
FOOD: Lucky Duck Meals for the Unsheltered Homeless Program in Miramar
There are 4,000+ unsheltered homeless individuals on the streets with scarce access to food and water. This initiative provides food and water to outreach workers who distribute it to unsheltered individuals to provide nourishment and water and to ultimately help end their homelessness. Help sort and load boxes into a “pick-up ready” configuration and then load meals into service providers' vehicles. You can be helpful by taking the direction of a team member and stacking and moving boxes carefully and efficiently. Expect some physical labor. Volunteers typically spend their time moving boxes that weigh about 20 lbs at distances of 5-20 feet (between the pallets and the vehicles). Also don’t forget to have some fun and remember why we’re out here: to help those who are down on their luck. Project Requirements & Important Notes Attire: This project is outside so wearing sun protection is recommended. Always check the weather forecast, but know that it does get hot at the distribution site, especially given the physical nature of the work. Closed-toe boots/sneakers that you feel comfortable moving boxes for an hour in are a must. Physical Requirements: Able to stand for the duration of the shift and lift boxes that weigh 20-25 pounds. Avoiding Injury: Poor lifting form will lead to injury and pain. You should only bend with your knees and hips, keep your back straight, and keep your shoulders back. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Hold the box as close to your body as possible. Set the box down by bending your knees and hips only (it is very easy to get in the habit of setting boxes down in cars by bending your back). About The Lucky Duck Foundation The Lucky Duck Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds to help alleviate the homelessness epidemic in San Diego County; and providing support and relief from harsh conditions to the thousands of homeless individuals and families living on our streets.
San Diego, CA
1 spot available on
12/4/20 7:30 AM + more
TECH: Computer Refurbisher
Computers 2 Kids needs help refurbishing their donated computers so they can be given to students now learning through online classes. Volunteers will refurbish Lenovo Yoga Laptops and Desktop Computers under the supervision of the IT Staff by cleaning them, completing hardware testing, and activating them for distribution. Volunteers will also be testing and cleaning peripherals (LCD Monitors, Power Adapters, Mice & Keyboards). Project Requirements & Important Notes Experience: Computer experience is helpful, but not necessary. They will teach you everything you need to know. Attire: Wear closed-toe shoes and casual clothes Physical Requirements: Able to lift 20 lbs. About Computers 2 Kids Computers 2 Kids (C2K) believes all children and their families in San Diego, regardless of their economic status, need to be computer literate and have equal access to technology and the crucial educational, occupational, and financial resources that technology can provide to improve their educational options and their futures.
San Diego, CA
Through 12/31/20
FOOD: National City Food Distribution
In partnership with the City of National City, Catholic Charities operates food distributions three times per week for our neighbors in the South Bay. Volunteer opportunities include assistance with drive-thru food pantry pick-ups onsite, food packing, deliveries to home bound individuals living in the area, and food transport. These crucial roles in the National City Food Distribution Collaborative are compliant with COVID-19 social distancing measures: less than 10 volunteers gather at the site at a time and maintain 6+ feet distance apart from other volunteers and program participants, gloves, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies provided. Please bring personal face covering. Project Requirements & Important Notes Shifts: Fridays & Saturdays, times vary, sign up here. About Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego is a ministry of the local church based on the person of Jesus, dedicated to caring for the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized.
National City, CA
Through 12/31/20
FOOD: Assemble & Deliver Food Bags for Safe Parking Program
Every night at four secured lots, Jewish Family Service operates a Safe Parking Program for unsheltered San Diegans living in their vehicles, many of whom are experiencing homelessness for the first time. A car is often a critical, final asset, allowing for transportation to work and school, access to services, and the ability to seek employment. Access to food is always a challenge for Safe Parking Program participants as they have to make daily decisions between gas, food, and even medicine with their limited resources. Their basic nutrition needs have only increased since health orders have closed many local businesses and restaurants, reducing food resources. While nightly Safe Parking dinners continue to be provided by generous community donors, JFS has also secured bulk breakfast and lunch items to meet the daily needs of Safe Parking clients, many of whom are now on their lots 24 hours a day. With more food to distribute, they need more hands! This position entails packing the pre-purchased breakfast and lunch items into bags at the JFS main campus, and then delivering them in the afternoon to their three San Diego City Safe Parking Program Lots. Project Requirements & Important Notes Shifts: 12:00pm-4:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, sign up here. Screening: Volunteers must complete a Background Check and a DMV Check. They will also need to complete HIPAA Level 1. Note: Volunteers must have sufficient space in their personal vehicle to fit multiple bins of food, OR willingness to make multiple trips. About Jewish Family Service of San Diego Jewish Family Service (JFS) is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego.
San Diego, CA
Through 12/31/20
HELP OUT: Support Active Military Families with USO San Diego
There are countless ways volunteers support USO San Diego! Whether you are volunteering at a special event, welcoming home service members, manning the front desk or providing a listening ear, your efforts are the reason service members and military families know USO San Diego is always by their side. USO San Diego offers volunteer shift positions at 3 centers: Liberty Station Center is their family center and is open 7 days a week. Volunteer shifts are Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-1pm Their space at the Military Entrance Processing Center is located inside their cafeteria. They offer a place for recruits to relax and have some snacks or play some games. Volunteer shifts are Monday-Friday 10am-2pm. Their Airport Center is open 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is a high traffic area as we support those traveling through San Diego as well as new recruits headed to boot camp and marines returning for training. They offer 4 volunteer shifts throughout the day. These positions help to facilitate day-to-day operational needs to assist our military members and their families while they are in the center. Other opportunities such as delivering USO San Diego programs or helping with special events are available as well. They have several recurring programs including; Mobile Farmers Market, Wednesday Night Dinner and our MilSpouse & Teen Talk programs. Some of their special events include the USO Baby Shower, Santa Store and Giving Tree as well as countless others. Project Requirements & Important Notes Signing up as an individual: All volunteers must submit their application and agree to a background check. The USO San Diego Volunteer Manager will email you regarding their Interview and Orientation within the next two weeks. They typically hold an orientation every month or every other month. Signing up as a group: Reach out to their Volunteer Manager at mpranger@uso.org About USO San Diego The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
San Diego, CA
Through 12/31/20
FOOD: Food Distribution/Warehouse Assistance
Father Joe's Villages needs volunteers to assist with distributing food to the community and external agencies via a drive-thru food distribution. Volunteers will assist with the flow of cars and help with miscellaneous warehouse tasks such as general housekeeping, weighing food, and packing. Supporting this effort will help them serve more of our neighbors in need during these challenging times. Father Joe's Villages already serves three meals daily at their main campus and are extending their services even further through this food distribution. Project Requirements & Important Notes Signing up: All volunteers must sign up on the Father Joe's Villages volunteer platform, prior to volunteering at any of their projects. You'll need to create an account and sign up for the shift you would like to attend, no join code needed. Shifts: 11:00am - 3:00pm on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays Photos: To respect Father Joe's Villages' privacy and confidentiality policy, please do not have any pictures taken of people picking up food or have them in the background of the photos. Physical Requirements: Able to lift/pull 30lbs and able to bend and/or stand for the entire work period. COVID Screening Form: Due to the pandemic and Village-wide changes, they are now requiring that all volunteers sign-up for any days they plan to volunteer on FJV sites and fill out the one-time COVID-19 symptom and temperature form. About Father Joe's Villages As San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages offers a wide variety of housing and services at several locations. They provide housing, rental assistance, healthcare, food, clothing, education, job training, mental health, addiction treatment and child development in an internationally modeled “one-stop-shop” approach.
San Diego, CA
Through 12/31/20
Is your organization hosting a service opportunity in remembrance of 9/11 and would like it listed? Contact us at info@handsonsandiego.org.