United Way of Santa Barbara County's Day of Caring is a day of acting on our responsibility and willingness to care for the needs of the Santa Barbara Community.  Join more than 1,000 community volunteers working on a Saturday morning in September to paint, garden, and clean various charity sites throughout south Santa Barbara County.  You can provide needed help to the community while having fun with friends, family and co-workers. Learn more about Day of Caring.

 

2. Fun in the Sun/Lunch Bunch

• July - August

Fun in the Sun creates an enriched summer experience for children living in poverty.  Volunteer your caring time to create a fun, educational environment. Enjoy having lunch at the park while mentoring children.  Committing just 3 lunch hours can have a positive impact on a child's summer experience. Learn more about Fun in the Sun/Lunch Bunch.

 

3. Community Campaign Cabinet

• Time Required: 25-30 hours: May - August

Build and strengthen United Way of Santa Barbara County's relationships with key business leaders and workplaces in Santa Barbara by providing peer-to-peer requests and recognition for involvement in the Community Campaign. Contact Steve Ortiz for more information, or call 805-965-8591.

 

4. Year-Round Kindergarten Preparation

1st Thursday every month @ Isla Vista Youth Projects

• 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.; 4 people/team

One hour a week helping a teacher in the classroom will help give these poverty level children a year of pre-school enrichment so they are ready to meet and compete with their peers in elementary school.

Please call Isla Vista Youth Projects at (805) 968-0488.

5. Home Play Learning Kits

• 2nd Friday of Month @ Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP), 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., 4 people/team

• 4th Friday of the month @ Santa Barbara School District, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., 4 people/team

It only takes a hour to assemble 30 Home Play Learning Kits which stimulate low-income children's learning, curiosity, and brainpower!

Please call Ruth Cardoso at (805) 687-0761 x347

 

6. Summer Pre-Kindergarten Institutes

• Every Thursday during August at IVYP, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., 4 people/team

Join a teacher in the classroom and help children who have never been to preschool get up to speed with basic kindergarten readiness skills during the last three weeks of summer.

Please call Isla Vista Youth Projects at (805) 968-0488.

 

7. Volunteer Review of Community Investments

• Time Required: 20-30 hours of commitment: January - April

Help decide where support is given!  Join other community volunteers in visiting and reviewing local programs and voting on funding decisions.  A great way to learn about different charities in town!  Learn more, or call 805-965-8591.

 

8. Workplace Campaign

• Year-round

Be a campaign manager or team member at your workplace.  Help spread the word, set up presentations, and collect pledges. Contact Steve Ortiz for more information, or call 805-965-8591.

 

9. Office Assistance

• Year-round

Assist United Way staff with material coordination, special projects, etc.  Any assistance is always needed and appreciated. Email us for more information, or call 805-965-8591.

Download Volunteer Opportunities 2007 in PDF format.