Opportunities From: Compassion Week

Write cards for our veterans at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto.  They will receive the cards on their meal trays and will help our veterans feel cared for. Each kit will have five cards in it along with instructions. 

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

Saturday, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

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

Each kit will have instructions and 5 cards to write. 

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

Saturday, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

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. 

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, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

These lunch bags will be filled with a tasty lunch and be distributed to guests at Hope's Corner in Mountain View. These colorful bags with uplifting messages of kindness with shine some brightness into their meal!

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

Saturday, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

Decorate bookmarks to lift spirits and encourage reading.

Each kit will have instructions and materials to make 5 bookmarks. 

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

Saturday, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

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. 

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

Saturday, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

Cardz For Kidz is an organization dedicated to uplifting spirits across the globe by delivering inspiring handmade cards and bookmarks. These bookmarks will be sent to hospitals, foster homes, senior living homes, patient's homes and schools across the globe. They are a great way to spread compassion! 

Each kit will have instructions and materials to make 5 bookmarks. 

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

Saturday, 10/3 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/4 - 11am - 3pm

Drop off completed projects at the Distribution Center:

Saturday, 10/10 - 10am - 3pm

Sunday, 10/11 - 10am - 3pm

Registrations will close end of day on Friday, October 2. After this date, if you want to cancel a registration, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to sign up for a project on Saturday or Sunday, please email janicemaggiora@sbcglobal.net or swing by the Distribution Center to see if there is available inventory.

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

Start the morning with a family concert in the park with Charity Kahn of Charity and the JAMBand: interactive, high-energy music and dance for the whole family, celebrating kindness, peace, and love.

Then take part in fun, child-friendly projects that support local organizations meeting the basic needs of our neighbors. Paint stones, make bracelets, decorate grocery bags, and more!

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.

Help set up for a day of impact where 100+ volunteers join an assembly line to pack meals for thousands of hungry people all over the world!

Volunteers will help set up the stations, arranging tables and putting out the materials that will be used for packing the meals under the direction of the Rise Against Hunger staff.

Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1300 Grant Rd, Los Altos, CA 94024

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.

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: Seiler Family Basketball Gymnasium

Join us as we clean up San Pedro Creek to preserve the steelhead habitat!

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets and reusable gloves. Extra gloves, buckets, pickup sticks, and specific tools for this site cleanup will be provided while supplies last. Bring extra layers of clothing, a hat, sunblock, water, and snacks.

To participate, please complete Pacific Beach Coalition's online signup and read the cleanup guidelines prior to the event.

Please park on San Pedro Terrace Road, and meet at the end of the road by the trail head.

Write an encouraging message reinforcing that all of our neighbors - everyone in our community - belongs in our community. 

Join us as we decorate grocery bags with colorful designs and messages to spread cheer to Hope's Corner guests.

Location:  Storytime Garden

Assemble activity kits for older adults who could use some encouragement! Pack a bag with some fun activities and a note or drawing from you to brighten their day.

Location: Creekside A/B

During Compassion Week over 3,100 Hygiene Kits will be packed to support our unhoused neighbors. These kits include some basic necessities such as toiletries, socks, and underwear.

This organizing work is critical preparation work for the Hygiene Kit packing projects that will happen during the week of service. 

On Friday, volunteers will move boxes of supplies and organize them so that they can be packed for the projects.  * Volunteers must be able to lift 10-20 pound boxes of supplies.

On Saturday,  volunteers will sort and pack supplies for the hygiene kit projects.

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

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

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.

Join us as we prepare 90 dinners that will be delivered to neighbors living in vehicles and RVs.

Duties will include preparing food, packaging meals, and washing dishes.

Age: Youth 14+ are welcome to join with a parent or guardian.

Join us as we prepare 90 dinners that will be delivered to neighbors living in vehicles and RVs.

Duties will include preparing food, packaging meals, and washing dishes.

Age: Youth 14+ are welcome to join with a parent or guardian.

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 sites 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

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 sites 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 assemble lunch bags, distribute a hot breakfast, and serve coffee to the guests at Hope's Corner.

Age restrictions:  Must be 16 years and older

Clothing requirements: Must wear closed toed shoes, a hat or hair net (provided).

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

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:

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.

Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization that sends Care Packages filled with entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, non-perishable snacks, and personal letters of appreciation to U.S. Troops, First Responders, Veterans, Military Families, and Wounded Heroes & their Care Givers.

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+

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 submit multiple individual registrations.

Link to Instructions: Fleece Hats

Link to video instructions: https://youtu.be/LFTIHsCIUz0?si=7UJ8FDEUtan8dwwz

Pick Up and Drop Off Detail

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 11th at arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instructions.

Sew a piece of a Days for Girl item that will distribute both locally and internationally.

Sew pre-cut pieces (requires only a sewing machine, polyester thread, scissors) - skill level: beginning

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

Instructions to make Days for Girls Shield pockets:

● Cut 2 matching pieces of cotton fabric to, 4 1⁄2 x 5 inches each. 

● Fold in half to 4 1⁄2 x 2 1⁄2 inches and iron to form a crease.

● Sew a line of stitching ¼ inch on the folded side, no back-tacking in a coordinating-colored thread

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 11th at arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instructions.

Samples are available at Pick up. Consultation will be at the Sew in-person dates October 9 and 10th at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World in person or just drop in.

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 San Jose ReStore. 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.

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.

Join us for a hands-on volunteer opportunity supporting individuals and families transitioning from homelessness into permanent supportive housing. Volunteers will create holiday gift bags using new, donated beauty and personal-care products and prepare essential household items for families moving into Abode permanent supportive-housing sites.

Volunteer Activities Include:

Impact: Your time and effort will help make the transition into a new home feel more welcoming, dignified, and supported during the holiday season.

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.

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

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

We will bake cookies and desserts to support our unhoused neighbors living in shelters.  No baking experience necessary. 

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

Come and create beautiful bracelets with colorful beads at Pacifica Day of Service. The bracelets will be sent to the Palo Alto VA hospital to spread cheer to veterans and their families. 

Join a small group baking desserts for meals that will be served at WeHope in East Palo Alto and Life Moves, Mountain View during Compassion Week. 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 desserts for meals that will be served during Compassion Week.

We'll meet at the kitchen in the Creekside Center at Los Altos United Methodist Church. No baking experience is required-- just a desire to have fun and support our neighbors living in transitional housing.

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

Host an evening of fun and games for residents at the LifeMoves Montgomery Street Inn emergency and transitional housing shelter in San Jose.

Volunteers will set up and facilitate games (board games / bingo / trivia) for 20-25 residents-- one third of whom are veterans-- from 6:30-7:30pm.

Age:  18+.

Decorate Grocery Bags for Hope's Corner at the Compassion Week Kickoff Event in downtown Mountain View.

Join us as we make fleece blankets that will support Bill Wilson Center, Hope's Corner, Pathways Home Health and Hospice, Project Linus,  WeHOPE, and Cancer CAREpoint. 

Location: Garden Room

Join us at Compassion Week Kick Off, and make a fleece scarf that will be distributed to multiple agencies serving those in need. 

Prep and package STEAM Project kits at RAFT's San Jose headquarters. From assembling educational kits and sorting through our material donations, to assisting members in our Teacher Workshop, your time will benefit over 8,000 educators every year.

The picture below shows where to enter the building. Please enter through the RAFT Store entrance and not the admin offices.
If your group has a volunteering team t-shirt, and have an extra one, please consider bringing the extra one in so we can display it on our t-shirt wall!
Pictures may be taken to share about the impact your group is doing for the education community.

Support Hidden Villa's property team to care for our landscaped spaces, remove invasive plants, and move wood chips into the garden. These are a few projects that represent the work, though the project might shift on the volunteer day. All tools and gloves will be provided, and no experience is necessary!

Age: All ages welcome!

Please complete the Hidden Villa Volunteer Application and Waiver.

Participants should wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes.

Please park in the Main Parking lot (~¼ mile into the property).

Work side-by-side with Hidden Villa's Farm team as they grow Hidden Villa's organic produce! With your hands in the soil, you'll learn from our farmers how Hidden Villa practices small-scale organic farming.

Typical activities include seasonal planting, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, mulching, pruning, and occasionally building. No experience is necessary.

Age: 14+ with guardian

Please complete the Hidden Villa Volunteer Application and waiver.

Participants should wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes.

Please park in the Farm Parking lot (immediately on your left when you enter the property).

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 students from Alta Vista High School as we prepare the Serenity Garden, planted by Compassion Week volunteers in 2024, for Fall. 

You will prune, weed and do general maintenance as you interact with students interested in working in the garden. 

Please bring garden gloves and clippers, and bring a shovel for planting if you are able.  Please wear close-toed shoes and a hat.

Join us as we respectfully retire well-worn flags from service by separating the blue star field from the stripes so it is no longer recognized as an official symbol.

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. 

Put together 200 kits that will support mental health for men & women at Elmwood Correctional Facility during the Kickoff event at the Mountain View Civic Center.

Come and create beautiful bracelets with colorful beads in the Storytime Garden. The bracelets will be sent to the Palo Alto VA hospital to spread cheer to veterans and their families. 

Join us for Pacifica Day Of Service as we decorate pillowcases for new LifeMoves shelter residents.

Join us as we make fleece blankets that will support Bill Wilson Center, Hope's Corner, Pathways Home Health and Hospice, Project Linus,  WeHOPE, and Cancer CAREpoint. 

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.

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.

Join us as we decorate tote bags, and pack them with supplies to support and bring dignity to women living in vehicles in Palo Alto.

The Karat School Project helps eradicate poverty and inequality in a sustainable way by providing education and training programs for children and women.

Location: Second Floor Pavilion

Youth volunteers! Come and help us host a morning of arts, crafts, and games for 15-20 kids living at the recently opened LifeMoves HomeKey transitional shelter in Palo Alto.

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 projects, and opportunities to learn about some great organizations that are meeting basic needs in our community.

Have an unused or outgrown bicycle laying around? Donate it to Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange (SVBE)!  Join MVLA Service League of Boys (SLOBs) in our community-wide bike drive benefiting SVBE. Looking for kids bikes or regular (non-department store) adult bikes which will be cleaned, repaired, and given to those in need, or sold to fund the bike donations and parts required. Bike parts and bike accessories are also accepted. Receipts available from SVBE for your tax-deductible donation.

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

After the Charity and the JAMBand concert, join us as we decorate rocks to create cheerful, meaningful gifts that will be distributed through the Bill Wilson Center.

After the Charity and the JAMBand concert, join us as we decorate lunch bags with colorful, uplifting messages of kindness. These bags will be filled with a lunch and distributed to guests at Hope's Corner in Mountain View.

After the Charity and the JAMBand concert, join us to assemble beaded bracelets that will be distributed by the VA hospital in Palo Alto to bring joy to patients and their families.

Prepare lunch for the residents at the LiveMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View.

The LifeMoves shelter provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couples, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Location: Creekside Kitchen

Deliver and serve lunch for residents at LifeMoves Mountain View 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 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: Creekside Kitchen at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

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

Prepare lunch for the residents at the LiveMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View.

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

Join us as we assemble science kits that will be distributed to children in low-income families to make science education fun, engaging, and accessible. The kits will contain books and required materials, allowing students to independently conduct the experiments. 

Help set up for a day of impact where 100+ volunteers join an assembly line to pack meals for thousands of hungry people all over the world!

Volunteers will help set up the stations, arranging tables and putting out the materials that will be used for packing the meals under the direction of Rise Against Hunger staff.

Location: Seiler Family Basketball Gymnasium

Join us at Pacifica Day of Service 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.  

Host the weekly Friday morning Bingo game for the community at the LifeMoves opportunity center in Palo Alto.

Refresh 2 raised planting beds (remove current vegetables, refresh the soil, and plant fall seedlings), plant flowers at the entrance, and pull weeds to beautify the landscape at LifeMoves' Hoptel location in East Palo Alto.

Hoptel provides short stays for veterans traveling to the Bay Area to access the world class medical services at our VA hospitals.

Provide and share dinner and host a group craft for the 22 residents at LifeMoves' LGBTQ+ inclusive housing shelter in San Jose, New Haven Inn.

Address will be shared with volunteers prior to the event. 

If you enjoy meeting and talking with new people, this opportunity is for you! You’ll join in the conversation club at the EPA Academy, where you’ll be chatting with English language learners to help them develop their conversation skills. Activities and topics will be provided by an instructor to facilitate conversation.

If you enjoy meeting and talking with new people, this opportunity is for you! You’ll join in the conversation club through the Rosalie Rendu Center, where you’ll be chatting with English language learners to help them develop their conversation skills. Activities and topics will be provided by an instructor to facilitate conversation.

Decorate clay pots that will be used by residents to beautify their rooms at LifeMoves' new Homekey Palo Alto interim housing shelter at the Kickoff Event.

Decorate clay pots that will be used by residents to beautify their rooms at LifeMoves' new Homekey Palo Alto interim housing shelter at LAUMC.

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.

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

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 11th by arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instructions.

Samples available at Pick up. Consultation will be at the Sew in-person on October 9 & 10 at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World In Person for either date or just drop in.

Pin and sew a straight stitch of a rectangle piece of flannel to a wider square of flannel - 25 items per kit.

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

Samples at Pick up. Consultation will be at the Sew in-person on Saturday October 9 & Sunday October 10 at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World In Person for either date or just drop in.

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 11th at arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instruction.

Create a hand-made drawstring backpack to be used by clients of Grateful Garments and will distribute locally.

You can preview the instructions here: GGP Backpack Instructions

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

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 11th 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. Sew in-person on October 9 & 10 at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing In Person for either date.

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.

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

Samples available at Pick up. You can ask questions at the Sew in-person on October 9th and 10th at LAUMC.  Register for Sewing for the World In person for either day or just drop in.

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 submit multiple individual registrations.

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

Samples will be available at Pick up. Consultation and questions will be answered at the in-person sewing days on October 9th & 10th at LAUMC.  If you would like to sew with us register for Sewing for the World In person for either day or just drop in.

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 3 heart pillows that will provide a bit of extra comfort to clients of Cancer CarePoint and Bay Area Cancer Connection. This project requires a sewing machine and 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 submit multiple registrations.

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

Sew lavender eye shades that will be used to benefit Cancer Carepoint, 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 submit multiple individual registrations.

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

Create a simple dress by adding a skirt to a T-shirt . 

T-shirt Dress - sew 1 pre-cut skirt to a ready-made T-shirt (requires only a sewing
machine) - skill level: moderate

You can preview the instructions here: T-Shirt Dress Instructions  

https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/the-easy-tee-shirt-dress/

Tools needed: sewing machine, polyester thread, marking tool, 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

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 submit multiple individual registrations.

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

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

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

Sew five zipper pouches that will be used to benefit UMCOR

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 submit multiple individual registrations.

Pick Up and Drop Off Details

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

Samples are available at pick up.

Consultation or help will be at the In-person sewing on Friday or Saturday, October 9 & 10 at Los Altos United Methodist Church.  Register for Sewing For the World In-Person or just drop in.

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 11th at arranged drop off locations. Instructions for returning completed items will be provided with sewing instructions 

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:

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.

Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization that sends Care Packages filled with entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, non-perishable snacks, and personal letters of appreciation to U.S. Troops, First Responders, Veterans, Military Families, and Wounded Heroes & their Care Givers.

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+

Deliver and serve lunch for residents at the LifeMoves Mountain View 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 shelter in Mountain View provides supportive interim housing and wraparound services to families, couple, and individuals experiencing homelessness

Join us as we prepare dinner for residents at the LifeMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View.

Location: We will be hosting this project at the Creekside Kitchen at Los Altos United Methodist Church.

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

Deliver and serve dinner 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

Prepare lunch for the residents at the LiveMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View.

The LifeMoves 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 LifeMoves Homekey shelter in Mountain View!

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

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

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

Prepare lunch for 120 people at LiveMoves Mountain View shelter.

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

Come help us prepare dinner for homeless shelter. We will meet to prepare dinner in the Los Altos United Methodist Church 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.

Serve dinner to shelter residents at WeHOPE in East Palo Alto.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear/bring: closed toe shoes; 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 Creekside kitchen.

Age Requirement: 13+

Please wear/bring: closed toe shoes; 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.