Current and Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

The Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA:

Got Love to Spare?
Thanks to the commitment and compassion of its volunteers, the AAWL/SPCA is able to provide care and save the lives of over 2,000 animals a year.  More than 500 men and women dedicate over 240,000 hours of their time to help make life a little better for hundreds of sick, neglected and homeless pets.  They do this by volunteering for the AAWL/SPCA.  AAWL/SPCA was founded in 1971 and is Arizona's oldest and largest “no-kill” shelter.  As the number of homeless pets continues to increase in Maricopa County, so does the need for dedicated volunteers, all having one thing in common, the desire to give care and hope to a homeless pet.

DOGS - Dog lovers can volunteer their time by performing an activity such as dog walking. 
CATS - For those individuals who are fond of felines, we also have several volunteer cat cuddling opportunities in our Cattery.  Cats tend to be more sensitive to their environment than dogs, so our cattery volunteers play an important role in keeping our cats socialized to keep our furry feline friends mentally stimulated and ready for adoption.  Our cattery is one-of-a-kind in the valley, as we keep most of our cats in communal situations rather than in kennels.
BEHAVIOR - Aside from the basic necessities such as food, water and shelter, a pets needs social interaction and enrichment.  Our behavior department provides behavior assessments, evaluations and a variety of training activities to help make the animals in our care more well rounded and wonderful family pets.  This function is unique to AAWL/SPCA.  Because we are a closed intake shelter, we have the ability to work with our pets behaviorally if they face challenges.
If the behavior department is an area that interests you, it is one of the many volunteer opportunities that is available to you at the AAWL/SPCA.
CLERICAL - For those volunteers who want to help pets but cannot work with them, we also have opportunities for clerical volunteers.
THRIFT STORE - One of the ways that AAWL/SPCA raises funds to help care for our four legged friends is through our Thrift Store located at 1945 W. Dunlap (1 block SW of 19th Ave on Dunlap) hours are Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.  Volunteer store representatives are always needed and welcome.
CLINIC - For those with a background or interest in Veterinary Medicine, you can always volunteer your time to assist our veterinary team in our medical or infirmary clinics.  Caring for sick and injured pets is a labor of love and specific volunteers are needed for these opportunities.
FOSTER -And for people who have the home and heart to help pets in need you can help join our team of foster care volunteers, taking special needs pets into their home and nursing them back to health so that the AAWL/SPCA can put the happy/healthy pets up for adoption.
EDUCATION - Another unique feature at the AAWL/SPCA is our Education Department which provides opportunities for children and teens to safely and humanely interact with companion animals and build skills in an environment of kindness and compassion.

The AAWL/SPCA is blessed with the deep compassion and tireless energy of its volunteers.  Together they allow the AAWL/SPCA to remain open year round, providing much needed consistency and caring for hundreds of homeless pets who have been saved from euthanasia from open intake shelters in the valley.  As any volunteer will tell you, whatever you give to these precious pets will come back to you in so many wonderful ways.  And our volunteers tell us at the end of the day that they feel like they've given a homeless pet new hope.

Please Contact:
Tina Eacret
Director of Volunteer Services and Special Events
Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA
30 North 40th Place
Phoenix, AZ  85034
P:  (602) 273-6852, ext. 101
F:  (602) 275-3610
volunteer@aawl.org
www.aawl.org

American Jewish World Service

AJWS is an independent not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 to help alleviate poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the world regardless of race, religion or nationality. It breathes life into Judaism's imperative to pursue justice and helps American Jews act upon a deeply felt obligation to improve the chances for survival, economic independence and human dignity for all people.

AJWS supports almost 270 grassroots organizations in the developing world and Russia and Ukraine through grant making, technical assistance, emergency relief and advocacy. We also provide unique international service opportunities for the Jewish community, enabling Jews to play an active role in the process of meaningful social change. Last year we sent over 300 volunteers to the developing world.

The inspiration for AJWS' work is drawn from the demand for social justice expressed in traditional Jewish sources. AJWS is a Jewish response to the needs of communities throughout the globe, regardless of race, religion or nationality.

For more information:
http://ajws.org/

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

The Arizona Jewish Theatre Company is a member of the Association for Jewish Theatre, Phoenix Community Alliance, Alliance for Audience, Local First AZ and Arizona Citizens for the Arts. It was a recipient of the 1991 Belle Latchman Community Service Award and in 2000, again received the award, this time for its Dear Esther school project, which brought in over 1500 school children to see this moving Holocaust remembrance. In 1994, the Company received the B'nai B'rith Women's Humanitarian Award for the work it does in bridging gaps of multi-cultural understanding, through the subject matter of its plays as well as the diversity of its casts, crews, and audiences. The Company has also received numerous AriZoni nominations and awards, and the producing Director, Janet Arnold, was named creative artist of the year as part of the YWCA Tribute to women 2001.

One of only five Equity companies in the Valley, AJTC is able to attract the top designers and technicians in the area, and the productions are recognized as high quality theatre. We operate under a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors Equity, which allows us to hire the most talented professional actors available.

AJTC entered into a 3-year facilities agreement with Paradise Valley Community College to perform at the Center for the Performing Arts (CPA). The CPA sits on the east end of the campus, off 34th street, just south of Union Hills. www.azjewishtheatre.org

o Ushering for our productions (volunteer and see a show for free)

Please contact:
Gena Wade
Arizona Jewish Theatre Company
602-264-0402
gena@azjewishtheatre.org

BBYO
BBYO Volunteer Advisors!  BBYO is the largest Jewish youth movement in the world with over 85 years of providing leadership and Judaic identity development in a true youth led, adult supervised fashion! Advisors are role models for BBYO members, helping AZA and BBG chapters with their programs, and working with teens to develop the character and confidence they need to succeed in life. While volunteering as a BBYO advisor is a serious commitment, we try to make sure that each chapter has at least two Advisors to make things easier.  Serving as an advisor can be a unique opportunity to give back to BBYO, add value to the lives of Jewish teens, and make connections that will offer an escape from your daily routine. Additionally, advisors have access to BBYO's network of prominent alumni and parents who are always willing to help those who give their time to help BBYO fulfill its mission. At this time, Phoenix BBYO is looking for new advisors who can take responsibility for BBYO chapters in our region.  AZA and BBG chapters meet weekly on Mondays in Scottsdale and Tuesdays in Peoria and Chandler.  In addition, there are sporadic weekend events and three regional conventions a year with Tucson, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City; staffing one is required (and usually advisors love to staff all three!).  There are also many opportunities for advisors to staff international travel programs! 

Please contact:
Steven Baker, Phoenix Program Director
sbaker@bbyo.org or 480.634.4900x1127 if you are interested!

Big Brothers Big Sisters

ADD A LITTLE TO YOUR LIFE

Support us in changing how our children grow up in America and become a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor. Depending upon geographical area, some children, especially boys, can wait up to two years for a mentor. If you have time in your life to play a game of cards, shoot some baskets, watch a baseball game, or wash your car, then you have exactly what it takes! Just add a “Little” to what you are already doing!

We are currently enrolling Big Brothers valley-wide and Big Sisters who live in the West valley. There are several ways for you to get involved:

Community-based: This program offers Bigs the opportunity to meet with their Little for a few hours each month at times that are convenient for both of them. Matches can plan activities that they'll both enjoy like playing sports, watching movies or just hanging out.

Site-based: Bigs meet with their Little at a partner elementary school or community site for about an hour each week during the school year, and meet along side other Bigs and Littles to play games, tutor or just talk.

Recruitment: If you are able to invite people to speak at your workplace, we would greatly appreciate an opportunity to do so.

Donate: Financial gifts can be made safely and conveniently online. Our donation center accepts gently used household items and clothing donations. Call (602) 230-8900 for pick-up or drop-off locations.

Please contact:
602-264-BIGS
www.bbbsaz.org

Catholic Charities

Are you looking for something exciting to do or need volunteer hours for a school or civic project? Why not help one of Arizona's oldest and largest nonprofit organizations? Catholic Charities has several ways you can get involved and help children, families at risk and people in crisis.

Become a volunteer and make a difference in a refugee's life. Volunteer opportunities are available such as tutoring English as a Second Language, mentoring a family and collecting hygiene items for newly arriving families. To volunteer, please contact Patricia Gillem at pgillem@cc-az.org or 602-997-6105 x 3342.

Catholic Charities DIGNITY Programs also has volunteer opportunities. The nationally-recognized program helps women leave prostitution and rebuild their lives through a multi-faceted approach. Volunteers are needed to provide transportation, tutoring, computer skills and life skills training, financial planning and budgeting, recreational support and registered nurses to teach the women residents about community health issues. To volunteer, please contact Rachel Irby at (602) 361-0579 or via email rirby@cc-az.org.

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities Community Services is one of Arizona's oldest and largest nonprofit organizations which offers a diverse range of social services that strengthen families, protect and nurture children, and support people in crisis. Catholic Charities serves people of all ages and faiths. To learn more visit: CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

Please contact:
Catholic Charities
Patricia Gillem
pgillem@cc-az.org
602-997-6105 x 3342
Rachel Irby
rirby@cc-az.org
602-361-0579

Chrysalis

Chrysalis has been providing safe havens for women and children victimized by domestic abuse for 27 years. We are one of the most comprehensive domestic abuse agencies in the state of Arizona. Chrysalis provides emergency shelter for women and children, transitional housing, outpatient counseling for men, women, and children, a victim advocate program, and an offender intervention program. In addition, Seconds 2 Go is a donation center and thrift store supporting Chrysalis clients and programs.

There are several ways to get involved! We need volunteers in the following areas:
o Children's Group Assistant
o Book Buddies
o General Clerical Help
o General Maintenance
o Donations/Thrift Store

Please contact:
Lindsey James
Volunteer Coordinator
ljames@noabuse.org
602-955-9059

Communities in Schools of Arizona

For 15 years, Communities In Schools of Arizona has remained focused on helping kids stay in school and prepare for life by identifying and addressing the unmet needs of children and families-needs that, when left unanswered, contribute to the dropout rate. Each year we connect at-risk youth and their families with programs and services that aren't always available through the school system. 

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following programs:

Reading Tutors. Just 90 minutes a week, either afternoon or evening can make a significant difference in helping students become stronger readers.

Middle School Mentors. 5th through 8th graders are paired with a caring adult mentor who supports their academic and personal development.  Tie commitment is at least one hour per week at the Arizona Cardinals Preparatory Academy.

Jobs for Valley Youth. Opportunities working with youth ages 15-21 by sharing workforce readiness skills through career fair presentations, mock job interviews, job shadowing, and workplace tours.

If you are interested in these or other special event opportunities please contact:

Please contact:
Lloyd Hopkins
Sr. Director of Community Reinvestment
602-252-5312 x28
Lloyd.hopkins@cisarizona.org
www.cisarizona.org

Crisis Nursery

Mission…Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse and Neglect

For over 31 years, Crisis Nursery has been a safe haven to more than 16,000 children in Arizona - coming to the aid of over 120 children daily. In addition to operating 2 children's shelters in Phoenix, Crisis Nursery also provides a variety of critical services to ensure a safe environment and help children heal and overcome the difficulties that have plagued their short lives. These include developmental childcare, HeadStart services, education and resources for parents, community day and overnight respite, and a foster care program.

Crisis Nursery volunteers partner with staff to enhance and supplement a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the children in our care. It is only with your help that we are able to provide children and families with the individualized attention they need and deserve. All of our volunteers have 1 thing in common: their enthusiasm to improve the lives of the children and families in our community. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a REAL difference in the life of a child, we'll help place you in a role that makes the best use of your time and talents.

Please check out our volunteer opportunities and requirements that are listed on our website at www.crisisnurseryphx.org.

Please contact:
Patricia Zdunek, Volunteer Services Manager
pzdunek@crisisnurseryphx.org
602-273-7363, ext. 263
Crisis Nursery
2334 E. Polk
Phoenix, AZ 85006

Desert Botanical Garden

The Garden's commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition, and conservation of desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Southwestern United States. We will ensure that the Garden is always a compelling attraction that brings to life the many wonders of the desert.
 
Great opportunities to volunteer at the Desert Botanical Garden.
 
o       LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS 8:00 am - noon - replace candles in the Luminarias on Dec. 2,5,9,12,16,19,21,23,26,27,29 - 8:00 until noon
 
Please contact:
Pam Levin
Volunteer Support Manager
480-481-8166
plevin@dbg.org
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
 
www.dbg.org

Florence Crittenton

Florence Crittenton has been serving at-risk teen girls from throughout Arizona for the past 112 years . . . pregnant teens, girls suffering from severe abuse and neglect, girls recovering from substance abuse, girls involved with gangs and who have been in detention. We provide safety, hope and opportunities for girls to heal and move into successful adulthood through intensive therapy, education at the Crittenton Youth Academy. Our volunteers provide positive role models for our girls through their involvement as “Friends” of Florence Crittenton, tutors and mentors. They also support our programs through service at our resale shop, Flo's on 7th, and by providing life-skills classes to girls in our Transitional Living Program. Volunteers are truly the backbone of our organization and an important part of life for FloCrit girls.

Please contact:
Barbara Castillo
Volunteer Services Manager
602-288-4567
bcastillo@flocrit.org.

Heard Museum
Since 1929, the Heard Museum has educated visitors from around the world about the art and cultures of Native people of the Southwest. The Heard has three primary volunteer organizations designed for different needs.

The Museum's main volunteer group, the Heard Museum Guild, totals 600 members and provides support in a variety of ways, including working in the shop and library, providing guided tours, answering questions at the information desk and coordinating the Indian Fair & Market and other programs. Whether you have a few hours a month or wish to contribute on a weekly basis, there are opportunities for all. The Guild regularly hosts educational programs and social events for its members and the public.

The Monte Vista Club for young professionals meets for art-related social activities and assists with exhibit openings and special events. The Heard Museum Council plans monthly educational meetings and coordinates two annual Art & Artifacts Appraisal Days.
No matter how you choose to volunteer at the Heard, you'll be surrounded by a terrific community of passionate people who are dedicated to the arts and cultures of Native people.

For more information about the Heard Museum Guild, visit www.heardguild.org.
Please contact:
Juliet Martin
602.251.0232
jmartin@heard.org
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

HomeBase Youth Services

HomeBase Youth Services provides services to homeless and at-risk youth between the ages of 18 and 21. The mission of HomeBase is to teach at-risk and homeless youth how to live healthy and independent lives.

Chef for a Night: Groups prepare and serve dinner to the residents at our Nicholas Transitional Living Center from 4-6 pm. Opportunities are available 7 nights a week. We will provide you with the recipe and ingredients needed to make a balanced home cooked meal. Dinners are served family style to our youth. This opportunity is great for groups sized 2-8 individuals, as you are cooking for approximately 25 youth.

Rise & Dine: Start your Saturday or Sunday morning off right by providing a warm, wholesome breakfast for the youth at our Nicholas Transitional Living Center. Pancakes, bacon, eggs or toast are provided for you to prepare. Serve this home cooked meal with a smile, and give the youth the energy to start their day off right! The breakfast opportunity is from 8-10 am.

Helping Hands: Help us manage our in-kind donations. Volunteers are needed to sort donations, identify useable items and assist our In-kind Specialist inventory the items.

Please contact:
HomeBase Youth Services
602-651-1804
volunteer@hbys.org

Hospice of the Valley

Volunteers are valued members of the Hospice of the Valley team. Those who choose to work as volunteers are very special people.

Volunteers may choose to provide:

o Companionship and socialization.
o Talk, play cards, read or just be there with patients and families.
o Emotional support.
o Respite for caregivers.
o Assistance with errands.
o Administrative support.
o Community education.
o Volunteer in the White Dove Thrift Shop.

Home care and inpatient facility volunteers receive training before volunteering time with patients and their families.

At Hospice of the Valley, we strive to match volunteers with patients and families by similar age, interests, geographic location and family needs.

Special Teen Volunteer Program

Volunteer opportunities are also open to high school students who have a desire to spend quality time with hospice patients in a supportive setting.

Please contact:
Hospice of the Valley
Volunteer Department
602-636-2246

Interfaith Cooperative Ministries

Do you have 3-4 hours each week to help meet the needs of the low-income poor in the greater Phoenix area? If so, we can certainly utilize your services! INTERFAITH COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES, a food and clothing bank located at 501 S. Ninth Ave., just south of downtown Phoenix, is open Monday through Saturday to provide the basic immediate needs for those in crisis, such as: food boxes, clothing, toiletries, and a few household items such as blankets and linens. By “interfaith” we mean that two faiths (Jewish and Christian) are cooperating together to “minister” to the poor. We do not compromise our individual beliefs; we do not proselytize. We began as a result of local synagogues and churches who decided to combine their efforts in serving needy individuals and families, believing they could be more effective with this joint endeavor. Volunteer hours are from 8:30 a.m. - Noon, Monday through Saturday (except holidays).

If you're looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of others, this just might be the place for you! Please give us a call and we'll be happy to give you a tour and tell you of the various possibilities for volunteering at ICM. Some volunteers work directly with clients, assisting with food and clothing, and others work “behind the scenes” in our pantry or sorting room. There is sure to be an opportunity that matches your interests!

Please contact:
Regina Mitzel
Assistant Director
602-254-7450, ext. 2

Israel Volunteer Opportunities*

TIPS - we have an apartment for you
Work in our partnership communities located in the Hof Ashkelon / Kiryat Malachi areas in the south of Israel. Various assignments available.

Sar-El, Volunteers For Israel
Join Sar-El and volunteers from around the world and come to Israel for a number of weeks where you can participate in:
o Working in a hospital
o Working in an I.D.F. warehouse
o Guided tours of interesting locations in Israel
o Lectures on Jewish and Israeli topics
o Shabbat hospitality
For more information or to apply, go to:
http://www.sar-el.org/
or call 1-866-514-1948

Community Service / Special Needs Volunteer
Work with people and organizations in need around the country. Such work includes, but not limited to: working in hospitals, working with special needs children, working with youth at risk, teaching English, working in absorption centers, and working with senior citizens.

Kibbutz Volunteer
Work on a Kibbutz in a variety of fields including agriculture, factory work, maintenance, child care, etc.

Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer
Be a first responder in medical emergencies and assist teams of medics and paramedics.

* Availability dependent upon needs at the moment and ability of applicant.
Specific requirements sometime apply. Free room and board may be available.
Applicants are required to pay their own airfare but may qualify for discounts.

Please contact:
The New Israel Center
480-634-4900, Ext. 1119
www.jewishphoenix.org

Jewish National Fund

Here's a way to support the land and people of Israel without leaving Arizona:

Volunteers are needed:
 
Tu B'Shevat Walk - January 31, 2010 at Tempe Beach Park - registration and event logistics

Administrative support
 
Jewish National Fund is a non-profit organization founded in 1901 to serve as caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners - Jewish people everywhere.  During the first half of the 20th century, JNF set out to achieve its goal by purchasing the land that would become the State of Israel.  Following the successful establishment of the state in 1948, the organization has evolved to meet Israel's most pressing needs, including the current security crisis, ongoing water shortage and other environmental challenges.  Over the past century, the organization has planted over 240 million trees, built over 150 reservoirs and dams, developed over 250,000 acres of land, created over a thousand parks and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment.

Please contact: 
Linda E. Shapiro
 lshapir@jnf.org
 602.277.4800

Literacy Project / Greater Phoenix Jewish Coalition for Literacy

This program is aimed at helping children, first through third grade, to learn the essential literacy skills they need to read at their grade level. Trained volunteers spend one hour each week at the school with their assigned students. Students and volunteers are matched based on student need and volunteer interests. Most work one-on-one with a child, some with small groups, and others as classroom assistants. Our goal is to make a lasting impression on the future by helping a child learn to read.

Please contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix
480-634-4900, ext 1104
dkleinberg@jewishphoenix.org

Mercy Housing

Mercy Housing works with residents to determine their other needs as well as the talents and skills they have to share. We use that knowledge to develop services and programs that provide opportunities and empowerment.  To achieve this Mercy Housing establishes and maintains strong relationships with the local neighborhood and larger community.  As well as develops creative and effective programs based on the resources and needs assessment; examples include: job skills training, parenting classes, computer training, financial management classes, and children's tutoring. 
A sampling of Mercy Housing volunteer experiences:
o On-going volunteerism or onetime events
o After School program
o Youth programming
o Senior activities
o Talent Sharing
o Mentoring
o Tutoring
o Donation pick-up and delivery
o Community garden
o Computer instructor
o ESL teacher

Please contact:
Mercy Housing
Alice Scott
ascott@mercyhousing.org
602.952.9525 X4
www.mercyhousing.org

Planned Parenthood Arizona

Over the past 75 years, Planned Parenthood Arizona has become Arizona's single largest nonprofit provider of reproductive health care and comprehensive sexuality education. Volunteers help us extend our reach into communities throughout Arizona. We offer numerous ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout our agency in areas like education, outreach, and political advocacy as well as patient care and support in our health centers. For more information on volunteering with Planned Parenthood you can visit our website at www.ppaz.org or email volunteer@ppaz.org.

Please contact:
Planned Parenthood Arizona
602-263-2225
volunteer@ppaz.org

RESCUE

RESCUE is a registered non-profit volunteer based animal rescue organization. Our focus is “kill list” rescue from our county shelters. We were founded in 1995, and with the support of our volunteers and our community, we have found homes for over 9,300 dogs and cats. Our motto is for every animal adopted, we are back to rescue another. Maricopa County has one of the highest euthanasia rates per capital in the country, so we have much work to do on behalf of these animals. We depend on the community for our support and offer a variety of satisfying ways for you to get involved in our mission to end euthanasia. For a more detailed description of our volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at www.azrescue.org

Please contact:
480-598-9410

Resources for Health

Resources for Health (www.resourcesforhealth.org) is a local grassroots organization empowering individuals and families to care for their health, the environment, and their communities. We have volunteer opportunities for youth and adults through two of our programs:

AZ Homegrown Solutions - A grassroots movement to have fun growing food and communities. We plant trees, help establish community and school gardens, glean citrus for the homeless, propagate plants to give to the needy, and more. Please visit www.azhomegrownsolutions.org or contact Anne at info@resourcesforhealth.org for more information.

Roots & Shoots - Part of Jane Goodall's global network of youth groups, we do service-learning projects to care for the environment, animals, and the human community. Currently, we have plots at Scottsdale Community Garden to grow food for the hungry, a Native Garden at North Mountain Visitor Center in Phoenix for purposes of public education, and “Passing the Rainbow,” a project to recycle broken crayons into new crayons for schoolchildren in Africa.

Please contact:
Anne
info@resourcesforhealth.org
480-282-8488

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Inc

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Inc. provides a temporary home away from home for families who must travel to the Phoenix area to receive medical treatment for their children. The Roanoke House, located at 501 E. Roanoke, Phoenix, is a 45 bedroom house. The Cambridge House, located at 1980 E. Cambridge Avenue, Phoenix, is an 18 bedroom house. The Ronald McDonald Family Room, located at 350 W. Thomas Road, provides a supportive and caring respite area for adult family members of children receiving medical treatment at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Volunteers at our Houses answer phones, prepare rooms for families, give tours, help organize and much more. Volunteers at Ronald McDonald Family Room are host/hostess since the room is only opened when a volunteer is there. Groups can provide dinners for the families staying at our Houses and can help with landscape, cleaning and organizing.
Please visit www.rmhcphoenix.com for more information.

Please contact:
Kathy Anderson
Volunteer Coordinator
602-798-5093
kanderson@rmhcphoenix.com

St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
Our mission at St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance is to promote the elimination of hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency through advocacy and education. St Mary's Food Bank Alliance has a rich heritage rooted in the beginning of the food banking movement. Founded by John Van Hengel in 1967, the Food Bank is known globally as the world's first food bank. The Food Bank serves 700 agency sites in 13 of Arizona's 15 counties. The organization is committed to providing food to our less fortunate neighbors, family, and friends. The agencies receiving food from the Food Bank serve a variety of clients- seniors, families, children, and infants-of different colors, faiths, and abilities.

With locations in the Valley and Northern Arizona, the Food Bank is able to serve a wide population, especially in rural communities. Every day the Food Bank distributes enough food to provide nearly 167,000 meals to the community. The organization relies on hundreds of food donors, as well as thousands of financial contributors and volunteers.  Support from individuals, corporations and foundations enables the Food Bank to take each dollar and turn it into food for seven meals.  To learn more about us you can visit us online at www.firstfoodbank.org

Ready to organize and hold a food drive at your school, office, gym, or church? Contact us at fooddrives@firstfoodbank.org

For financial contributions please email us at development@firstfoodbank.org or contact us at (602) 242-FOOD.

Want to learn more about volunteering? For a list of FAQ's contact us at volunteerservices@firstfoodbank.org or (602) 242-FOOD.

Thank you,
Susan Ekback
Volunteer Coordinator
St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
2831 N. 31st Ave. Phx, Az 85009
602-343-3126 Direct
480-393-4511 Fax
smekback@firstfoodbank.org

Society Of St. Vincent De Paul

420 W. Watkins Road
Phoenix, AZ
(7th Ave. and I-17)

Contact:  Gabriela Bova at  (602) 261.6886  Gbova@svdp-phx-az.org
 
Description of agency: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving homeless and economically disadvantaged populations since 1946. Through home visits, shelter, food assistance, employment services, thrift stores and outreach programs, St. Vincent de Paul provides compassion and support to individuals in need, regardless of race, origin, religion or gender.

SVDP has volunteer opportunities available 365 days a year, from as early as 6:30am (breakfast) to as late as 8:00pm (loading docks/processing center) and so we always need your help. Most events/service projects need to be scheduled a month in advance for the best experience. The information below is “generalized”, we can custom fit projects depending on group size and date and time availability. All volunteer opportunities are for volunteers 14 years of age and older except where specified. In most cases at most locations we can accommodate groups as large as 40 or more or as small as one. Please call for detailed inquiries. Thank you!

Specific service areas with immediate need include:

Retail Thrift stores - Locations in Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, and Apache Junction. Most sites are open six or seven days a week.
Processing Center - Located in South Phoenix, our warehouse is open Mon-Saturday. Shifts vary.
Central Kitchen - Located in South Phoenix, kitchen volunteers assist with meal preparation. Help is needed weekday mornings.
Ozanam Manor- Our senior center is looking for volunteers with professional backgrounds to provide life skills, self sufficiency training and to act as a mentor. (Phoenix)
Family evening meal - Looking for volunteers to coordinate special “themed” learning events and activities for the children who frequent our dining room.

Please contact:
Cassidy Zoellner
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Tel 602.261.6870   Fax 602.261.6830
CZoellner@svdp-phx-az.org

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development is a private nonprofit agency founded in 1972 by Soroptomist International of Phoenix to provide emergency shelter and services for runaway youth. Our mission is to serve abused, abandoned, troubled and neglected youth in our community. Since 1972 Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development has expanded to provide more than 12 direct service programs that provide a continuum of care for over 3000 homeless, abused, abandoned, neglected, and at risk youth annually, ages 11-22 in Maricopa County, AZ. We work with youth and families in crisis.

In 2005, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development was awarded a contract to be the lead local agency in a national project called SafePlace. National SafePlace is a nationally known organization that provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses. Volunteers are needed to meet/pick up youth in the time of need at our various SafePlace locations located throughout Maricopa County. Become a SafePlace volunteer OR make your place of business an authorized SafePlace location by contacting us at: 602-271-9904.

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. These opportunities change as the various needs arise throughout our agency. Please see our website for ALL current available volunteer opportunities. www.tumbleweed.org.

Please contact:
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
602-271-9904
www.tumbleweed.org

Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center

The JCC is a non-profit agency that serves the entire Phoenix metropolitan community - from infants to seniors - regardless of age, sex or religious preference or affiliation. The JCC is a partner agency of the Valley of the Sun United Way and of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. As a non-profit organization, we are always eager to enlist the support of others willing to lend a hand, expertise, or advice. If you would like to join the ranks of the committed VOSJCC member volunteers, please contact us.

Please contact:
Lisa Owens, Welcome Desk Manager
Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
480-483-7121
www.vosjcc.org