Volunteer and donate during the COVID-19 pandemic

Help your neighbors in need

During the COVID-19 pandemic, San Franciscans have stepped up to help our neighbors. You’ve helped people access food and basic necessities, and have checked in on their well-being.

Your fellow San Franciscans need your help more than ever before. Let’s keep the generosity going.

Support your neighbors by volunteering and donating to San Francisco-based organizations. Your contributions of time and money will help make this challenging time brighter for us all!

“SF-Marin Food Bank” by Elisabeth Fall

How to give

Volunteering

There are many ways to volunteer safely. You can do:

  • Individual meal drop-offs
  • Phone calls from home
  • Outdoor, socially distanced volunteer shifts

If you choose to volunteer in person, remember to check your health, wear your mask, and stay 6 feet apart. We can all stay safe while helping each other.

Donating

You can help your neighbors in need by donating to support organizations and programs that provide food, housing, and other essentials. 

 

Many organizations looking for volunteers will also accept donations!

Ways to volunteer

Virtually or from home

Provide one-time or occasional practical support to older adults

Volunteer with the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Volunteer program.
Make cards for people who cannot leave their homes

See directions about creating cards, then mailing or dropping off cards at Meals on Wheels SF (PDF).
Volunteer virtually to help people in need

Create hygiene and snack packs or help coordinate donations with Catholic Charities.

In-person, delivery

Help deliver meals

Volunteer with the Salvation Army to deliver meals to older adults and people who can’t leave their home.
Pick up and deliver excess food

Through Food Runners, pick up extra food from restaurants and cafeterias, then deliver to local programs.
Deliver meals to neighbors who need food

Volunteer with SF New Deal to deliver meals or take calls from their guests.
Deliver groceries

Help distribute groceries to San Franciscans with the Jewish Family and Children’s Services food bank.

In-person, with other people

Volunteer at the food bank

Pack food at a pop-up pantry, provide bilingual support, and deliver prepared meals or groceries.
Pack to-go meals for people in need

Sign up for a shift at St. Anthony’s Dining Room.
Help people get food

Bag food, manage lines, and deliver food at the Mission Food Hub.
Help students and families get food

Volunteer at the San Francisco Joint Unified School District’s Grab and Go meal sites.
Be an Emergency Healthcare Volunteer

Support the City’s COVID-19 response as a healthcare volunteer. Non-medical volunteers are also welcome.

More volunteering opportunities

Help your neighbor access food

Help your neighbor access food

Check-in on your neighbors and stay in touch

Check-in on your neighbors and stay in touch

Looking for other ways to help?

Looking for other ways to help?

Check out these other organizations:

If you or someone you know is seeking support during the pandemic, contact the SF Department of Disability and Aging Services helpline at 415-355-6700.

Where to donate

Give to the City to respond to COVID-19

Make a tax-deductible donation to the Give2SF COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

About

Help Your Neighbors in Need is part of We Will Recover, a citywide campaign to promote San Francisco’s recovery from COVID-19.

See campaign