Weed Whackin' Saturdays

Volunteer San Diego’s Fire Recovery Team had a successful Weed Whacking Saturday on November 22nd. Covering 2 locations, Rancho Bernardo and Dulzura, over 60 volunteers participated in brush clearance for individuals affected by the 2007 Wildfires. Putting their stamina to the test, volunteers were able to clear five lots and provide substantial support for under-insured and elderly individuals who needed assistance in getting their property ready to rebuild!

Weed Whackin’ Saturdays take place in the fire-affected areas of Fallbrook, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona and Dulzura on a rotating basis. Group projects can be arranged. Equipment and safety training will be provided. All that is required is your presence and a willingness to help. Click here to participate in a Weed Whackin' Saturday project.

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Sharing the Holiday Spirit

During the holidays the public truly embraces service and generosity. This is perhaps one of the best parts of the holiday season for me. The spirit of giving reaches beyond family and friends and the impact of this season benefits many well into the new year. Volunteer San Diego is once again your headquarters for tapping into truly meaningful volunteer projects and opportunities to give. Check out Volunteer San Diego's Holiday Volunteer Guide for 54 projects with a Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's or general winter holiday focus.

Extend the holiday spirit even further with a bit of creativity. Perhaps you can forgo fancy holiday parties and spend time with friends at a volunteer project instead. Make donations or purchase gifts for someone in need in honor of your loved ones. You can very easily share the VSD Holiday Volunteer Guide with your colleagues, friends and family, and give them the chance to fill their hearts with the holiday spirit, too.

Follow the Holiday Volunteer Guide links above to browse our online list of holiday volunteer projects and wish lists, or download the PDF version.

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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The Election Is Over, But The Work Isn't

Whether your candidates and causes won or lost on election night, take a deep breath. It's a lot of work participating in democracy and if you are like me, you are a little exhausted. It is now pretty tempting to go into civic hibernation. Instead of waiting to see what happens in our government and community, remain active. Consider the records that have been set in campaign related volunteerism and contributions. There is the real possibility that the organizations that support the most vulnerable in our community were put on the back burner in order for this election to be as rich as it was. Let's keep working and giving and ensure that San Diego county is in even better standing after the election than it was before. I know I'm not alone in this thinking...you should have seen the crowd of volunteers at the Feeding America food bank project on November 4th!

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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