Day of Service 2026 - July 18th

This is community
in action.

 

1 day. 30+ Projects. 650+ volunteers.

 

We believe that you can’t really love what you don’t know. As a collection of folks from both churches and non-religious backgrounds, we want to love our home in ways that matter. 

The first step is getting out into the city and meeting our neighbors. Day of Service projects are practical ways to embody a hopeful presence in San Diego.


This is local community in action.

This is love
in action.

1 county. 4 key issues.

“Hoping” for our city means that we’re invested in making it a better place for everyone. That’s why hundreds of you gather each year to dedicate 1 day to meeting the real needs of real people.

We’ve identified 4 groups of people facing the greatest needs in San Diego: at-risk youth, survivors of trafficking, refugees & immigrants, and those experiencing homelessness. 

This is love in action.

Hope for San Diego acts as a bridge organization, merging you — our volunteers — with amazing organizations across the county. We’ve spent the last 6 months hearing from these organizations about their needs. Each Day of Service project is uniquely built to tackle those top requests.

Pick from 30+ projects across the county! Click through each opportunity to find information about the locations, organizations, and kid-friendly options.

Click to view by Focus Area or Region

At-Risk Youth

Abraxas High School, Campus Beautification, Poway

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Poway

WHAT: Abraxas High School serves hundreds students facing food and housing insecurities as they complete high school. Come help us beautify the campus so that they can start off the new quarter with refreshed garden spaces! 

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Bithiah Family Services, Family Picnic, San Marcos

WHEN: 10a-2p

WHERE: San Marcos

WHAT: Bithiah Family Services provides wraparound services to infants, children and teens experiencing foster care, youth aging out of foster care, children at risk of removal due to abuse and neglect, and all caretakers of vulnerable children. Help us provide a picnic by serving food, watching the bounce house, assisting in “cost free shopping”, and running the food pantry.

Lunch Included!

WHO: 8 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Casa de Amistad, Back to School Prep, Solana Beach

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Solana Beach Presbyterian Church

WHAT: Help support Casa de Amistad students as they prepare for a new school year. Casa de Amistad is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the education of underserved children, teens, and their families. They need volunteers to help assemble backpacks with classroom supplies for all Casa students, prepare materials and resource rooms for tutoring sessions, and more. 

WHO: 25 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Casa de Amistad, Garden & Yard Work, Carlsbad

WHEN: 9a-11:30a

WHERE: Carlsbad

WHAT: Help beautify Casa de Amistad’s garden space. Casa de Amistad is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the education of underserved children, teens, and their families. They need volunteers to help weed, plant, and clean their garden space.

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

The David's Harp Foundation, Parking Lot Refresh, Downtown

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Downtown

WHAT: The David’s Harp Foundation inspires, educates, and empowers system-affected and homeless youth to achieve academic success through music education, sound engineering and multimedia production. We need your help to clean up their studio location to allow for students to learn and feel at home in the safest and cleanest environment. 

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; all ages

Just in Time for Foster Youth, Warehouse Clean Out, Mission Valley

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Mission Valley

WHAT: Just in Time engages a caring community to help transition age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being. We need volunteers to help replenish products, organize the warehouse, and clean before the next shopping day for the organizations’ clients. 

WHO10 volunteers needed; 18+

Love Does and Young Lives, Teen Parent Picnic, South County

WHEN: 10:30a-1:30p

WHERE: South County

WHAT: Come celebrate summer with the families of Young Lives. While your calendar may be packed with fun summer events, this may be the only opportunity these families have to enjoy a summer picnic. Let’s help make it possible! 

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Quest Church, Foster Closet Refresh, East County

WHEN: TBD

WHERE: East County

WHAT: Quest Church hosts a “Blessing Boutique” with resources and supplies for kids in foster care. Volunteers are needed to help clean up the space, organize resources, and beautify it all!

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Restoration 225, Foster Closet Restoration, National City

WHEN: 9am-12pm

WHERE: National City

WHAT: Come help restore a closet for Restoration 225 to use for foster care supplies. You’ll paint, organize, and beautify the space. 

WHO: 7 volunteers needed; ages 10+

Olive Crest, Cleaning & Organizing, Sorrento Valley

WHEN: 9a-11a

WHERE: Sorrento Valley

WHAT: Olive Crest provides foster care services in San Diego. We need volunteers to come help clean and organize their Resource Center. 

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; all ages

Ocean Knoll Elementary, Gardening & Yard Work, Encinitas

WHEN: 8-11a

WHERE: Encinitas

WHAT: This family work day at Ocean Knoll Elementary will support a local Encinitas school with an expansive garden space. Come out for a fun morning to help beautify and prep the farm and garden areas. Projects range from heavy-duty lifting to fun garden crafts, plentiful weeding, chicken coop repair, and more! 

WHO: 100 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Sage Garden Project, Gardening & Yard Work, Clairemont

WHEN: 8-10a

WHERE: Clairemont

WHAT: This family work day will support a local Clairemont school with an expansive garden space. Come out for a fun morning to help beautify and prep the garden areas. Projects range from refreshing soil to prepping new benches. 

WHO: 40 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Sage Garden Project, Gardening & Yard Work, La Mesa

WHEN: 8-10a

WHERE: La Mesa

WHAT: This family work day at Lemon Ave Elementary will support a local La Mesa school with an expansive garden space. Come out for a fun morning to help beautify and prep the garden areas. Projects range from refreshing soil to prepping new benches. 

WHO: 40 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Urban Life, Gardening & Yard Work, City Heights

WHEN: 9a-11a

WHERE: Urban Life Farm, City Heights

WHAT: UrbanLife empowers underserved youth in the City Heights area to learn crucial life skills and engage in their community. Their large garden site provides fresh produce for their cafe job training program.! Come out to help tackle several summer refresh projects alongside UrbanLife youth and staff! You’ll weed, harvest, plant, and help build out a children’s corner of the garden. 

Lunch included!

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

The Well, Refresh the Well, La Mesa

WHEN: 9a-2p

WHERE: Grossmont

WHAT: The Well Community for Women is a nonprofit creating space for women to work, heal, rest, and belong through coworking, child watch, and community support. Help clean and organize their space so that the mamas they serve can pursue their opportunities. 

WHO15 volunteers needed; all ages welcome

Homelessness

Community Resource Center, Organizing & Cleaning Resale Store, Encinitas

WHEN: 9-11a

WHERE: Encinitas

WHAT: The Community Resource Center resale store provides practical resources for families in need in the North County area. Help organize clothes and clean this space to be ready to welcome shoppers!

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; all ages welcome

Community Resource Center, Organizing & Cleaning Food Pantry, Encinitas

WHEN: 9-11a

WHERE: Encinitas

WHAT: Local nonprofits have been reporting their greatest demands for food assistance since the pandemic. The CRC food pantry provides practical resources for families in need in the North County area. Help deep clean and organize shelves to make this space ready to welcome those in need of food assistance.

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; all ages welcome

Hope for San Diego, Clothing Sorting, North Park

WHEN: 9am-12pm

WHERE: North Park

WHAT: Many of our partner organizations need resources like clothing to help meet the needs of our neighbors. Sort clothing donations that we will distribute to We See You San Diego and San Diego Rescue Mission. 

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Ladle Fellowship, Organizing & Cleaning, Downtown

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, Little Italy

WHAT: Ladle Fellowship serves the homeless community with regular meals and other activities. Volunteers will be deep cleaning the spaces to ensure a clean, sanitary space for weekly meals.

WHO: 30 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

San Diego Rescue Mission, Mission Assistance, Downtown

WHEN: 10a-12:30p

WHERE: SDRM Downtown location

WHAT: SDRM helps restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty or addiction through faith-based emergency services, residential rehabilitation programs, children’s services, hunger relief efforts and community outreach. We need your help to clean and beautify their downtown location, where many students are going through a year-long rehabilitation program. 

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; Ages 13+ with adult supervision

San Diego Rescue Mission, Summerfest Picnic, National City

WHEN: 10a-12:30p

WHERE: National City

WHAT: San Diego Rescue Mission opened their newest Navigation Center last year in National City, and we’re excited to throw a party for the residents again. This space provides short-term safe housing and intentional programming to help houseless folks get back on their feet. Come out for a fun morning to bring some summer cheer to residents! You’ll help out with food and activities.

Lunch included!

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; Ages 15+ with parental supervision

Solutions for Change, Campus Beautification, Vista

WHEN: 9am-11am

WHERE: Vista

WHAT: Solutions for Change transforms lives and communities by permanently solving family homelessness. Volunteers are needed to help paint residents’ fences and host a picnic for the families. 

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; age 12+

Street Corner Care, Medical Outreach, Downtown

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, Little Italy

WHAT: During this medical outreach, health professionals provide education, health screenings, and advocacy for those who may feel abandoned by the healthcare system and experiencing homelessness. Medical professionals are especially needed, but other volunteers can offer meals, conversation, and prayer. 

WHO: 6 volunteers needed; Ages 18+ recommended

We See You San Diego, Clothing Preparation & Sorting, Emerald Hills

WHEN: 9-12p

WHERE: Emerald Hills

WHAT: Every week, We See You San Diego hosts a dinner party for people experiencing homelessness, where they hand out food and clothing. We need volunteers to organize clothing and cut & sort fabrics for new blankets!

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; all ages welcome

Anti-Trafficking

Alabaster Jar Project, Organization Refresh, Escondido

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Escondido

WHAT: One of the key ways Alabaster Jar Project serves trafficking survivors is through helping survivors sell beauty products. They need your help to make products as well as help them prepare for their upcoming fundraiser. 

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Generate Hope, Gardening & House Clean Up, Coronado

WHEN: 10a-1p

WHERE: Coronado

WHAT: GenerateHope is looking for volunteers to help beautify and refresh their Coronado home. Your support will make an everyday difference for the women at this home as they heal from the traumas of trafficking!

WHO: 30 volunteers needed; Ages 18+

Generate Hope, Gardening & Yard Work, South County

WHEN: 10a-1p

WHERE: South County

WHAT: GenerateHope is looking for volunteers to help beautify and refresh their Coronado home. Your support will make an everyday difference for the women at this home as they heal from the traumas of trafficking!

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; Ages 18+,Women only

Immigrants & Refugees

Alma Community Care, Mama Care Morning, Logan Heights

WHEN: 9am-12pm

WHERE: Logan Heights Library

WHAT: Alma Community Care provides mental health resources and care to underserved families in the Logan Heights area. Help in one of three teams (Friday set up, Kids team, Mamas team) to provide a morning respite event for mamas in the community!

WHO: 8 volunteers needed; Ages 16+ recommended

Bridge Builders, Men's Breakfast and Hike, East County

WHEN: 9am-12pm

WHERE: East County

WHAT: Bridge Builders seek to build bridges of friendship and understanding among Muslims and Christians through service, education, and prayer. We need volunteers to join this morning of fellowship to serve breakfast and engage in a cultural exchange while hiking!

WHO: 12 volunteers needed; Ages 18+ recommended; Men only

Circles USA, Paddle Board Day, Central

WHEN: 9:30a-1:30p

WHERE: Downtown- Spanish Landing

WHAT: Circles San Diego comes alongside individuals until they overcome poverty permanently. Help provide a day of celebration for these individuals by facilitating lawn games, helping kids on paddleboard rides, and serving food!

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

World Relief, Cafe English, City Heights

WHEN: 9a-1p

WHERE: City Heights

WHAT: Many refugees & immigrant children entering San Diego County schools lack formal education skills and English proficiency that hinder their academic progress. World Relief’s Cafe English is a drop in conversational English time. Volunteers will get paired with one of their clients and will also run kids activity stations.

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

North County

Abraxas High School, Campus Beautification, Poway

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Poway

WHAT: Abraxas High School serves hundreds students facing food and housing insecurities as they complete high school. Come help us beautify the campus so that they can start off the new quarter with refreshed garden spaces! 

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Alabaster Jar Project, Organization Refresh, Escondido

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Escondido

WHAT: One of the key ways Alabaster Jar Project serves trafficking survivors is through helping survivors sell beauty products. They need your help to make products as well as help them prepare for their upcoming fundraiser. 

WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Bithiah Family Services, Family Picnic, San Marcos

WHEN: 10a-2p

WHERE: San Marcos

WHAT: Bithiah Family Services provides wraparound services to infants, children and teens experiencing foster care, youth aging out of foster care, children at risk of removal due to abuse and neglect, and all caretakers of vulnerable children. Help us provide a picnic by serving food, watching the bounce house, assisting in “cost free shopping”, and running the food pantry.

WHO: 8 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Casa de Amistad, Back to School Prep, Solana Beach

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Solana Beach Presbyterian Church

WHAT: Help support Casa de Amistad students as they prepare for a new school year. Casa de Amistad is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the education of underserved children, teens, and their families. They need volunteers to help assemble backpacks with classroom supplies for all Casa students, prepare materials and resource rooms for tutoring sessions, and more. 

WHO: 25 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Casa de Amistad, Garden & Yard Work, Carlsbad

WHEN: 9a-11:30a

WHERE: Carlsbad

WHAT: Help beautify Casa de Amistad’s garden space. Casa de Amistad is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the education of underserved children, teens, and their families. They need volunteers to help weed, plant, and clean their garden space.

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Community Resource Center, Organizing & Cleaning Resale Store, Encinitas
WHEN: 9-11a
 
WHERE: Encinitas
 
WHAT: The Community Resource Center resale store provides practical resources for families in need in the North County area. Help organize clothes and clean this space to be ready to welcome shoppers!
 
WHO: 15 volunteers needed; all ages welcome
Community Resource Center, Organizing & Cleaning Food Pantry, Encinitas
WHEN: 9-11a
 
WHERE: Encinitas
 
WHAT: Local nonprofits have been reporting their greatest demands for food assistance since the pandemic. The CRC food pantry provides practical resources for families in need in the North County area. Help deep clean and organize shelves to make this space ready to welcome those in need of food assistance.
 
WHO: 20 volunteers needed; all ages welcome
Ocean Knoll Elementary, Gardening & Yard Work, Encinitas

WHEN: 8-11a

WHERE: Encinitas

WHAT: This family work day at Ocean Knoll Elementary will support a local Encinitas school with an expansive garden space. Come out for a fun morning to help beautify and prep the farm and garden areas. Projects range from heavy-duty lifting to fun garden crafts, plentiful weeding, chicken coop repair, and more! 

WHO: 100 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Olive Crest, Cleaning & Organizing, Sorrento Valley

WHEN: 9a-11a

WHERE: Sorrento Valley

WHAT: Olive Crest provides foster care services in San Diego. We need volunteers to come help clean and organize their Resource Center. 

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; all ages

Solutions for Change, Campus Beautification, Vista
WHEN: 9am-11am
 
WHERE: Vista
 
WHAT: Solutions for Change transforms lives and communities by permanently solving family homelessness. Volunteers are needed to help beautify the Solutions for Change campus by weeding, mulching, and planting!
 
WHO: 20 volunteers needed; age 12+

South County

Alma Community Care, Mama Care Morning, Logan Heights

WHEN: 9am-12pm

WHERE: Logan Heights Library

WHAT: Alma Community Care provides mental health resources and care to underserved families in the Logan Heights area. Help in one of three teams (Friday set up, Kids team, Mamas team) to provide a morning respite event for mamas in the community!

WHO: 16 volunteers needed; Ages 16+ recommended

Generate Hope, Gardening & House Clean Up, Coronado

WHEN: 10a-1p

WHERE: Coronado

WHAT: GenerateHope is looking for volunteers to help beautify and refresh their Coronado home. Your support will make an everyday difference for the women at this home as they heal from the traumas of trafficking!

WHO: 30 volunteers needed; Ages 18+

Generate Hope, Gardening & Yard Work, South County

WHEN: 10a-1p

WHERE: South County

WHAT: GenerateHope is looking for volunteers to help beautify and refresh their Coronado home. Your support will make an everyday difference for the women at this home as they heal from the traumas of trafficking!

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; Ages 18+,Women only

Love Does and Young Lives, Teen Parent Picnic, South County

WHEN: 10:30a-1:30p

WHERE: South County

WHAT: Come celebrate summer with the families of Young Lives. While your calendar may be packed with fun summer events, this may be the only opportunity these families have to enjoy a summer picnic. Let’s help make it possible! 

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Restoration 225, Closet Restoration, National City

WHEN: 9am-12pm

WHERE: National City

WHAT: Come help restore a closet for Restoration 225 to use for foster care supplies. You’ll paint, organize, and beautify the space. 

WHO: 7 volunteers needed; ages 10+

San Diego Rescue Mission, Summerfest Picnic, National City
WHEN: 10a-12:30p
 
WHERE: National City
 
WHAT: San Diego Rescue Mission opened their newest Navigation Center last year in National City, and we’re excited to throw a party for the residents again. This space provides short-term safe housing and intentional programming to help houseless folks get back on their feet. Come out for a fun morning to bring some summer cheer to residents! You’ll help out with food and activities.
Lunch included!
 
WHO: 15 volunteers needed; Ages 15+ with parental supervision
We See You San Diego, Clothing Preparation & Sorting, Emerald Hills
WHEN: 9-12p
 
WHERE: Emerald Hills
 
WHAT: Every week, We See You San Diego hosts a dinner party for people experiencing homelessness, where they hand out food and clothing. We need volunteers to organize clothing and cut & sort fabrics for new blankets!
 
WHO: 20 volunteers needed; all ages welcome

East County

Bridge Builders, Men's Breakfast and Hike, East County
WHEN: 9am-12pm
 
WHERE: East County
 
WHAT: Bridge Builders seek to build bridges of friendship and understanding among Muslims and Christians through service, education, and prayer. We need volunteers to join this morning of fellowship to serve breakfast and engage in a cultural exchange while hiking!
 
WHO: 12 volunteers needed; Ages 18+ recommended; Men only
Quest Church, Foster Closet Refresh, East County
WHEN: TBD
 
WHERE: East County
 
WHAT: Quest Church hosts a “Blessing Boutique” with resources and supplies for kids in foster care. Volunteers are needed to help clean up the space, organize resources, and beautify it all!
 
WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
Sage Garden Project, Gardening & Yard Work, La Mesa
WHEN: 8-10a
 
WHERE: La Mesa
 
WHAT: This family work day at Lemon Ave Elementary will support a local La Mesa school with an expansive garden space. Come out for a fun morning to help beautify and prep the garden areas. Projects range from refreshing soil to prepping new benches. 
 
WHO: 40 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
The Well, Refresh the Well, La Mesa
WHEN: 9a-2p
 
WHERE: Grossmont
 
WHAT: The Well Community for Women is a nonprofit creating space for women to work, heal, rest, and belong through coworking, child watch, and community support. Help clean and organize their space so that the mamas they serve can pursue their opportunities. 
 
WHO: 15 volunteers needed; all ages welcome

Central

Circles USA, Paddle Board Day, Central

WHEN: 9:30a-1:30p

WHERE: Downtown- Spanish Landing

WHAT: Circles San Diego comes alongside individuals until they overcome poverty permanently. Help provide a day of celebration for these individuals by facilitating lawn games, helping kids on paddleboard rides, and serving food!

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

The David's Harp Foundation, Parking Lot Refresh, Downtown
WHEN: 9a-12p
 
WHERE: Downtown
 
WHAT: The David’s Harp Foundation inspires, educates, and empowers system-affected and homeless youth to achieve academic success through music education, sound engineering and multimedia production. We need your help to clean up their studio location to allow for students to learn and feel at home in the safest and cleanest environment. 
 
WHO: 20 volunteers needed; all ages
Hope for San Diego, Clothing Sorting, North Park
WHEN: 9a-12p
 
WHERE: North Park
 
WHAT: Many of our partner organizations need resources like clothing to help meet the needs of our neighbors. Sort clothing donations that we will distribute to We See You San Diego and San Diego Rescue Mission. 
 
WHO: 15 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
Just in Time for Foster Youth, Warehouse Clean Out, Mission Valley

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: Mission Valley

WHAT: Just in Time engages a caring community to help transition age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being. We need volunteers to help replenish products, organize the warehouse, and clean before the next shopping day for the organizations’ clients. 

WHO: 10 volunteers needed; 18+

Ladle Fellowship, Organizing & Cleaning, Downtown

WHEN: 9a-12p

WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, Little Italy

WHAT: Ladle Fellowship serves the homeless community with regular meals and other activities. Volunteers will be deep cleaning the spaces to ensure a clean, sanitary space for weekly meals.

WHO: 30 volunteers needed; All ages welcome”

Sage Garden Project, Gardening & Yard Work, Clairemont
WHEN: 8-10a
 
WHERE: Clairemont
 
WHAT: This family work day will support a local Clairemont school with an expansive garden space. Come out for a fun morning to help beautify and prep the garden areas. Projects range from refreshing soil to prepping new benches. 
 
WHO: 40 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
San Diego Rescue Mission, Mission Assistance, Downtown

WHEN: 10a-12:30p

WHERE: SDRM Downtown location

WHAT: SDRM helps restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty or addiction through faith-based emergency services, residential rehabilitation programs, children’s services, hunger relief efforts and community outreach. We need your help to clean and beautify their downtown location, where many students are going through a year-long rehabilitation program. 

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; Ages 15+ with adult supervision”

Street Corner Care, Medical Outreach, Downtown
WHEN: 9a-12p
 
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, Little Italy
 
WHAT: During this medical outreach, health professionals provide education, health screenings, and advocacy for those who may feel abandoned by the healthcare system and experiencing homelessness. Medical professionals are especially needed, but other volunteers can offer meals, conversation, and prayer. 
 
WHO: 6 volunteers needed; Ages 18+ recommended
Urban Life, Gardening & Yard Work, City Heights
WHEN: 9a-11a
 
WHERE: Urban Life Farm, City Heights
 
WHAT: UrbanLife empowers underserved youth in the City Heights area to learn crucial life skills and engage in their community. Their large garden site provides fresh produce for their cafe job training program.! Come out to help tackle several summer refresh projects alongside UrbanLife youth and staff! You’ll weed, harvest, plant, and help build out a children’s corner of the garden. 
Lunch included!
 
WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
World Relief, Cafe English, City Heights

WHEN: 9a-1p

WHERE: City Heights

WHAT: Many refugees & immigrant children entering San Diego County schools lack formal education skills and English proficiency that hinder their academic progress. World Relief’s Cafe English is a drop in conversational English time. Volunteers will get paired with one of their clients and will also run kids activity stations.

Lunch included!

WHO: 15 volunteers needed; All ages welcome

Day of Service 2025

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