Please contact volunteer@jfsseattle.org for more details about each of these projects.
- Sponsor an apartment set up: procure all of the essential household items needed to help welcome newly arrived refugees into their new homes. Items include pots and pans, utensils, bedding, and hygiene items. We ask that these items be new for the health and safety of our new neighbors. Groups are also welcome to assist with moving in and setting up an apartment.
- Procure furniture donations: procure large, gently used furniture items such as couches, dining tables, and chairs for newly arrived refugees and store them until the resettlement team is ready to move them into an apartment.
- Host an in-kind drive: create and run your own in-kind drive in your community to support our new neighbors. Sample drives include coats, kid toys, diapers and wipes, and feminine hygiene items. We ask that these items be new for the health and safety of our community members.
- Make “welcome cards”: Letters or cards are appreciated with positive, warm messages. These will be left for families once an apartment is set up for them, providing a colorful welcome from the community.
Commitment:
Varies depending on activity.
Location:
Remotely from home.
Supports:
Refugee & Immigrant Services
Volunteers deliver special holiday baskets around Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, Purim and Passover to local community members. This is a contactless delivery and is a great opportunity for families.
Commitment:
One 2-3 hour shift depending on delivery route assigned.
Location:
Basket pick up from the JFS main campus on Capitol Hill and delivery to an assigned route in the Greater Seattle area.
Supports:
All JFS programs!
Volunteers make contactless deliveries of Kosher Shabbat meals to community members two Fridays per month.
Commitment:
Approximately two hours twice a month for a minimum six-month commitment.
Location:
Meal pick up from the University District and delivery to an assigned route in the Greater Seattle area.
Supports:
Older Adult Services and Supportive Living Services.
Volunteers assist with in-person translation between Polack Food Bank staff and food bank guests. Volunteers are also needed for special projects such as auditing, written translation and phone calls.
Commitment:
Varies depending on role, a weekly two-hour shift if volunteering in the Polack Food Bank.
Location:
Polack Food Bank on Capitol Hill and/or remotely from home.
Supports:
Polack Food Bank
Volunteers collect, transport and sort gleaned produce at the end of the market day. Volunteers should be able to lift at least 25 pounds for this opportunity.
Commitment:
One two-hour shift.
Location:
Beginning at the Broadway Farmer’s Market in Capitol Hill, then delivering to the Polack Food Bank (ten-minute walk or five-minute drive away).
Supports:
Polack Food Bank
Make a difference with a creative project that directly impacts lives in our community. Contact Volunteer Services to create your own project as an individual or with a group. DIY volunteer ideas make for great b’nai mitzvah projects. For the most up-to-date needs of JFS and those we serve, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3179.
Commitment:
Varies depending on activity.
Location:
Remotely from home.
Supports:
All JFS programs.
Volunteers are thoughtfully paired with an individual to help provide virtual companionship and community connection, reducing social isolation and the negative mental health outcomes that can come with it.
Commitment:
One weekly hourlong shift for a minimum six-month commitment.
Location:
Remotely from home.
Supports:
Older Adult and Supportive Living Services
Volunteers pick up pre-made bags of groceries and make contact-free deliveries to community members in need.
Commitment:
One monthly two-hour shift for a minimum six-month commitment.
Location:
Grocery bag pick up from the JFS main campus on Capitol Hill and delivery to an assigned route in the Greater Seattle area.
Supports:
Polack Food Bank
