Volunteers are what make our work possible. We welcome thousands of individuals each year from every sector of the community to engage in direct service to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities who also are experiencing isolation, loneliness, and in some cases extreme poverty. Together, our volunteers provide on average 15,000 hours of service per year! Our volunteer programs and training also provide participants with an empowering experience. Service with us is more than volunteerism, it’s an opportunity to connect with the community through shared moments of compassion and understanding.
During the COVID-19 crisis, we have adapted many of our volunteer programs as we are concerned for the safety of all our volunteers, clients, and staff. While we have modified our programs, we have a wide variety of opportunities available depending on your area of interest, availability, and skillset.
Total Volunteers
Volunteer Hours
Calls & Visits to Seniors
Grocery Deliveries
Volunteer Programs
Grocery Shopper
Help a homebound senior by shopping for groceries or other household items.
Friendly Social Call
Offer a caring ear and have a friendly conversation with a homebound senior.
Home Delivered Groceries
Help pack or deliver groceries to clients in San Francisco.
Client Needs Delivery
Deliver household items to isolated and homebound seniors.
Cards for Seniors
Make handmade cards to that will make seniors smile.
Events
Help staff our fundraising and community events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to attend an orientation to volunteer?
Yes, in order to volunteer in our programs, you must attend a 1-hour online orientation via Zoom. You will receive a confirmation after signing up for an orientation session. If you do not receive a confirmation email, check your spam/junk and/or fill out the form at the bottom of the page. If you still do not find a confirmation email for the orientation, please email Nancy Fisher at nfisher@mowsf.org.
If I cannot participate in the Friendly Social Call, Grocery Shopper, or Home Delivered Grocery programs, how else can I help? Are there other volunteer programs?
The card program is a great alternative as MOWSF is trying to provide an uplifting “thinking of you” card with each senior’s meal! We currently have over 3500 seniors! You can also help financially, we are accepting donations to help us continue providing meals and services to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in San Francisco.
Do I need to complete a background check if I have already done so in the past for a different organization?
Yes, we require all client-facing volunteers to complete an online background check through Sterling Volunteers for Meals on Wheels of San Francisco. It typically takes 5 minutes or less to complete.
Are there volunteer opportunities on the weekend?
We do not have any specific volunteer programs on the weekend. However, both the Grocery Shopper and Friendly Social Call programs are coordinated directly with the client and you pick the days and times you’d like to volunteer with the senior as long as it works for you and for them. The card program is also another great way to volunteer at any time you want.
Do I need to be 18+ years old to volunteer?
You must be 16+ to participate in our Home Delivered Grocery Program. Volunteers 16+ may also participate in our Grocery Shopper program if accompanied by an adult.
Are there any volunteer opportunities at your office or in the kitchen?
No, unfortunately at this time, we only allow full-time paid staff to work in our offices and kitchen.
Do I have to make a minimum length commitment to the Friendly Social Call, Grocery Shopper, or Home Delivered Grocery programs
Yes, we do require a six-month commitment for all programs to minimize disruption for our clients. Our hope is to have you volunteer with us longer as you build a meaningful friendship with a senior! All three programs require a weekly time commitment.
Do I have to live in SF/Bay Area to volunteer in the Friendly Social Call program?
Yes, we accept volunteers from all over the country.
Will you accept food or goods donations?
We cannot accept many types of food donations due to the guidelines we follow for senior-prepared meals. Please contact info@mowsf.org if you have more specific questions about donations.
Do you have corporate or group opportunities?
If you are interested in a corporate or group opportunity, please contact:
Kathy Stirling
Director, Volunteer Programs and Corporate & Community Engagement
kstirling@mowsf.org