VOLUNTEERING BASICS
How do I find and register for shifts?
Please click HERE to access the Galaxy Digital Guide for Volunteers.
How do I un-register/cancel a shift in Galaxy Digital?
Please click HERE to access the Galaxy Digital Guide for Volunteers.
Shifts should be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of the start time so we can find a replacement and/or re-allocate staff resources whenever possible.
What if I have an emergency and cannot give at least 24 hours' notice of cancelation?
Please call Community & Volunteer Engagement (CVE) and your program staff supervisor as soon as you know you will not make it if you will be providing less than 24 hours' notice. CVE can be reached at (858) 637-3050 and leave a voicemail if your call is unanswered. We will follow up with you when we get the message.
At what locations do JFS volunteers report for shifts?
Joan & Irwin Jacobs campus: Two buildings – 8804 & 8788 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92123.
Hillcrest Distribution Center: 2512 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 (Located at Ohr Shalom Synagogue)
Chabad Downtown Distribution Center: 275 Island Avenue, San Diego 92101
Where do I park when reporting to a volunteer shift?
Joan & Irwin Jacobs campus (Balboa Ave. location): Volunteers are allowed to park on campus in designated Visitor spots during their shifts at this location. A volunteer parking permit is required for this location and should be displayed on the car’s dashboard. Contact CVE at volunteer@jfssd.org if you need a parking permit.
All other volunteer locations require street parking.
What happens when I arrive for my volunteer shift? How do I check in?
Joan & Irwin Jacobs campus (Balboa Ave. location): All volunteers coming to the Joan & Irwin Jacobs campus need to be signed up for a volunteer shift in our Galaxy Digital database or have an appointment with a JFS Volunteer Coordinator. When arriving for your volunteer shift, security will check your name against the list of scheduled volunteers for the day. Proceed to the lobby of the appropriate building to check in with reception so we have an accurate list of who is on campus in case of emergency:
- Home-Delivered Meals Drivers will drive around to the Food Warehouse, Nutrition staff will help volunteers check in back there.
- Volunteers helping in the Client Services building (8788, i.e. Corner Market, Diaper Distribution, Older Adult Center) are welcome to walk through the building to their volunteer shift. Please note that Corner Market shifts starting at 4:30pm should proceed directly to the Corner Market to check in with Nutrition staff. Please check out in the Corner Market before leaving.
- Volunteers helping in the Administration building (8804, i.e., Warehouse, Loonin Family Kitchen) can walk through the building after checking in with receptions staff. All volunteers are welcome to enter the office buildings to use the restroom.
Can I bring a guest to volunteer with me?
No, please do not bring anyone with you who is not officially registered for the volunteer shift, including minor children. To ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers, we set a capacity limit for each shift and many roles require specific qualifications. We also set limits based on what we expect to accomplish together within the given time frame which ensures a meaningful experience for all volunteers. If someone would like to join you, please direct them to the Volunteer Interest Form by clicking HERE to get started, or contact CVE at volunteer@jfssd.org if they have any questions.
What is the dress code when volunteering?
We ask that while on campus you have good personal hygiene, wear clean clothing that will best keep you safe during your shift and respect our professional environment, including closed toed shoes, jeans or athletic wear, sleeved shirts that provide coverage in the instance of lifting or moving items, and clean clothing that is free of rips to prevent from snagging on equipment. For volunteers working outside, please be prepared for variable weather by bringing either a jacket/pullover for cooler, windy days or a hat/sunglasses for hot, sunny days. Please avoid tanks and sleeveless tops anytime you are working with food. If you are unsure what the appropriate dress code is for your role, do not hesitate to reach out to the volunteer team at volunteer@jfssd.org or your program site coordinator.
Are restrooms available to me during my volunteer shift?
YES! Restroom facilities are available at all volunteer locations. At certain locations, you may need to ask a staff member to swipe you into the building for access.
Please note: The porta-loos in the parking lot of the Jacobs campus are for the use of our overnight Safe Parking guests. Volunteers should use the restrooms inside the buildings.
Is water available to me during my shift?
YES! Water is available at all locations, and you can help yourself anytime you are in need (or want!). Many locations have water bottle refill stations, and please ask a staff member to direct you if you are unsure where to find one. Some locations may have snacks available too, but it’s always best to bring your own snacks if you feel you’ll need one.
What if I need accommodations during my volunteer shift?
Reasonable accommodations can be made to allow you to volunteer in many roles at JFS. Please contact CVE at volunteer@jfssd.org or (858) 637-3050 to discuss your specific circumstances.
Why must I log my volunteer hours? How and when should I do it?
Please log your hours in Galaxy Digital within a few days of completing your shift so you don't forget. Accurate hours are crucial to demonstrating to our grant partners and donors that we have community support and participation in the work we do - this helps us secure additional resources and continued funding for those we serve in our community! Having an accurate accounting of your hours also helps volunteers maintain their status as a “Current” volunteer and can make you eligible for gifts and awards! Please reference the Galaxy Digital Guide for Volunteers for instructions by clicking HERE.
Do I need to check out at the end of my shift?
YES! Checking out helps us maintain an accurate accounting of who is on campus in case of an emergency. Just like checking in, this is very important! All Volunteers should check out at the front desk where you checked in so we know that you are leaving campus. Again, this will help us to maintain an accurate accounting of who is on campus in case of an evacuation or other emergency.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Is there a vaccine requirement to volunteer at JFS?
Many California state COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, so following advice from the State Health department, JFS is no longer requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination from volunteers. Some volunteer roles may have additional vaccination requirements. Please review each opportunity's description and qualifications to learn more.
What are the current requirements regarding PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
As we continue to evaluate public health guidance and our JFS safety policies moving forward, we continue to be guided by our principles of balancing JFS Team needs with our ability to serve the community and each other and maintaining a safe workplace for staff and volunteers.
As you may be aware, the State of California has ended its indoor mask requirement for vaccinated people in most settings. JFS will continue to monitor how this impacts case rates in the communities in which we work. Currently, Staff and Volunteers are only required to wear masks in certain roles (see below), while being optional for most opportunities.
- Masks will continue to be required in the following programs/settings due to continued state requirements and/or client safety: Balboa Ave Older Adult Center.
- All volunteers who are more comfortable remaining masked regardless of setting, are welcome to do so.
- Masks are available at the front lobby for staff and volunteers as needed while on site. Any additional PPE required for specific volunteer roles will be provided.
- Hand sanitizer will continue to be provided at JFS sites for your use.
If your volunteer role requires any additional PPE (i.e., masks, gloves, hairnets, etc.), your program representative will make you aware and provide them.
What should I do if I am not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness?
Don't volunteer if you are feeling ill or have symptoms of illness; test for COVID-19; notify us if you are confirmed to have a contagious illness (if willing) so we can notify others of exposure risk; follow CDC guidelines for returning timelines and mask wearing; wash hands often.
Your safety and security remain our top priority and we are taking proactive steps to ensure your well-being.
- Stay Home If You Feel Sick: If you feel unwell or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we strongly encourage you to stay home and prioritize your recovery. Your health and the health of those around you are paramount. Please cancel your volunteer shift online and call or email your staff supervisor or the Volunteer Engagement team at volunteer@jfssd.org or 858-637-3050.
- Test for COVID-19: If you are concerned about possible COVID-19 exposure or have those symptoms, take a COVID-19 test. Many tests are provided free with health insurance. You can also go in-person to many locations for COVID-19 testing.
- Safety Measures: Frequent hand washing is recommended, and masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes are available at JFS work sites.
Unfortunately, we don't always know when someone has become ill or with whom they might have had contact. If we hear of confirmed illness, we will do our best to notify those who may have been exposed if they can be identified. If you are concerned about symptoms of others, please notify staff immediately when you see something concerning. If you are concerned about becoming ill, protect yourself by wearing a mask, taking steps to avoid contact, washing hands frequently, and/or other steps as you see fit. We are confident that by working together, we can prioritize a safe and healthy work environment for all of us.
You can read more about current COVID-19 information by clicking HERE. Please contact CVE if you have any questions.
SUGGESTIONS & FEEDBACK
I have suggestions and/or feedback on volunteering with JFS. How can I submit this anonymously?
Please use our VIRTUAL SUGGESTION BOX! This as an anonymous way to submit suggestions and feedback about your Volunteer experience to the CVE Team. We are sincerely grateful for your input as we continue to improve our offerings and create meaningful experiences for all involved. Click HERE to submit anonymously to the Suggestion Box or scan the QR code in the image below.
Please email us directly at volunteer@jfssd.org if you have any trouble submitting your feedback or have any questions!
Last Updated 05/09/25
