Volunteer Opportunities with VBS

VBS Food Bank

Help prepare bags and stock the Food Bank.

The VBS Food Bank, working in conjunction with JFS/SOVA*, is proud to offer a grocery bag filled with healthy food for the hungry. ‘Guests’ of the food bank are referred to us from Sova, 211 emergency line and local shelters. The VBS Food Bank welcomes non-expired canned and dried food, preferably packaged in small units. Volunteers help sort and stock the food bank and may help with distribution.

Always needed:

• Peanut butter in non-breakable jars
• Canned or dried fruit
• Dried milk in individual packets
• Cereal

 Contact: Michael Wolf

Helping Hands

Helping Hands is a group of VBS volunteers dedicated to serving our members' needs. They accommodate requests for various errands such as grocery shopping, and pharmacy pick up and delivery. Some technological help is also available virtually. 

To request volunteer help, please contact Nitzan Barlev at nbarlev@vbs.org or 818-530-4035. Please understand that volunteers must remain distanced and cannot enter anyone's home for any reason. 

Knitting Needles/Myra’s Knitting Mavens

Meets monthly to knit, crochet and kibbitz.

Join our group of committed VBS members who knit and crochet caps for cancer patients in local hospitals, blankets for newborn babies and knit hats for the IDF. Projects vary depending on the season. Yarn donations appreciated; open skeins 

When: Third Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Where: At Valley Beth Shalom

Feeding the Hungry

Prepare and serve a hot meal to people experiencing homelessness.

When:  Usually the third Sunday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Where: Hope of the Valley in Pacoima

Volunteer groups that would like to sign up to provide the entire meal, can pick a date with Hope of the Valley and receive support from our team on how to divide assignments and organize serving at the shelter. 

Hope of the Valley always welcomes donations of individual size hygiene items:

• Travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
• Travel size toothpaste, mouthwash
• Feminine hygiene products
• Band-aids, antibiotic cream, Tylenol (new unopened packaging)
• Boxes of quart size resealable plastic bags 

When you travel, consider bringing back any unused items left in your hotel bathrooms!

For additional information or to schedule your 'Feeding Date,' contact: Robbie Gershkowitz