How to Give Back Locally

by Chelsea Lin - Citysearch Editor - 82 Reviews - 92 Lists

Updated: July 09, 2008

We're lucky here in San Francisco: our five-seat bars, mom-and-pop restaurants and hidden gem boutiques have kept (mostly anyway) the big chains at bay. But this focus on local applies not just to the hedonistic pursuit of a good time, but to the opportunities to give back to the community that loves you. Here are just a few of the city's options for lending a helping hand, dollar or hour:

Volunteer Opportunities

  1. 1 One Brick
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    1629 Lake St, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)

    Once-a-week charity a little more than you want to commit? This entirely volunteer-run organization invites participants to help out with various local projects for as little or as much time as they'd like to give.

  2. 2 Hands On Bay Area
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    514 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 (map)

    This local nonprofit's online calendar and sign-up makes it easy for those with last-minute free time or anyone who only wants to help in their own 'hood. There's nearly daily opportunities in everything from clean-up projects to tutoring to serving food.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended 826 Valencia
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    826 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (map)

    A writing center hides behind the pirate store, where kids and adults alike can hone their skills with tutors, field trips and daily workshops. There's an application online for those who want to sign up, and orientation is held once a month.

  4. 4 Friends Of The Urban Forest
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    PO Box 29456, San Francisco, CA 94129 (map)

    Tree-loving San Franciscans can get help planting and maintaining their urban oases, or volunteer to help green up SF neighborhoods, from this nonprofit organization. There are also lessons in composting and recycling.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
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    2500 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    The SF branch of this national nonprofit shelters stray dogs and cats and finds them homes in the community. Whether you're a dog person or a cat person, there's a space for you here, and a little furry friend that needs attention (and a bath) from time to time.

  6. 6 A Good Idea
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    42 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    This San Francisco-based group regularly conducts community outreach events with a focus on pay-it-forward-style, random acts of kindness--all in support of a mission to create large-scale social change through small-scale positive actions.

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Glide
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    330 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    It may be a church, but Glide welcomes everyone with open arms--it's best known for the rousing spectacle of its Sunday services and its unflagging commitment to charitable causes. They get plenty of volunteers around the holidays, so try to help out the rest of the year.