GVCC (Placerville) - 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
Green Valley Community Church’s “Common Ground” is one of the largest food distribution points in El Dorado County. The church serves 300+ people every Saturday, offering breakfast, clothing, and groceries. Volunteers help prepare and serve breakfast, help in the food pantry, and assist in the clothes closet. This event is open to all ages – 6th grade and below must volunteer with an adult.
“I enjoy going to GVCC because every time I go, I love passing on my smile and seeing other people smile, whether it’s pouring them a cup of coffee or helping them pick out new items in the grocery section, seeing them smile even the tiniest bit truly makes my day.”
– Ashna Vaikunthan
MAPS (El Dorado Hills) - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
MAPS is a center that helps kids with autism and other developmental delays learn and develop social skills by interacting with peers. Volunteers talk, play games, and do fun activities with kids with autism. People in the play groups (whether they are working on skills or volunteering) learn so much from communicating and hanging out with kids different from themselves. Multiple session times are available Tuesdays through Fridays. Volunteers must complete a brief orientation prior to volunteering. Ages 11-18 are welcome.
Sister Nora’s Place (Sacramento) - 4th Friday of the month (typically)
Sister Nora’s Place provides long-term shelter and case management for women with a history of homelessness, trauma, and serious mental and physical illness. Volunteers carpool to this event and bring a prepared or ready-to-cook dinner for the female residents. Once dinner is ready, everyone sits down for a family style dinner. Volunteers are encouraged to engage the residents in conversation and help bring a bright spot to their day. Please contact Hands4Hope if interested in this event. Volunteers must be female high school students.
Mercy Creekview (Folsom) - 3rd Wednesday of the month
Creekview Manor is an affordable housing complex for seniors, run by Mercy Housing. At this monthly event, volunteers prepare and serve dinner, while also getting to know seniors in their community. We are always looking for performers to entertain at these dinners with card/magic tricks, musical acts, or whatever you think seniors might enjoy! Volunteers 5th-6th grade must volunteer with an adult, 7th graders and older may volunteer independently.
Upper Room (Placerville) - 4th Saturday of the month
At the Upper Room Dining Hall, Hands4Hope youth help to serve meals to 200 people who are food insecure in our community. Volunteers not only distribute to-go dinners, but also offer conversation, a smile, and unconditional love and acceptance. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to sign up for this event.
Twin Lakes Food Bank (Folsom) - 2nd Monday of the month
The Twin Lakes Food Bank mobilizes the community to provide nutritious food and support to those in need with love and dignity. Volunteers help distribute food to those who are food insecure. Volunteers ages 12-15 must volunteer with an adult; 16 years or older may volunteer independently.