I tried to drop off three boxes of men's and women's clothing to the First Step for Families…read morefacility at 325 Villa Terrace in San Mateo. When I called beforehand to make sure that they were accepting donations, the woman said that the "only accepted current fashionable donations, as they had mostly young women" there. Because I was donating mostly work dresses, I figured that was OK. The second woman who was actually accepting donations (different voice than on the phone) opened my first box to inspect it. She went through item-by-item and rejected two dresses and one blouse. She opened the box labeled as men's items, saw the suit on the top and said, "No. We only have young men here" and rejected the entire box. By then, I was upset enough not to bother to tell her that there were many almost new jackets and sweatshirts beneath. She opened the third box, saw there were baseball caps on the top and said "We only take new caps." Without looking at the contents of the rest of the box (mostly almost new casual mens and women's tops and sweaters), she rejected the box in whole. I took the other two boxes back to my car, and returned to give her three of the baseball caps which had never been worn. When I asked for a receipt, she said "You only gave 12 dresses." I told her that I still wanted a receipt the the donation. She had me scan the QR code, then said (out of the blue), "Don't enter $500." Talk about a TERRIBLE experience! I'll NEVER again donate to this organization. They missed out on a lot today, and deserve to continue to miss out when they malign strangers who are trying to donate to help their community

I donated food and clothing on a Saturday afternoon. Had a very pleasant experience with…read morerepresentative in the lobby donation area - she was extremely informative and helpful. This shelter accepts food donations, clothing for any gender and age, new toiletries, new toys, breast pumps, baby formula, bottles and baby clothes. They do NOT accept used toys or furniture, car seats or cribs. Good place for volunteer groups who wish to help stock the food pantry, clean, etc.

Ruth Brinker started Project Open Hand in 1985 to provide meals to neighbors suffering from AIDS…read more Seven neighbors receiving food made with love became her mission where people with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses as well as the elderly now receive meals and groceries. Seeing my son's ample free time one summer and the need for volunteers, I signed up my son for 10-15 hours a week. After school started, he continued volunteering 3 hours a week, filling in shifts as needed during breaks including holidays. It's not glamorous work, weighing and vacuum sealing beans, rice, chicken and other groceries, but it's important work: I emphasize that people rely on him to receive nutritious food they might not otherwise have. Giving back, caring about people, making time for others less fortunate, being selfless- these are qualities I've instilled in my son. He now enjoys the work, it feeds his soul. I'm proud he volunteers weekly for Project Open Hand for almost two years.

Here is a gem of a org that doesn't boast enough of its amazing work! they strive to provide some…read moreof the healthiest meals in the community. Big difference from the other non-profit food providers. The times that I have volunteered there, you get a sense that the employees really are passionate about their work.

I have been a Volunteer 10 years of now. The CEO Dawn ,Ron Delvin& the entire staff. Are truly by…read morefar amazing the loyality, kindness the programs that they teach kids. From 14-24-are beyond awesome. It has change my life I grew up with both parents. Nice home&:cabin in Bear Valley/ My dad wk for Delta Airlines 36 years. Travel 1st- class. These kids who come into SYS have had some rough hard times. Whenever they are making music recording . Moe teaching High School to cook/ clean. To prepare them for jobs All kids that I've seen they love it. I admire the entire staff. Being a Volunteer it's work. I love it every time. I go in clean it all makes sense when you see what this place is truly all about. I want to continue to donate$$to see place continue to help kids. To become better to get hired. I have met people in their late 30's. To come in say Hi they tell me they were@ SYS. When they were 12 ! I love hearing wonderful uplifting stories. Hats off to CEO/ Staff

This place is incredible the way they deal w/ kids and families. It seems to be full of love and…read morethey have the knowledge to work w/ the system and get kids the help needed - in a compassionate way. I had the opportunity to attend their event last year and I am just so impressed with the staff of Sunset Youth Services. Apparently they deal with families all over the city, not just in the Sunset as one might suspect. Bravo to the whole group in having the courage to tackle these real life issues like drugs, violence, abuse, and prostitution that many of these children deal with everyday. Can you imagine the pressure of that? We all need a force such as this staff to exert intellect wrapped in love to effect the hearts of our kids and the capacity to advance them into mature people that give back to society. I know there are several people that have gone there - and gone on to live successful lives supporting there own familys, and giving back to the community. It's awesome.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of our preferred charities. Lets face it, there were people…read morealready hurting before COVID hit and now that's all the more exacerbated. When it comes to food security or a lack thereof, you need a charity that literally helps put food on peoples table. They provide food for those that would otherwise have to do without. They also take fruits and vegetables (You must call ahead and set it up) along with the more typical donations. In addition you can also volunteer to help sort and setup. They have a website to help direct you. However, it is very popular and sometimes days are already filled up. As with all charities they need our help. How can you help? 1) Food donations. Every bit helps 2) Volunteer to help out 3) Cash is king. Consider a cash donation so they can pay for operations and buy essential items that they don't get donated. I mean how many cans of pumpkin filling can you make someone eat right?

I have incurable cancer. I have been through chemo and have lingering serious side effects so…read moregetting to a food pantry is hard not to mention. I don't have a car. I found Second Harvest Food Bank delivers food to the door. So I applied and they have been delivering to my door when they don't send lazy delivery drivers that leave my food outside my apartment building for everyone to get, or in the lobby or in the mail room to leave my food to rot. Even if I could go to the lobby or mail room, I can't lift my box and bring it up five floors. Not to mention, I don't get notification that the food box has even been delivered so I don't know if it's been delivered to the lobby, mail room, or left outside. I have called several times explaining I am not getting my food boxes, even though they send out another food box 5 days later, I shouldn't have to wait five extra days for food. Not to mention 7 out of 10 times I get my box it's loaded with rotten fruit and vegetables full of mold. To which by the way I am highly allergic to food mold. I have called. I have spoke to supervisors. I have spoken to several different people at Second Harvest Food Bank. They apologize. Which I appreciate, but that doesn't help me with my food. They said if you don't want to receive moldy fruit and vegetables come and pick up the box yourself. Nice I would if I could. I'm sure others with my health issues and my age would attest to the fact that we would do a lot of things if we were physically capable of doing it. So apologies fall on deaf ears because I still don't receive my food boxes when I should and like I said half the time the food is rotten full of mold. Shaking my head because I see the commercials and I see people donating to which I appreciate. I see people in their cars in line getting all this beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables not to mention holiday boxes to which I don't receive a holiday box I don't get anything to celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving no turkey, no Christmas box just beans and rice is what people who get their food delivered get along with moldy fruit and vegetables. I guess that is Second Harvest Food Bank's way of saying happy holidays. You don't get a holiday box you don't need to celebrate a holiday.

A small-but-mighty organization that has stayed true to its mission for over 25 years!…read more In a nutshell, great people who do great things for the community and city :)

Help the homeless WHILE devouring delectable Truffles?!?!? Yep, you read right!…read more Last night, February 9th was the second time that I've volunteered At The Crossroads (ATC) through One Brick, a non-profit organization that makes volunteering easy with NO long-term commitment. Here's the link to my One Brick review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/one-brick-san-francisco#hrid:CnCnP7lsYhtMlxBnI6mPJw WHAT'S ATC? ATC is a wonderful organization that reaches out to homeless youths in the Mission and Tenderloin area through night time street outreach, one-on-one counseling services and collaboration with other social service agencies. The caring and compassionate staff at ATC refers to homeless youths as their "clients" which not only takes away the stigma some people may associate with the homeless but shows how much respect they have for them as a human being. During the street outreach, the counselors distribute food, healthcare products, and clothes which slowly helps to build a relationship with their clients. Through counseling, the counselors help their clients determine their short-term and long-term goals (i.e. finding housing, gaining employment, pursuing their passion, etc) and work with various social service agencies to help them achieve their goals. HOW DOES VOLUNTEERING HELP ATC? By helping to sort, organize, clean, and/or pack supplies to be distributed, it allows the counselors more face time with their clients. For example, if 25 volunteers help for 2 hours, counselors will have 50 ADDITIONAL HOURS to spend with their clients (instead of being bogged down with sorting/organizing/cleaning/packing the supplies themselves). HOW DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR ATC? I signed-up through One Brick which takes less than 2 minutes. You register for an account, go on the calendar and RSVP for an event. The ATC event is called, "Supply Prep for the Homeless" and normally occurs one Wednesday a month from 6-8 PM. The event is limited to about 25 people and spaces get filled quickly, so make sure to sign-up at least one week prior. WHAT'S INVOLVED WHEN VOLUNTEERING FOR ATC? It's very simple, show up with a smile and a helping hand! :) When you enter ATC, you're greeted by a One Brick Event Manager who signs you in and gives you a nametag. Rob Gitin, Director & Co-Founder of ATC will then explain the various workstations and what's involved. Then, you can decide which activity you would like to partake in for the evening. ALL of the work is easy and not labor intensive. There are normally 4-5 stations: 1. CANDY PACKING (My Fav): Pack chocolates and other sweets donated from the SF Food Bank into small individual zip lock bags. 2. TOILETRIES PACKING: Pack soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary pads etc. 3. TIMBUK2 BAG CLEANING: ATC wants to ensure that all of their clients receive clean like-new items, so volunteers wash minor stains and grime off, trim extra thread/fabric and remove any debris stuck in the velcro. 4. SORT/FOLD/ORGANIZE CLOTHING: Sort through and fold t-shirts, outerwear and jeans, and organize by gender and sizes. All of the clothing is new and donated by Old Navy and Levis. 5. GREETING CARD MAKING: Utilize your artistic and decorative skills by making Birthday Cards and ones for special occassions. WHY YOU SHOULD VOLUNTEER FOR ATC? The two-hour volunteering events passes by very quickly especially when there's music playing in the background, other volunteers to chitchat with and yummy snacks (fresh cut Asian pears and TRUFFLES) being passed out by Rob. After every event, One Brick organizes a dinner nearby (e.g. Pancho Villa) where all volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and network outside of your social inner circle. You never know who you may meet right? Most importantly, just taking two hours out of your busy schedule will help to improve the quality of life for these youths and empower them to transform their lives! One of my 2011 resolutions was to volunteer at least 2 times a month and so far I've been successful thanks to ATC and One Brick... Thank you both, for not only make volunteering easy and fun but also giving me a NEW APPRECIATION FOR LIFE and THE GIFT OF HUMILITY!

This donation center was recommended to me via NextDoor, assuring me they would take my jacket with…read morea small hole.Their website lists an address in Diamond Heights Shopping Center. How hard could that be to find? Er, really hard. I resorted to GPS which dead-ended me at the Post Office loading dock. Finally, I thought to call them and the recording sent me upstairs between Walgreens & Safeway. Who knew?! Absolutely zero signage. Mystery staircase, walkway, boarded up windows- hark, a faded logo on a locked door. I almost left, but then noticed a black garbage can with a clipboard on top. Leave your email & they'll send you a receipt. Sigh. I wanted to know if they also take shampoo, took a chance & left it along with a warm down jacket. Like I said, the jacket has a small hole, & nobody I spoke to wanted it, so it was either find a cold street person or hope the jacket will go to a good home. So, I give these angels 4 stars for the good work they do- assuming it's everything listed on their website. Minus 1 star for zero visibility from the street level. A sign or two would certainly bring them much more donations.

I've volunteered for many organizations over the years, and Urban Angels is really up there…read more It's rare to volunteer and feel a direct impact from your work. But Urban Angels is right there, supporting unhoused people directly in the community. The connection and impact is felt and so life giving. Nelson and the team and fantastic too! Nelson has a truly pure heart that drives his work here - and it just keeps going. It's incredible. If you are looking to volunteer, financially support, or benefit from a local non-profit organization, Urban Angels is a great org to partner with. Thanks Nelson and team for all you do!!

This small non profit has a huge impact on the community. With all that they accomplish, one can…read moreeasily overlook the fact that these community projects are managed by an office with less than five individuals. The children of the Bay Area are given opportunities, art/sport facilities and even Christmas gifts.

Friendly and professional staff who care deeply about their mission. Their dedication is helping…read moremake a difference in countless lives. Thank you for creating a fun Hawaiian themed event for donors to get to know one another. Great music paired with a talented artist created a memorable time for guests. Feel our contribution will be wisely managed!

Great seeing that food assistance is available for those in need living in the Outer Richmond…read more Fresh Eggs and Produce, plus bagged groceries. Registration might be required so check in for requirements, dates, and hours. I noticed the Food Bank team setting up on Tuesday, and on this date a volunteer advised that new participants could sign up after 3:30pm. But like I said, confirm current status of this location if living in the 94121 zip code.

They have been providing food at my building since the pandemic. I am grateful. Made my life…read morebetter. By fighting malnourishment, they are also fighting pandemic diseases!