Community Service

SAJF provides hundreds of service hours to non-profit organizations throughout San Antonio. Our projects are scheduled on various days of the week and various time schedules. In doing so, members have the opportunity to choose from a variety of projects that will work in their personal schedules.

 

SERVICE PROJECTS - 2023-2024

Christian Assistance Ministries (www.christianassistancemininstries.org)

Hygiene kits, lunch kits and clothing donation

Soldiers' Angels (www.soldiersangels.org)

Christmas Stockings

Transplants for Children (www.tfcsatx.org)

Meal for families with children awaiting transplants

SA Stock Show and Rodeo (www.sarodeo.com)

Hospitality Committee

Alamo Community Group (www.alamocommunnitygroup.org)

Donation Drive

UTSA Fiesta Arts Fair (www.fiestasa.org)

Children's Art Garden and/or Drink Booth

San Antonio Food Bank (www.safoodbank.org)

Food drive

 

SERVICE PROJECTS - 2022-2023

In October, the ladies of SAJF hosted a collection drive to support Soldiers' Angels "Holiday Stockings for Heroes".  Actives and Sustainers collected small gifts from a list of suggested items that Soldiers' Angels provided.  At our General meeting October 18th, we stuffed the stockings and in late November, will deliver them to the Soldiers' Angels headquarters here in San Antonio.  Donated stockings are shipped to service members deployed to combat zones or those in combat operations and veteran patients in VA Hospitals across the country. The stockings will also be shared with National Guard and Reserve Units across the country. The ladies of SAJF hope that receiving a stuffed stocking will help to brighten the spirits of deployed service members and veterans this holiday season.  On December 6th, SAJF ladies will deliver 30 holiday stockings!

On December 13, 2022, the women of SAJF volunteered to support ChildSafe's Winter Work Shop by wrapping donated gifts chosen by parents for their children at holiday time.  It is very gratifying to know that ChildSafe is looking out for the children of our community at this holiday time.  It is hoped that such acts of kindness will somehow ease the stress and trauma of abuse that children utilizing the facility have undergone.  Treating and helping families heal is a cause near and dear to many members of SAJF.

February 21, 2023 SAJF members supported For Her by hosting a donation drive at our General Meeting.  For Her is a nonprofit organization in San Antonio that works to empower women to move beyond trauma and transform their lives.  They serve teen mothers, foster youth aging out of the system, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants and women who fall below the poverty line, survivors of domestic and sexual violence and formerly incarcerated women.  SAJF women will provide incentives for women attending "Her Circle" or "Her Table" events that provide an opportunity for women to connect over good food and meaningful conversation.  The hope is that encouragement and accountability for personal growth along with licensed professional counseling will support the efforts of women to lead a more self-sustained life.

February 9-26, 2023 SAJF members volunteered their time at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo!  As Gate Greeters, ladies welcomed guests to the Rodeo Fairgrounds at the entry gates, scanned each guest's barcode for entry, and shared  guest information services locations.  Shifts were four hours in length between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.  Ladies signed up online for the shifts they wanted to work.  Free parking passes and 2 free single day entry tickets were incentives for participating.  SAJF will receive community service hours and the Stock Show and Rodeo offered SAJF a donation of $50.00/person for every 4 four shift worked as a Gate Greeter.  The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help educate the youth of Texas!

April 22-23, 2023, SAJF ladies will support UTSA Arts Community Arts Programs by volunteering at Fiesta Arts Fair!  This yearly event offers our community the opportunity to view or purchase contemporary and traditional arts and craft from over 100 national artists.  Live national and regional music, food and beverage booths and a youth art area are featured.  SAJF ladies will work in the Children's Art Garden assisting artists and/or at beverage booths around the property.  Ladies can choose to volunteer for 3 hour periods of their choice during the festival.  

 

SERVICE PROJECTS - 2022-2023

Soldiers' Angels (www.soldiersangels.org)

Christmas Stockings

ChildSafe (www.childsafe-sa.org)

Gift wrapping at Winter Workshop

SA Stock Show and Rodeo (www.sarodeo.com)

Hospitality Committee

For Her (www.iamforher.org)

Donation Drive

Fiesta Arts Fair (www.swschool.org)

Children's Art Garden and/or Drink Booth

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio, Inc. (www.rmhcsanantonio.org)

Hygiene and Grad-N-Go Bags

 

SERVICE PROJECTS - 2021-2022

One World LLC. (www.waterlanternfestival.com)

San Antonio Water Lantern Festival

SA Time Dollar Community Connections (www.satimedollar.org)

Time Dollar Food Pantry

SA Stock Show and Rodeo (www.sarodeo.com)

Hospitality Committee

Project Joy and Hope (www.joyandhope.org)

Baskets of Household Items

Soldiers' Angels (www.soldiersangels.org)

"Warm Feet for Warriors"

Southwest School of Art (www.swschool.org)

Fiesta Arts Fair

King William Association (www.ourkwa.org)

King William Fair

San Antonio Book Festival (www.sabookfestival.org)

Assistance with author signing sessions

Alamo Community Group (www.alamocommunitygroup.org)

Household supplies for Homeless Veterans

  

Service Projects - 2020-2021

Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. (www.fvps.org)

Even during the COVID Pandemic, the Battered Women and Children's Shelter never closes its doors to those in need.  Comprehensive services, legal service, counseling and case management continued as usual.  But there was room for a little fun for the children at the Shelter when staff put on a fall festival for their enjoyment.  Although due to pandemic restrictions, SAJF members were not allowed to attend the event in person, we provided a fun pumpkin toss game made by members to be used at the festival.  Treats for the winners were also donated and we heard that all were happy to participate!

Samaritan's Purse International Disaster Relief (www.samaritanspurse.org)

Members were pleased to assist with "Operation Christmas Child" by filling shoe boxes with personal care items, clothing and accessories, crafts and activities and toys for young children.  Included was our very own SAJF Teddy Bear that is to loved by little people and a personal note for these young girls and boys.  Boxes were distributed to children in need around the world by Samaritan's Purse.  SAJF thanks the Raley family for their generous donation to the project.  We were able to provide 30 surprise packages for these children.

SAMMinistries (www.samm.org)

Members were excited to provide all the non-perishable items a family would need to prepare a one pot dish for a family of four.  A favorite recipe was chosen and all food items as well as cooking utensils, pot and serving utensils needed to prepare the "recipe in a pot" were donated.  Gift cards were included to cover the cost of perishable items.  Although the meals will be consumed in one sitting, the large pan and all cooking utensils are left with the recipients for future use.  Totes were assembled in the park and delivered to Samministries for distribution to their clients in need.  We provided 6 stuffed totes for distribution to those less fortunate!

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio, Inc. (www.rmhcsanantonio.org)

Nothing like a hot meal at the end of the day to brighten the sprits!  The ladies of SAJF were happy to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities by improving the health and well-being of critically ill or injured children and families staying at RMH.  Acknowledging the importance of families staying together near our leading hospitals to ensure access to health care for their children, an evening meal was donated at the Charles Katz location.  Although COVID restrictions prevented members from preparing the meal for residents on the premises, ladies were able to drop off large lasagnas, caesar salad its, tea, and cookie trays for the residents to enjoy.  Brown bags of water, oranges and granola bars were provided for residents to grab on the go in the mornings on their way to hospitals.  The ladies of SAJF were able to provide good food for 30-40 residents!

VetStrong (www.vet-strong.org)

Ladies met to prepare colorful laundry baskets of new towel sets, queen sheet sets, bath mats, shower curtains, liners and rings, and pillows for families supported to be distributed by Vet Strong to disabled or Homeless veterans and their families.  The mandate of this new nonprofit is to provide home furnishings to those in need in San Antonio, but when we met with volunteer James Pobanz, we learned that efforts to support these families are made possible not only by their individual volunteer network, but also by working together with other veteran, corporate and philanthropic organizations.  The ladies of SAJF were able to provide 12 stuffed baskets to Vet Strong.  A great example of nonprofits working together in San Antonio!

Service Projects past years

Adult Matters Spring Formal - Hosted by the Down’s Syndrome Association, SAJF members will assist in decorations set-up/tear-down, registration, and chaperoning. Members should wear business/dress attire. 4 hours service credit.

The Arc of San Antonio - SAJF hosts 30 – 50 clients with developmental disabilities. The service captain decides the type of event to have. Past activities include, Movie Nights, Bingo Bash, Halloween Dance and Costume Contest. There is one project in the Fall and a second in the Spring. 4 hours service credit.

Battered Women’s Shelter – SAJF work to clean and redecorate one of the residential apartments for a family in transition from the shelter to an apartment. There is one work day in the Fall and a second in the Spring. Both will take place on a Saturday. 6 hours service credit.

The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas - SAJF will sponsor, prepare, and serve dinner to families attending grief counseling. Tasks include set-up, serving the meal, and clean up. This project will occur a minimum of one time during the club year, but may be scheduled up to three times if the schedule allows. 3 hours service credit.

Bunco Night at Morningside Manor – SAJF hosts Bunco night for residents on the second Monday evening of each month. 3 hours service credit.

Celebration of Life Brunch – SAJF will sponsor, prepare, and serve brunch for Breast Cancer survivors. This event occurs in the Fall. 4 hours service credit.

Communities in Schools - SAJF will support CIS’ “Stuff the Bus” program by manning a table at a location determined by CIS. Members will solicit donations of school supplies for at-risk students from customers. This event occurs in the Summer. 3 hours service credit.

The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas – SAJF will assist EFCST at their Seize the Moment 5K walk in November where there is need. A second project may be added to assist EFCST at their food booth at the King William Fair during Fiesta. 3 hours service credit.

Fiesta Arts Fair – SAJF will provide assistance for the Fiesta Arts Fair held the first weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) of Fiesta. Positions include helping children in the art area, selling tickets, money runner, assisting artists, etc. 3 hours service credit.

Food Bank – Community Kitchen Haven For Hope - SAJF will assist with the preparation of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Duties include kitchen clean up. This project will occur a minimum of one time during the club year, but may be scheduled up to three times if the schedule allows. 4 hours service credit.

Lui – Special Needs Family – SAJF members will volunteer to help Lui, a special needs young man, at his home. Members will read to Lui or help in other ways. Help is needed on a weekly basis and at hours set by the member. Joanie Gerber will help members understand what to do while visiting Lui. Minimum of 2 hours of service credit hours per week.

Operation Homefront Texas: Care Packages – SAJF sponsors and prepares care packages for our military serving in Afghanistan. This project occurs at a general meeting in the Fall. 2 hours service credit.

Operation HomeFront Texas: Holly Jolly – SAJF will support Operation Homefront Texas by providing staffing at their Holly Jolly event in December. 4 hours service credit.

Ronald McDonald House - SAJF will sponsor, prepare, and serve dinner to families attending grief counseling. Tasks include set-up, serving the meal, and clean up. This project will occur a minimum of one time during the club year, but may be scheduled up to three times if the schedule allows. 3 hours service credit.

Relay For Life - The event honors cancer survivors and those that did not survive. Relay is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. SAJF members will sign up and participate as an organization to raise funds and awareness for this worthy cause. This project occurs in the Spring. 13 hours of service credit.

Salvation Army Christmas Packages – SAJF sponsors and prepare packages for children at Christmas delivered by the Salvation Army. This project occurs at a general meeting in the Fall. 2 hours of service credit

Spina Bifida FashionAble – The event is a fashion design competition among high school students. The clients are children and young adults with special needs and whose clothes must be altered. SAJF will participate over the course of two days in various aspects of the event, including judging the designs, hair and make-up for the models, and other areas where needed. This project occurs in the Spring. 5 hours of service credit per day.

 

San Antonio Junior Forum

P.O. Box 781152
San Antonio, Texas 78278