Opportunities From: Compassion Week

Pin and sew a straight stitch of a rectangle piece of flannel to a wider square of flannel - 25 items per kit. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Return to LAUMC for others to complete the edges of the liner. Beginner skills for sewing, with attention to detail. All materials and sewing instructions will be provided.

Tools needed: Sewing Machine, polyester thread, scissors, iron and ironing boardSew liners to be part of menstrual care kits that Days for Girl will distribute

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos

Consultation at Pick up You can ask questions and look at samples at pick up or at

Sew in-person on October 5th & 6th at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World.

Drop Off completed projects to Los Altos United Methodist Church Creekside Center in the back parking lot, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA

Completed items can be returned after October 12th at arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instruction.

Sew 2 flannel blankets that will be used to benefit Grateful Garment and Hope's Home. This project requires a sewing machine and moderate-level sewing skills to edge the blankets. 

All materials, written instructions will be provided. 2 blankets are in each kit. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Tools needed: Sewing Machine, polyester thread, scissors, iron and ironing board

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos

Consultation at Pick up You can ask questions and look at samples at the same time. Sew in-person on October 5th or 6th at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World.

Drop Off completed projects to Los Altos United Methodist Church Creekside Center in the back parking lot, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA

2-layer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m3CZJhGrB7kQaGVaMkNIdvlz7MM73lrV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102679516071080905600&rtpof=true&sd=true

Sew flannel blankets that will be used to benefit Kitty Rescue. This project requires a sewing machine and moderate-level sewing skills to edge the blankets. 

All materials, written instructions will be provided. 5 blankets are in each kit. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Tools needed: Sewing Machine, polyester thread, scissors, iron and ironing board

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos

Consultation at Pick up You can ask questions and look at samples at the same time. Sew in-person on October 5th & 6th at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World.

Drop Off completed projects to Los Altos United Methodist Church Creekside Center in the back parking lot, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA

2-layer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m3CZJhGrB7kQaGVaMkNIdvlz7MM73lrV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102679516071080905600&rtpof=true&sd=true

Deliver and serve lunches for residents at the Homekey shelter!

Meet at the Creekside Kitchen at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Deliver and serve lunches at LifeMoves, 2566 Leghorn St., Mountain View.

The LifeMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Deliver and serve lunch for residents at the Homekey shelter!

Meet at the Creekside Kitchen at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Deliver and serve lunches at LifeMoves,  2566 Leghorn St., Mountain View.

The LifeMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Deliver and serve lunch for residents at the Homekey shelter!

Meet at the Creekside Kitchen at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Deliver and serve lunches at LifeMoves,  2566 Leghorn St., Mountain View.

The LifeMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Location: Front Parking Lot, Los Altos United Methodist Church 

If you have any questions, or have a bike to donate and would like to give us a heads up, please email Alyson Abrego at alysonmiller@gmail.com

Come and help prepare a cold lunch that will be served at the WeHope Coast House shelter.

Join us as we assemble kits that will include basic necessities such as underwear and toiletries to help provide support for community members who are unhoused. Kits will be distributed to various agencies that work with the homeless.  

Please click on this EventBrite link to complete your registration!

Join us in restoring the essential waterway and wildlife corridor at beautiful Foothills Nature Preserve! This 3-hour weekday community workday will be focused on dead heading and mulching in our current and future planting areas to prepare for the winter planting season.

Volunteers should expect to:

We will spend our time walking, kneeling, and using hand and body tools. Please prepare for heat/sun exposure.

Visit Grassroots Ecology's Foothills Nature Preserve page to learn more about the ecosystem and accessibility considerations.

Waivers/Registration: All volunteers attending the workday must be registered individually and have approved the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Volunteers age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.

Parking: Meet at Foothills Nature Preserve Interpretive Center at 3300 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto 94304. Please carpool if possible. The road up to the site is very steep and curvy. Download driving instructions ahead of time, as there is limited cell reception up on Page Mill Rd. There will be a ranger at the park entrance, and volunteers will receive entry details in their reminder email.

Alternate Transportation: Foothills Nature Preserve is mainly accessible by car. Strong bikers can lock their bikes to a rack on-site.

Meeting Space: We will be meeting in front of the Interpretive Center. While there is limited cell service, there is public WiFi from the City of Palo Alto. There are water fountains and both gendered & all-gender bathrooms within a 10 minute walk from the meeting location.

Prepare for Working Outdoors:

We will provide gloves, tools, and light snacks.

Event Cancellations:

We are committed to the safety of our staff and volunteers. In the event that we must cancel a workday due to extreme weather conditions or poor air quality, a Grassroots Ecology staff person will reach out via email no later than 5:00 PM the day prior to this event.

Join Us!

Grassroots Ecology encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. If you have accessibility concerns (e.g. allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), our projects are flexible and we are happy to work with you. Please reach out to the workday facilitator so we can prepare for your participation.

Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email siena@grassrootsecology.org

Join local leaders for an open and compelling conversation about how our Silicon Valley institutions are supporting the well-being of our immigrant neighbors.

Featuring the Chief of Police from Mountain View, a well-respected immigration attorney, and a School and Engagement Facilitator from the Mountain View Whisman School District, the forum will address key issues, including State and County Sanctuary policies, how local agencies interact with ICE, what is really happening in our cities as it pertains to ICE, and what we can do to build trust and foster inclusion with our immigrant neighbors.

All are welcome to listen, learn, ask questions, and share perspectives as we explore how we can create a more informed and compassionate community. 

Join Matchbox Open-mic for an evening of music, poetry, and creativity!  Sponsored by Compassion Week and the City of Los Altos, this event features performers age 19 and under. Come and enjoy the great performances, along with snacks, drinks, and service projects!

Interested in performing? Signups open September 29 @thematchbox.openmic 

Join us as we make fleece blankets that will support Bill Wilson Center, Hope's Corner, Pathways Hospice, The Linus Project, Project WeHope, and Heart & Home Collaborative.    

Join us at Pacifica Institute as we assemble 50 backpacks containing school supplies that will be distributed to clients of Rebekah's Children's Services. 

Come and prepare lunch for residents living at the Homekey shelter.

The LifeMoves shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Come and prepare lunch for residents living at the Homekey shelter.

The LifeMoves shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Join us as we prepare and deliver a healthy breakfast for families and adults living at Homekey shelter in Mountain View.

Location: St. William's Catholic Church 

The LifeMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Come and prepare lunch for residents living at the Homekey shelter.

The LifeMoves shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Our teenagers are carrying weighty expectations fraught with constant comparisons — pushing many toward emotional overload. And the data shows it. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023:

These pressures don't just vanish-- they can interfere with school performance, relationships, self-esteem, sleep, and physical health. The overwhelming burden of "doing it all right" (grades, extracurriculars, social life, appearance, future plans, meeting parents' expectations) can lead teens to feel stuck, anxious, or hopeless.

So where do parents fit in? How do we take the pressure off our students while still encouraging and supporting their goals? 

Sarah Miller, Director of Spiritual and Lifelong Learning at Kol Emeth in Palo Alto, will guide parents' conversations and answer questions on this vital topic of how best to support teen mental health. Sarah has experience in many educational settings, from day schools to summer camps and youth groups, and is a popular speaker. She has a specialization in Adolescent Behavior and Development, a certification in Teen Mental Health, a BA in Near Eastern Studies from Cornell University, and a Master's in Jewish Education. Sarah is blessed with a wonderful son, Miles.

Join Compassion Week as we assemble and pack meals for thousands of hungry people all over the world!

Rise Against Hunger’s meal packaging program is a volunteer-based initiative that coordinates the assembly-line packaging of highly nutritious dehydrated meals comprised of rice, soy, vegetables, and 23 essential vitamins and minerals.

Since the inception of the meal packaging program in December 2005, these packaged meals have been used primarily to support school feeding programs in developing countries.

Location: Creekside Center

Join the Palo Alto VA in assembling and packing hygiene kits for Veterans experiencing homelessness. 

Location: Youth Room

Come help Habitat for Humanity by cutting and prepping the materials needed to build their playhouses! No experience is necessary, so come help out!

This is a great opportunity to use power tools, or learn how to use them!

You will cut and base paint playhouse pieces from raw plywood so that everything is ready for future groups to do playhouse assembly. You won’t be completing the playhouses, but this is a great way to get involved in the Playhouse Program!

Clothes: Wear closed-toed shoes and clothing you don't mind getting messy/painted. Most volunteers wear sneakers, jeans, an old t-shirt, and a sweatshirt

Facilities:  The prep shift will take place in the workshop attached to Habitat for Humanity's Milpitas Office. The build space is indoors, although the temperature of the workshop tends to mimic the temperature outside. Please keep this in mind and dress accordingly.  There will be water and restrooms available for your use.  Please make sure to bring your own coffee and snacks.

Parking: Feel free to park in any open spot in the Center where the Habitat office is located. It is best not to leave valuables visible in your car.

Everyone is invited to join the fun at Kol Emeth for the Sukkot Harvest Festival during Compassion Week!

Not only will there be numerous family friendly activities-- from a petting zoo, to a milkshake machine, to a mechanical bill, and more-- but there will also be community service projects and a fall-themed dinner!

Festival activities will be from 4:30-6:30, followed by dinner from 6:30-7:30.

Tickets that include all activities and dinner are available for purchase here ($18 for adults 8th grade +; $10 for children K-7th grade; Tots age 0-5 Free).

Join us for a fun tree care session on the Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View sponsored by the City of Mountain View, in partnership with Friends of the Stevens Creek Trail!  

With the guidance of Canopy staff, you'll learn how to promote strong, healthy tree growth and provide care for many of the young trees along the trail.

Complete Your Registration for this Event by Following the Link Below:

Join Compassion Week as we assemble and pack meals for thousands of hungry people all over the world!

Rise Against Hunger’s meal packaging program is a volunteer-based initiative that coordinates the assembly-line packaging of highly nutritious dehydrated meals comprised of rice, soy, vegetables, and 23 essential vitamins and minerals.

Since the inception of the meal packaging program in December 2005, these packaged meals have been used primarily to support school feeding programs in developing countries.

We will be packing 100 feminine hygiene kits to be distribution by Salud Para La Gente in Watsonville.  This activity does require the need to be accurate in counting and following specific directions for presentation of the materials in each kit.

These Hygiene Kits will include some basic necessities of toiletries that will help provide support to someone who is working in an emergency response. 

Clean up will follow after all kits are assembled.

Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1715 Grant Rd, Los Altos

Join us for dinner and conversation as we come together to celebrate our shared humanity.

Our immigrant neighbors, who make up 41% of the residents in Santa Clara County, will share their personal journeys, and in small groups we will reflect on their dreams, challenges, and contributions. Given today's political climate, hearing these stories will be compelling, and the ensuing table conversations even more memorable. You will all be invited to share your thoughts and to write a card to let our immigrant neighbors know they belong!

To conclude the evening, we'll work together on a hands-on project, assembling cleaning kits for refugee families in need who have resettled in Silicon Valley.

Evening Schedule: 

5:30 - 6:00pm - Dinner  (provided at no charge)

6:00 - 7:30pm - Table discussion and Panel

7:30 - 8:00pm - Hands on service project

Location: Creekside Center 

Decorate and write cards for our veterans. These will help our veterans feel cared for. They will receive them on their meal trays while they are at the VA hospital in Palo Alto.  Each kit will have five cards in it along with instructions. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed kits at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

This workshop celebrates and amplifies the incredible work already happening in our communities and provides opportunities for new connections and partnerships. You’ll hear real stories and proven strategies, experience meaningful connections, gain practical knowledge and leave with inspiration and hope!

As part of the Regional Housing Technical Assistance Program, this workshop is hosted by the Association of Bay Area Governments to help city staff and faith communities in the Bay Area explore SB4 (2024, also known as YIGBY – Yes in God’s Backyard!).

Location: Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, 728 W Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale, CA

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

As a final registration step, please complete this form by EOD Oct 1st. https://bit.ly/SacredLandSharedFuturesSB

Create a hand-made drawstring bag to be part of menstrual care kits that Days for Girl will distribute both locally and internationally.

You can preview the instructions here: 

Drawstring Bag Instructions 

Tools Needed: Sewing machine, polyester thread, scissors, iron & ironing board

If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Alto

Drop Off of completed projects to Los Altos United Methodist Church Creekside Center in the back parking lot, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA

Completed items can be returned after October 12th by arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instructions.

Consultation at Pick up: You can look at samples at pickup or sew in-person on October 5th & 6th at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World.

Fleece blankets support Bill Wilson Center, Hope's Corner, Pathways Home Health & Hospice, The Linus Project, WeHope, Home and Heart Collaborative.   

Kits have fleece and instructions you need to make a single layer blanket-  this is a "no sew" project. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Family participation

If you are going this kit as a family, please enter names of additional family members participating in the Notes section when registering.  If you register all your family members, you will end up with multiple kits -- maybe more than you intended to make!

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

In the cold winter months, a handmade scarf & hat is included in every Care Package sent to others through Hope's Corner. 

Each kit will have 1 skein of yarn and instructions. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Sort crayons for hospitalized children.

Sew three heart pillows that will provide a bit of extra comfort to clients of the Bay Area Cancer Connection. This project requires a sewing machine and beginner-level sewing skills. 

All materials, written instructions, and a link to video instructions will be provided to sew three pillows. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Tools Needed by sewer: Sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors

You can preview the instructions here: 

Tools Needed: Sewing Machine, polyester thread, iron and ironing board, scissors

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Alto

Come donate blood! Register for a specific time slot using the links below. Thanks for making a difference!

Registration Link for 1300 Grant Rd. Los Altos, CA

Are you in 5th to 8th grade and love using your imagination? Want to make new friends who share your interests? 

Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons, the role-playing game where YOU become the hero of the story. Hosted by Teen Librarian Sarah Neeri, you will go on epic quests, solve puzzles, and defeat dragons—all while working as a team with other kids like you! 

Please complete the next steps in the registration process by following the link below:

Tween Dungeons and Dragons

Decorate grocery bags with colorful designs and messages to spread cheer to Hope's Corner clients.  

Each kit will have 5 grocery bags to decorate, along with instructions. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Decorate bookmarks to lift spirits and encourage reading.

Each kit will have instructions and materials to make 5 bookmarks. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot): 

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Fleece scarves for Hope's Corner, WeHope and Veterans. 

Each kit will have 2 scarves to make, along with the instructions.   

Family participation

If you are going this kit as a family, please enter names of additional family members participating in the Notes section when registering.  If you register all your family members, you will end up with multiple kits -- maybe more than you intended to make! 

If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Ever wonder what it would be like to work at a Distribution Center?  Well, here is your chance to find out while helping us manage all of the remote service volunteering.  We have lots of take home projects this year for people to complete on their own schedule. Help us get these distributed and have fun connecting with other volunteers who care about our community!

Please come 15 minutes before the start of your shift for a short orientation.

Location: Creekside Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church

Decorate bookmarks that will be distributed to children, seniors, schools, and veterans to lift spirits and encourage reading.  Your artwork will make someone feel special!

Cardz For Kidz is an organization dedicated to uplifting spirits across the globe by delivering inspiring handmade cards and bookmarks.

Each kit will have instructions and materials to make 5 bookmarks. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

These cards will be sent to people in need of encouragement in hospitals, foster homes, senior living homes, patients’ homes, and schools across the globe! They are a great way to spread compassion!

Each kit will have instructions and cardstock to make 5 cards. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot:

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Make cards for seniors that will be distributed in our local communities through SOURCEWISE.

Each kit will have instructions and 5 cards to write. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Sew five zipper pouches that will be used to benefit relief efforts of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for disaster survivors. This project requires a sewing machine and moderate-level sewing skills. 

Each kit will provide all materials, written instructions, and a link to video instructions to sew five pouches. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

You can preview instructions here: 

Tools needed: Sewing https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JmkTRvmPmtne4noKg6UflcJsTczSbuKy/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102679516071080905600&rtpof=true&sd=trueMachine, polyester thread, scissors, iron and ironing board

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Alto

Fleece hats for Bill Wilson Center, Project WeHOPE, and Hope's Corner.

Kits have all the supplies and instructions you need to make 5 fleece hats. A sewing machine is needed for this project. A sample will be available at the Distribution Center.

If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Link to Instructions: Fleece Hats

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos

Completed items can be returned after October 12th at arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instructions.

Sew lavender eye shades that will be used to benefit the Bay Area Cancer Connection & Palo Alto VA Hospital. This project requires a sewing machine and moderate-level sewing skills. 

All materials, written instructions, and a link to video instructions will be provided. Materials for five eye shades will be provided in each kit. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

https://stitchingcircle.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/lavender-eye-pillow/

Tools needed: Sewing Machine, polyester thread, scissors, iron and ironing board

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Alto

Sew five zipper pouches that will be used to benefit Allcove, Grateful Garment, or other organizations.

Supplies needed are: a sewing machine, thread, and scissors

Skill Level: Moderate to advanced.

Each kit will provide all materials, written instructions, and a link to video instructions to sew five pouches. You can preview them here: 

If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled.

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

Pick Up kits in the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos

Decorate slap bracelets to be distributed at the Bill Wilson Center.  Each kit will include 5 bracelets and instructions. If you would like to complete multiple kits, please indicate so by answering the supplemental question on the registration page. You will be notified by email if your request can't be fulfilled

Pick up kits from the Distribution Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church (located in the Creekside building off the rear parking lot):

Saturday, 10/4 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/5 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/12 - 11am - 3pm

Join us as we decorate slap bracelets that will be distributed by the Bill Wilson Center.

Bill Wilson Center provides services to more that 5,000 children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County, with programs focused on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy.

Come and help assemble kits that will support mental health for men  and women at Elmwood Correctional Facility during the Kickoff event at the Mountain View Civic Center.

Join us at the Kickoff event, and make a fleece scarf that will be distributed by the WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto. 

WeHOPE's mission is to help people become healthy, employed, and housed using innovative solutions. Help WeHOPE by painting a conference room where the staff gather and where their clients meet for supportive services. Volunteers will also do minor touch up painting in the main shelter and all areas.

No experience is required.

Age: 15+

Please bring a head covering, appropriate clothing for painting, and closed toe shoes. 

Join a small group of volunteers who will power wash and also do some outdoor cleaning and beautification.

No experience is needed, but if you've been wanting to use a power washer, this is your chance! 

Age: 15+

Please wear clothes that can get wet, and bring a pair of gloves. Closed toe shoes are highly recommended.

WeHOPE's mission is to help people become healthy, employed and housed using innovative solutions. WeHOPE's offices and temporary shelter see a lot of "coming and going" of clients, partners, support staff, etc., and the parking lot an exterior walls can use a good power wash.

Compassion Week Volunteers 10/9/2025 

These kits will include basic necessities such as underwear and toiletries to help provide support for men who are unhoused.  Kits will be distributed to various agencies that work with the homeless.  

Help build a playhouse that will be donated to local children. The funds raised through the Playhouse Program support Habitat's mission of building homes, communities, and hope.  They might be little houses, but the Playhouse Program makes a huge impact.

No experience is necessary! Whether you are new to a toolbox, an experienced carpenter, or somewhere in between, a volunteer day with Playhouse means learning new skills, having fun, and supporting affordable housing!

To build a playhouse, we start with the wood components that have been primed and prep for your build day. Groups are divided into teams to work on roofing, carpentry, and painting. Our playhouses are donated at the end of a build, and the recipient children choose their own themes. So, after the roofing and carpentry are complete, everyone comes together to paint and customize the playhouse of a child's dream.

Ages 12 and up welcome!

Compassion Week is proud to partner with Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) for a volunteer experience! 

Volunteers will help package STEAM Project Kits for underserved students at RAFT's San Jose Headquarters. These kits provide a quality hands-on learning experience along with the required materials, assembly instructions, and suggested activities.

Age  12+ (12 and 13 year olds must be accompanied by an adult).

Additional Volunteer Information:

Calling all teens to come together for a fun night of service to those in need in our community. For one week, as one community, we can foster infinite compassion!

There will be a variety of fun projects during this evening of service related to the following focus areas:

1) Immigrants & Refugees

2) Teen Mental Health

3) Care for the Elderly

4) Education & Access to Resources

5) Homelessness & Food Insecurity

Join us as we make fleece blankets to support those in need! No skills are required. Come meet new friends and have fun while helping others!

Contact Lidia at Lidia.fiandeiro@dsj.org for questions.

Join us as we make fleece blankets to support those in need! No skills are required. Come meet new friends and have fun while helping others!

Contact Lidia at Lidia.fiandeiro@dsj.org for questions.

Volunteers will pick up a dinner prepared at the Mountain View Day Worker Center, deliver it to the WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto, and help serve the meal to the shelter guests.

Age: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes and a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Create a hand-made item to spread love around the world. Projects are provided for all ability levels from beginner to advanced. Location will be in Creekside Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Avenue, Los Altos.  Look for signs to direct to the room. Sewing machines, materials and instructions will be provided for:

Sewing Flyer

Stop by for an hour, or stay all day. You can drop in anytime for as little or as long as you like between the hours listed below.

You are welcome to bring your own machine and materials if you prefer.  Some machines will be available.

Days for Girls increases access to menstrual care and education by developing global partnerships, cultivating social enterprises, mobilizing volunteers, and innovating sustainable solutions that shatter stigmas and limitations for women and girls. Together, we're creating a world with dignity, health, and opportunity for all.Bay Area Cancer Connections is a nonprofit organization that supports people touched by breast or ovarian cancer by providing comprehensive, personalized services in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion.

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Disaster Response assists survivors of disasters. The California-Nevada Conference Disaster Response is the local UMCOR team, and has been active in responding to fires and other disasters in California and Nevada.

Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue is an all volunteer organization based in San Jose California dedicated to helping homeless, orphaned kittens in Santa Clara County find loving forever homes.

Age Requirement: 13+

Create a hand-made item to spread love around the world. Projects are provided for all ability levels from beginner to advanced. Location will be in Creekside Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Avenue, Los Altos.  Look for signs to direct to the room. Sewing machines, materials and instructions will be provided for:

Sewing Flyer

Stop by for an hour, or stay all day. You can drop in anytime for as little or as long as you like between the hours listed below.

You are welcome to bring your own machine and materials if you prefer.  Some machines will be available.

Days for Girls increases access to menstrual care and education by developing global partnerships, cultivating social enterprises, mobilizing volunteers, and innovating sustainable solutions that shatter stigmas and limitations for women and girls. Together, we're creating a world with dignity, health, and opportunity for all.Bay Area Cancer Connections is a nonprofit organization that supports people touched by breast or ovarian cancer by providing comprehensive, personalized services in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion.

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Disaster Response assists survivors of disasters. The California-Nevada Conference Disaster Response is the local UMCOR team, and has been active in responding to fires and other disasters in California and Nevada.

Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue is an all volunteer organization based in San Jose California dedicated to helping homeless, orphaned kittens in Santa Clara County find loving forever homes.

Age Requirement: 13+

Assemble beaded bracelets for the VA hospital in Palo Alto at St. Tim's Day of Service.

Join us as we decorate slap bracelets that will be distributed by the Bill Wilson Center.

Bill Wilson Center provides services to more that 5,000 children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County, with programs focused on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy.

Assemble hygiene kits at St. Tim's Day of Service that will be delivered to Sacred Heart and distributed to the homeless.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This could be a little girl in the ICU, or a mother with Stage 3 Leukemia. Donate to help save lives in our community and beyond.

Make an appointment at:  https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/   and search by Blood Drive Code compassionweek

Prepare breakfast for the residents at WeHope. This will include preparing and cooking food, and cleaning up the kitchen.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Participate in weekly sorting and organizing of donated clothing that is distributed to neighbors in need every first and third Monday of the month.

Join other youth in baking delicious dessert bars for Saturday evening's Youth Open Mic and also bake pumpkin and ginger bread to be included in the nutritious meal being served at Hope's Corner the following morning.  No baking experience necessary. 

Please wear closed toed shoes and your hair tied back or wear a hat. 

Come join us for fun in the kitchen and fulfill your volunteer requirements for school!

Join a small group baking pumpkin and gingerbread for distribution at Coast House in Half Moon Bay, WeHope in East Palo Alto and Life Moves, Mountain View.

We'll meet at the kitchen in the Creekside Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Please wear a hat, closed toed shoes and bring your own apron.

No baking experience required, just a desire to have fun and support our neighbors living in transitional housing!

Join a small group baking cakes and brownies for distribution to the guests and staff at WeHope in East Palo Alto. These desserts will be included in the delicious meals being prepared throughout the week by the Compassion Week crews.

We'll meet at the kitchen in the Creekside Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Please wear a hat, closed toed shoes and bring your own apron.

No baking experience required just a desire to have fun and support our neighbors living in transitional housing!

Create holiday gift bags with new, donated beauty products for individuals transitioning from chronic homelessness.

Help prepare and pack essential household items for families transitioning from homelessness to Abode permanent supportive-housing sites.

Come and create beautiful bracelets with colorful beads at Los Altos United Methodist Church. The bracelets will be sent to the Palo Alto VA hospital to spread cheer to veterans and their families. 

Come and create beautiful bracelets with colorful beads at the Kick Off event at Mountain View Civic Center Plaza. The bracelets will be sent to the Palo Alto VA hospital to spread cheer to veterans and their families. 

Meet at the Gateway Center in Sunnyvale to pack groceries and household items, and write notes of encouragement for 50 families living in RVs. Then, travel by caravan to an RV cluster in Mountain View to deliver two bags of items to each family.

Serve dinner to guests at the  WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Serve dinner to guests at the WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Volunteers will pick up a dinner that has been prepared at Los Altos United Methodist Church, and then deliver and serve that dinner at the WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Volunteers will pick up a dinner that has been prepared at Los Altos United Methodist Church, and then deliver and serve that dinner at the WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Come help us prepare dinner for homeless shelter. We will meet to prepare dinner in the Los Altos United Methodist Church kitchen. Another team of Compassion Week volunteers will deliver the meal to Project WeHOPE in East Palo Alto. 

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Come help us prepare dinner for homeless shelter. We will meet to prepare dinner in the Los Altos United Methodist Church kitchen. Another team of Compassion Week volunteers will deliver the meal to Project WeHOPE in East Palo Alto. 

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed toe shoes, and bring a hat or hair tie.

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Volunteers will serve dinner and engage in conversation with residents of WeHOPE's homeless shelter in East Palo Alto.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear closed to shoes and bring a hat or hair tie. 

The mission of WeHOPE is to help the unhoused, homeless and those at-risk in rebuilding their lives through a Supportive Housing Program customized to the needs of each client. WeHOPE is an acronym for We Help Other People Excel. Through our devotion to helping others, our long-term goal is to help improve the health of East Palo Alto by helping others overcome the critical issues facing homelessness and poverty in our cities.

Join us as we decorate pillowcases for new LifeMoves shelter residents.

Join us as we decorate pillowcases for new LifeMoves shelter residents during the Kickoff event.

Join us as we decorate pillowcases for new LifeMoves shelter residents during the Day of Service at St. Timothy's Church.

Paint clay pots that will be distributed to residents at LifeMoves' Guadalupe Interim Emergency Housing Site in San Jose to beautify their rooms.

Paint clay pots that will be distributed to residents at LifeMoves' Guadalupe Interim Emergency Housing Site in San Jose to beautify their rooms during the Kickoff event.

Come and prepare a dinner that will be shared by 20-30 parents and kids from Hope Homes before their weekly parenting class.

Hope Homes supports women and children facing emotional, physical, or mental health crisis.

Join the Hope's Corner team to deliver meals to neighbors who are living in their vehicles in Mountain View.

Volunteers will follow the Hope’s Corner van to two different Safe Parking lots, and walk around to the vehicles, knocking on doors and handing out meals to the residents.

Location note: Meet at Hope's Corner, then drive to distribution sites.

Age: 16+ or 14+ with a guardian

Come and help prepare and set-up for the Saturday breakfast service. We will unload the delivery van, store groceries, set up tables and chairs, assemble snack bags, and help with food preparation and cooking.

Hope's Corner provides hot, nutritious meals, warm showers, and laundry services to neighbors in need in Mountain View.

Prepare and cook for breakfast service on Saturday at Hope's Corner.

Volunteers will be led and supervised by a kitchen manager. Tasks will include knife work for some volunteers, working with raw produce and meats, using hot ovens/steamers, and washing dishes using hot water. 

Age: 16+ or 14+ with a parent/guardian

Help host a time of community building and fun for residents awaiting housing at PATH's Pacific Motor Inn in San Jose!

Volunteers will serve pizza and drinks, and participate alongside residents in some games hosted by PATH's staff.

Age: Youth ages 12-17 are welcome if  accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Spend a Saturday morning in the garden! Turn soil and plant fall seedlings in 20 different planting beds at an interim housing shelter for families. 

Age: All ages are welcome to participate!