If you find yourself with time to spare this month, consider the many opportunities to give back to the downtown. This Friday, SJDA and Veggielution are cohosting a fence decorating event to beautify the SoFA Pocket park.  Water, snacks and materials are provided.  Sign up.

The most obvious benefit of volunteering is the impact one can have on the community. But volunteering also allows neighbors to connect with each other and strengthen a sense of “place.”  While making a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need, volunteers also make new friends, expand their network, and boost their social skills. Studies have shown that people who spend time volunteering are happier, healthier and less likely to become depressed than people who do not.  

Additional opportunities to volunteer downtown can be found at sjdowntown.com/volunteer/

A number of nonprofits in the area regularly look for volunteers.  Here’s a few that we know of:

Tech Interactive – The Tech Challenge –  Volunteers are needed to help with a massive event including judging and event support.

Viva Calle –   Volunteers help with traffic control at intersections 

South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition –  Volunteers needed for Creek Clean up on Earth Day.

Trash Punx –  Also looking for Earth Day volunteers for Creek Clean up.

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy –  GRPC sponsors many events year-round for maintaining all the parks around the Guadalupe River.

YWCA –  Various volunteer opportunities year-round, including clean-up, staffing events and mentoring.