Volunteer Opportunities at Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Make a Significant Impact & Choose to Volunteer at JFCS

Volunteers are a valuable resource at JFCS. It’s not only to assist our agency but the entire community. Being a JFCS volunteer allows you to make a difference in the lives of others while participating in rewarding experiences. If you, your family, business, church/synagogue, or community group is interested in a meaningful volunteer experience, check out our many volunteer opportunities below.

Volunteer Applications

Adult Volunteer Teen Volunteer Group Volunteer

COVID-19 Emergency Volunteer Needs

The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and clients are our top priority. As an agency that works with vulnerable populations, we have modified our volunteer opportunities to meet public health recommendations and social distancing practices. There are still many ways for you to stay involved with JFCS and give back to our community during these challenging times.

JFCS Just 3 Things Food Pantry

JFCS’ “Just 3 Things” Food Pantry needs non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. Please check expiration dates before donating. You can drop off items at JFCS (4747 N 7th St, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85014) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the bin located in the lobby.

Our most needed items include:

Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese
Spaghetti-O's, Meat or Cheese Ravioli
Chili
Microwaveable Soup
Pasta
Microwaveable rice
Powdered milk
Canned meat, fish and beans
Canned vegetables, fruit,
Tomato Sauce
Juice
Cooking oil
Pre-packaged Dinners (Hormel, Healthy Choice, Del Monte)
Snack Food (Trail Mix, Granola Bars, Crackers, Dried Fruit)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Crackers
Canned Fruit or Fruit Cups
Cereal (individual and large boxes)
Toilet paper
Laundry detergent
Disinfectant wipe
Soap & Toiletries
Deodorant
Toiletries
Feminine Hygiene Products
Disposable Razors
Shampoo & Conditioner
Personal Hygiene

Social Distancing Option:

You can still socially distance and make a difference with one of the following opportunities!

Make a monetary donation through our Emergency Assistance Fund.
Purchase items from our JFCS Just 3 Things Amazon Wish List and have them shipped directly to JFCS.
Order from your favorite grocery store and have it delivered to our Administrative Office 4747 N. 7^th St #100 Phoenix 85014 with your delivery service of choice. Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 2:00PM

JFCS Backpack Drive

Obtaining necessary school supplies is often more costly than some families can afford. In fact, the average family spends approximately $670 this year on back-to-school supplies and clothing. That’s why each year JFCS coordinates a Backpack Drive for families in need.

JFCS is devoted to helping others in need. Each year JFCS coordinates a Backpack Drive. We are anticipating needing more than 1,800 backpacks for the children JFCS serves through our health care clinics, foster care and domestic violence programs.

Join Us Virtually

You can help a child in need right from the comfort of your own home.

Monetary Donations

JFCS’ annual backpack drive is requesting monetary donations specifically designated for backpacks and school supplies. The orders are filled and shipped so we can provide the backpacks to children in need. Click on the link to make a donation

Get the whole family involved!

Shop online for supplies and backpacks, JFCS has an easy to use Amazon wish list! Place your order, have the items shipped to you, fill the backpacks with the ordered supplies and drop off at JFCS Admin (4747 N. 7th St. #100, Phoenix, AZ 85014) by May 15, 2021.

Click here to help students in K through 6th grade
Click here to help students in 7th through 12th grade

Please note each Amazon shopping list is based on suggested items to fill a backpack. Some items come in multiples. You can choose the total amount of youth in need to help, then purchase the items based on your chosen total. Items on the list are based on the lowest available price; you can order items outside of the list in bulk to save money. Donations of extra supplies are gladly accepted at our Administrative building; they will be used to fill donated backpacks. Accepting new items only.

JFCS Backpack Project 2021

How you can help

Traditionally, JFCS invites donors and volunteers to collect, sort, pack and deliver the fully equipped backpacks to children in our community. To help keep our community safe you can help a child in need right from the comfort of your own home.

JFCS’ annual backpack drive is requesting monetary donations specifically designated for backpacks and school supplies. The orders are filled and shipped directly and ready to go so we can provide the backpacks to children in need. By donating $50, you will provide a child with one backpack filled with supplies to utilize throughout the school year, whether they are learning at home or in a school setting.

More information is available on the JFCS website

JFCS Youth Art Program Supplies

Each JFCS Healthcare Center provides an area where children can play games, read a storybook, color, and create art pieces. In order to provide safe options we are asking Volunteers to create individual activity kits for our youngest clients to take home with them and allow them to engage in art stimulation while maintaining safe social distancing.

Art Kits consist of 3 or more of the below items placed in Ziploc baggies (new items only), individual items also accepted.

Crayons
Color pencils
Coloring books
Journals
Pens
Card games like go fish and old maid
Board games like candy land
Art pads
Stickers
Construction paper
Glue and glue sticks
Child-sized scissors
Flashcards
Sidewalk chalk
Finger paints
Puzzles
Workbooks that might help support school work but still fun to do
Playdough

Items can be dropped off at JFCS Admin office – 4747 N. 7th Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85014 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Blumstein at 602.567.8383 or Lisa.Blumstein@jfcsaz.org

JFCS Caring Cards Program

Sending a card is an important way to connect with anyone, particularly with homebound older adults. This generation values handwritten notes and letters, so your personally written note will be particularly meaningful.

Click here for instructions on how to send a card.

Making Masks

JFCS needs face masks! Donations of new or hand-sewn masks can be mailed or dropped off between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a sealed plastic bin or bag. A recommended sewing pattern, along with suggested cloth materials, can be found below. Your efforts will help make a difference!

Click here for instructions for homemade face masks.

Spread the Word!

Help spread the word about JFCS’s Emergency COVID-19 Donation Drive for medical supplies, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and personal care items by sharing the following information on social media or via email within your circles:

Suggested Script:

“Are you purchasing non-perishable food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and medical supplies for your family? Do you think you could grab a few items for our families, too?

Please consider donating to JFCS’ Emergency Donation Drive. You can drop off items at JFCS (4747 N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85014) in the bins located in the lobby.

We are currently asking for the following items. This list represents the highest need:

Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese
Spaghetti-O's, Meat or Cheese Ravioli
Chili
Microwaveable Soup
Pasta
Microwaveable rice
Powdered milk
Canned meat, fish and beans
Canned vegetables, fruit,
Tomato Sauce
Juice
Cooking oil
Pre-packaged Dinners (Hormel, Healthy Choice, Del Monte)
Snack Food (Trail Mix, Granola Bars, Crackers, Dried Fruit)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Crackers
Canned Fruit or Fruit Cups
Cereal (individual and large boxes)
Toilet paper
Laundry detergent
Disinfectant wipe
Soap & Toiletries
Deodorant
Toiletries
Feminine Hygiene Products
Disposable Razors
Shampoo & Conditioner

Featured Needs: Due to COVID-19, this opportunity has been suspended.

We are not able to accept clothing/household items at Real World until July, 2021.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Jewish Family and Children’s Service. In order to maintain staff, client and volunteer safety during the COVID-19 public health crisis, volunteer opportunities for some of the following programs are currently on hold.

Contact Lisa Blumstein, Volunteer Coordinator 602.567.8383 or Lisa.Blumstein@jfcsaz.org

Check out some resources to help you get the guidance and support you need.
Seek Help
Learn more about the lives that have been impacted by the programs and people at JFCS.
Learn More