Tis the season for giving! There is no better time to get (even more) involved in the Bayview community than during the holiday season. Here are some ways you can donate, get involved, give back and volunteer at local Bayview community organizations.
Get Involved at BAYCAT
Use your creativity and digital skills for good this season by volunteering at BAYCAT, a 15-year-old non-profit organization that teaches underprivileged youth and adults digital media skills. BAYCAT’s volunteer roles range from teachers for its digital media academy and guest speakers to fundraisers. And if you’re ready to jump into a leadership role, BAYCAT is also filling out its leadership council to implement strategic, long-term plans.
Manage events for Bayview Magic
Get your volunteer work for 2019 on the calendar now by signing up with Bayview Magic, a non-profit organization that is always looking for helpers for several special events throughout the year. Volunteers can notify Bayview Magic through an online form whether they can help with a youth summit in April, a book fair in May, and a back-to-school backpack giveaway in August. Can’t wait that long to help out this organization, which supports the Bayview community and its families? You also can sign up for BMagic’s general volunteer list and may receive an assignment sooner.
Donate to the Salvation Army center near Bayview Point 1500 Valencia St., San Francisco
This season is an excellent time to pass on items you’re ready to part with—whether it’s sweaters or a microwave—to the Salvation Army. The location at Bayview Point accepts donations, or you can visit the Salvation Army website and schedule a pickup. Items are sold in the Salvation Army’s Family Stores, and proceeds go toward the organization’s adult rehabilitation centers. Common donations include clothing, automobiles, furniture, appliances and home goods.
Give to the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation
Every dollar donated to the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation for Community Improvement helps people and families in need. The foundation’s $5 million annual budget pays for everything from youth services to AIDS awareness and behavioral health programs. It’s a great way to invest in the people and the community this holiday season.
Volunteer at the YMCA
The YMCA has facilities all over San Francisco, including a branch in Bayview Hunters Point, and it offers many opportunities for youth and adults to volunteer. Want to work an event? Volunteers age 16 and older are needed to build relationships with families and help with special events in the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA’s African American Holistic Wellness Program. Check out the YMCA website for a complete list of opportunities.
Organize a Food Drive at the SF Food Bank
A practical (and powerful!) way to help neighbors in need is to mobilize your friends and community to donate food to the SF Food Bank. You can register your food drive on the non-profit’s website; and if your team is willing to take the 400 Pound Pledge, the SF Food Bank will give you two large barrels to fill with donated food items. All teams will receive a toolkit to help them market their food drive, and everyone who participates will get the satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping neighbors who are hungry this holiday season.
Try Volunteer Match
Want to make a match—with a volunteer organization? This website lets you search with key words and a location to find volunteer opportunities that interest you and are close to home. A recent search of the Bayview turned up a call for volunteers and teaching artists at ArtSeed’s Labyrinth Studios on General Kennedy Avenue and for people to help bag groceries for delivery from the SF Food Bank.
Help seniors with computers
If you “get” technology—and are still in high school—the San Francisco Public Library could use your help. The library’s Teen Computer Corps offer senior citizens help with all types of technology and electronic gadgets, including tablets, cell phones, email, digital cameras, and laptops, at monthly sessions. High school students can apply to join the Corps here.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Now get out there and immerse yourself in our wonderful community!
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