Debbie Krakauer and I highlight holiday volunteer opportunities in episode 39 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast.  There are many different ways everyone can help, so check out some of our highlighted volunteer opportunities at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Support Volunteer San Diego by attending the St. Nick Soiree on November 29th at Side Bar in downtown San Diego.  You can also help support year-round programming at Volunteer San Diego by purchasing a St. Nick Combo at any Rubio's Restaurant in San Diego county. 

Hosts:  Brent Shintani and Debbie Krakauer 
Running Time:  4:23

We celebrate our annual St. Nick Packing Party, which was graciously hosted once again by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development.  Over 90 volunteers joined us to pack 2500 backpacks for our upcoming St. Nick event at eight Title I schools throughout San Diego county in December. 

For more information about holiday volunteer opportunities, check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guests:  Mary Evers, VSD Board of Directors, 
Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 
Kelli Ochoa, Development Director, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time:  5:00

San Diego County was recently stricken with wildfires throughout the entire region.  As a lead agency in disaster operations, Volunteer San Diego plays a critical role in disasters by coordinating with many different agencies.  Volunteer San Diego serves the San Diego community by connecting volunteers with specific volunteer opportunities as the emerge in the days following the disaster. 

In the hours following the initial disaster, Volunteer San Diego activated the disaster response plan.  I was among many volunteers mobilized during the disaster to assist with at various agencies, including the 2-1-1 Information Line. 

To find out how you can help, contact us at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131.  You can also check out our group and cause on Facebook. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Running Time:  5:23
 

In episode 36 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, Sue Carter and I discuss our new logo, which was recently adopted a couple of weeks ago at Hands On San Diego 2007. 

Support the programs of Volunteer San Diego by purchasing merchandise at our Cafe Press store at www.cafepress.com/volunteersd.  Support Volunteer San Diego by joining our Causes page and Group on Facebook. 

For more information about our programs, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guest:  Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time:  5:06 

In this episode, Debbie Krakauer and I talk about some of our Homework Helper projects throughout San Diego County.  Many of the projects need some additional volunteers and team leaders in order to keep running. 

We're branching out in Mira Mesa to tutor the local children at an additional location on new dates.  Check out the FLEX Calendar for the new project starting on October 2, 2007. 

Check the Volunteer San Diego website at www.volunteersandiego.org for information, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Hosts:  Brent Shintani and Debbie Krakauer 
Running Time:  5:30

We're continuing our coverage of Hands On San Diego 2007.  I'm joined by Debbie Krakauer to give us an overview of the over 100 projects that are taking place throughout the week. 

For more information about Volunteer San Diego, and how you can help, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Hosts:  Brent Shintani and Debbie Krakauer 

Running Time:  5:10

Over 800 volunteers worked throughout the weekend to make our Hands On San Diego Signature Event at Wilson Middle School a success.  Debbie Krakauer and I summarize the events of the day, and talk about the accomplishments of the volunteers. 

For more information on how you can help, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Hosts:  Brent Shintani and Debbie Krakauer 

Running Time:  5:11

In this special video edition, my special guest co-host Bob Alden and I introduce the signature event for Hands On San Diego 2007 at Wilson Middle School in City Heights.  Throughout the day, volunteers helped with painting, gardening, and cleaning projects to revitalize the school grounds. 

Sue Carter and Kimberly Boyd talk about Hands On Schools.  We'll be back on Sunday to finish up the project.  For more information about Hands On San Diego, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org.

Please note that there will be multiple items posted to the feed throughout the weekend, so please check for additional items to be downloaded.  An audio and video episode will be posted on Saturday, September 22nd. 

Hosts:  Brent Shintani 
Bob Alden, President, Volunteer San Diego Board of Directors 

Guests:  Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 
Kimberly Boyd, Director, Hands On Schools 

Running Time:  3:15

We kicked off the Hands On San Diego 2007 signature event today.  In this episode, Kimberly Boyd from Hands On Schools talks about how we got started with our special revitalization project at Wilson Middle School in City Heights. 

There will be multiple files in the feed this weekend, so please check for additional audio and video episodes.  For more information about Hands On San Diego, check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org.  There are many different projects and other ways that you can help your community.

Host:  Brent Shintani
Guest: Kimberly Boyd, Hands On Schools 

Running Time:  5:02

Here's a quick video promo for Hands On San Diego 2007, which starts on  Saturday, September 22, 2007, hosted by Bob Alden and Denise Luna of the Volunteer San Diego Board of Directors. 

We're all ramping up for our signature event this weekend.  Please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org for more information on how you can help. 

Hosts:  Bob Alden and Denise Luna 
Producer:  Brent Shintani

Running Time:  0:25

In episode 31 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I'm joined by Debbie Krakauer, Agency and Volunteer Services Coordinator at Volunteer San Diego.  Debbie recently assumed responsibility for the FLEX Volunteer Program, and shares several special opportunities for volunteers and volunteer team leaders throughout San Diego county. 

We discuss various projects, including library tutoring, childcare, food banks, and meal service.  There are also opportunities for relief team leaders as well.  For more information, contact Debbie Krakauer at 858-636-4184, or by e-mail through the Volunteer San Diego website. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guest:  Debbie Krakauer, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time:  7:17

It's hard to believe that it has been a whole year since we started the show.  In this special video edition of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, Sue Carter and I talk about the FLEX program, and take you on a quick video tour of Weed Warriors. 

Lupe Ortega, President of North County Community Services, joins us to discuss the volunteer opportunity at the North County Community Services Food Bank.  Check out the website at www.sdnccs.org. 

Sue and I also discuss the volunteer opportunity at Hands On San Diego 2007 in September.  For more information, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Hosts:  Brent Shintani
Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 

Guests:  Lupe Ortega, North County Community Services 
Ranger Janice, San Diego Dept of Parks and Recreation 

Special Thanks to Kelli Ochoa for camera assistance. 

Running Time:  7:34 

In episode 30 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I return to Rebecca's Coffee Shop in North Park to visit with Melinda Redding, Team Leader for Crafts for a Cause, one of our FLEX projects. 

I also have a chance to catch up with Beth Rolls-Mathewson, chair of the Hands On San Diego committee.  Beth shares some information about the upcoming volunteer event. 

If you would like to donate time, materials, or funding to either event, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Stay tuned for our first anniversary show on August 13, 2007! 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guests:  Melinda Redding, VSD Team Leader 
Beth Rolls-Mathewson, VSD Board of Directors 

Running Time:  6:24

In episode 29 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I visit one of our FLEX projects in the community of North Park.  Our volunteer group of knitters at the Got Yarn? project meets at Rebecca's Coffee Shop on Juniper and 30th every third Sunday of the month.  Jo Madden, our project team leader, shares information about the project, donors, and beneficiaries. 

Andrea Ladmer, Executive Director of Performance and Entertainment Program for Adult Care Facilities (PEP), stopped by the project to pick up some of the crafts produced by the group, and shared how the crafts would benefit seniors throughout the county. 

For more information about this and many other projects, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guests:  Jo Madden, VSD Team Leader 
Andrea Ladmer, Executive Director, PEP

Running Time:  5:40  

Technology plays a key role in the daily activities at Volunteer San Diego.  In episode 28, we highlight some of the ways technology has improved the way we communicate with the San Diego community.  Sarah Adams, webmaster for Volunteer San Diego, joins us for a discussion of our website, agency database, blog, and of course, the Volunteer San Diego Podcast.  At Volunteer San Diego, we are always looking for innovative ways to provide outreach to our volunteers, agencies, and community. 

Katherine Macdougall and Sue Carter join us to discuss how technology has improved the work process for our FLEX program and the business impact to the organization. 

For more information about our programs, or to submit some additional ideas, please give us a call at 858-636-4131, or visit our website at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guests: 
Sarah Adams, Director, Agency and Volunteer Services, Volunteer San Diego 
Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 
Katherine Macdougall, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time:  9:57 

In episode 27 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I visit Weed Warriors, one of our Flexible Volunteer Program projects.  From Tecolote Canyon, our team leader, Eddie Rosenbaum, and project leader, Ranger Janice, talk about the Tecolote Nature Center and the different things our Weed Warriors accomplish at each project. 

A special congratulations to Corey at the 501c3Cast for his 75th episode.  Check out Corey's show at www.501c3cast.com. 

For more information on FLEX projects at Volunteer San Diego, contact us at 858-636-4131, or check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 

Guests: 
Eddie Rosenbaum, Team Leader 
Ranger Janice, Park and Recreation Department, City of San Diego 

Running Time:  5:05 

We're back with episode 26 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast.  In this episode, I chat with Angie Valdiconza, team leader at Polinsky Game Night, one of our most popular volunteer projects.
 
For more information about any of the project on the FLEX Volunteer Program Calendar, please contact us at 858-636-4131, or check out our web site at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guest:  Angie Valdiconza 

Running Time:  5:22

We are celebrating our 25th episode of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast.  Corey Pudhorodsky from the 501c3Cast joins us to talk about his show.  The 501c3Cast is a groundbreaking podcast for the non-profit community, and provides a valuable resource for volunteers, agencies, and anyone interested in the work of non-profits. 

Volunteer San Diego was featured on Episode 60 of the 501c3Cast on November 20, 2006.  You can find the 501c3Cast at www.501c3cast.com.  For more information about Volunteer San Diego, give us a call at 858-636-4131, or check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Special Guest:  Corey Pudhorodsky, 501c3Cast 

Running Time:  9:56 

In episode 24 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, we continue our coverage of Volunteer Week 2007.  From Mission Trails Park in San Diego, Katherine Macdougall and I cover our signature event for National & Global Youth Service Day -- a 5K Walk/Run to benefit under served youth.  Our emcee at the day's event was KFMB's Stan Miller, who shared his impressions of the day.

Katherine and I catch up with Amanda Hamilton, our first-place finisher, and our top fundraiser, Catherine Daley.  Brad Bowen, one of our SAVY Leaders, talks about the planning and sponsors for the event, and Beth Hogan talks about the fun activities at our Crafts For A Cause station.

Hosts:  Brent Shintani and Katherine Macdougall 

Special Appearances: 
Stan Miller, KFMB Channel 8, San Diego 
Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego

Guests: 
Beth Hogan, Outreach Coordinator, Volunteer San Diego 
Brad Bowen, SAVY Leader 

Running Time: 6:09

Continuing our coverage of National and Global Youth Service Week and National Volunteer Week 2007, I review my volunteer activities of the week, and talk about some of the exciting projects on our FLEX volunteer calendar open to new members. 

I'll be at various projects throughout the week and weekend, including our 5K Walk to benefit under served youth on April 21st.   If you're participating in the La Jolla 5K or Half Marathon on April 22nd, Volunteer San Diego will have a booth at the finish line. 

Dine at one of our San Diego Applebee's Restaurants on April 24, 2007, and they will donate a portion of what you spend to Volunteer San Diego.  You will need to present a flyer to your server, which you can download from our website at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Running Time:  5:39 

We celebrate the launch of National Volunteer Week and National and Global Youth Service Week with episode 22 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast.  Sue Carter, Executive Director of Volunteer San Diego, and I have a special word of thanks to our volunteers, agencies, and sponsors. 

There are many different projects on the FLEX Volunteer Calendar this week that are open to the public, and Melissa Higgins, our Youth Program Coordinator, talks about our special 5K walk this Saturday. 

Don't forget to support Volunteer San Diego at Applebee's Restaurants on April 24th.  Download a flyer from the Volunteer San Diego website at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guests: 
Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 
Melissa Higgins, Youth Program Coordinator, Americorps 

Running Time:  07:26 

In episode 21 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I am joined by volunteer and team leader Eric Lee.  Eric talks about his special fundraising project which combines running and training for local races, while fundraising for Volunteer San Diego.  Eric also volunteers in grant writing and research for the organization as well. 

If you would like more information about the program, please check out Eric's blog page at vsdrunners.blogspot.com.  For more information about any of the programs at Volunteer San Diego, please check out our web site at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Support Volunteer San Diego by dining at a participating Applebee's Restaurant on April 24, 2007.  Download a flyer and present it to your server. 

Host:  Brent Shintani
Guest:  Eric Lee 

Running Time:  05:15

It's time for another episode of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast,  We begin our month long celebration of volunteering by highlighting our special project for National & Global Youth Service Day by our SAVY Leaders on April 21, 2007.  Romyn Sabatchi, one of our SAVY Leaders, spends some time with me to discuss our 5K Walk to raise funds for youth programs and projects. 

Join us at Mission Trails Park on April 21, 2007, at 7:45am for this special event.  We'll be taping a special episode of the podcast from the event, so come on down and you might be on the show.  Fundraising information can be found at the Volunteer San Diego website. 

For more information to participate in our 5K Walk, please visit our website at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131.

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guest:  Romyn Sabatchi, SAVY Outreach Committee 
Special Thanks:  Melissa Higgins, SAVY Program Coordinator 

Running Time: 04:59

In episode 19 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I give a brief overview of some of the great programs and services offered by Volunteer San Diego, including the FLEX Volunteer Program, Corporate Programs, SAVY, Board Connection, and Disaster Response. 

Kelli Ochoa, Development Director for Volunteer San Diego, has a special message for everyone. 

Check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org or call us at 858-636-4131 for more information about any of our programs.  You can also help by providing a donation to keep our year-round programs running. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Special Guest:  Kelli Ochoa, Development Director, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time: 5:43

In episode 18 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I am joined by Sue Carter for a discussion of two fee-based Corporate Programs -- the Employee Volunteer Program, and Team Building Services.  Sue discusses different ways that companies can make a difference in our community, and how Volunteer San Diego can provide these value-added services to support company volunteer programs. 

Contact Sarah Adams at 858-636-4136 for more information about our Corporate Programs.

Bob Alden, President of the Board of Directors for Volunteer San Diego, makes a special announcement launching our 2007 Annual Appeal.  There is a special link to the donation website at our podcast page -- www.vsdpodcast.org.  You can also provide donations by mail to: 

Volunteer San Diego 
4699 Murphy Canyon Road 
San Diego, CA 92123 

For more information, please contact us at 858-636-4131, or check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org.

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Special Guests: 
Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego 
Bob Alden, President, Board of Directors, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time:  6:33

We have a special invitation for all of you in episode 17 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast.  It's our annual Oscar Party fundraising event for Volunteer San Diego.  This year, we're holding our event at Seau's The Restaurant in Mission Valley on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 5pm.  The cost for the event is $45, which includes dinner and all of the exciting events of the evening.  Lupe Ortega, our co-host for the Oscar Party, discusses this year's event.

Please support Volunteer San Diego at this special event.  RSVP by February 21st at www.volunteersandiego.org, or call Lupe Ortega at 619-851-9111.

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guest:  Lupe Ortega, Board of Directors, Volunteer San Diego 
Special Thanks:  Beth Rolls-Mathewson, Board of Directors, Volunteer San Diego, and co-host for the annual Oscar Party.

Running Time:  05:12

In episode 16 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, I have a conversation with Bob Lavenstein.  Bob and I are co-leaders of one of our popular FLEX Projects at Volunteer San Diego, the Polinsky BBQ.  Bob discusses the volunteer opportunity at the Polinsky Center, and what volunteers can expect at the project. 

Our Community Cinema project continues on Wednesday, February 7th, with a documentary entitled Hip Hop:  Beyond Beats and Rhymes.  The community is welcome to attend.  Contact Jessica End at Volunteer San Diego for more information.

Save the date on February 25, 2007, for our annual Oscar Party, a special fundraiser for Volunteer San Diego.  More information will be provided in our next episode. 

For more information on our programs at Volunteer San Diego, check out our web site at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131.  If you would like to help me donate funds to Volunteer San Diego, please visit our podcast page at www.vsdpodcast.org.
 
Host:  Brent Shintani 
Guest:  Bob Lavenstein 

Running Time:  07:19

This episode is for all of the golf fans out there.  In episode 15 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, we talk about volunteer opportunities at the 2007 Buick Invitational.  Debbie Krakauer, Agency and Volunteer Services Coordinator at Volunteer San Diego, discusses the duties of volunteers at a couple of the projects at the tournament. 

In addition, Volunteer San Diego is selling discounted tickets to the 2007 Buick Invitational.  Tickets are available for $15 for admission to any day of the tournament.  Please contact Kelli Ochoa or Debbie Krakauer at Volunteer San Diego to get your tickets today! 

For more information on this or any of the other programs at Volunteer San Diego, give us a call at 858-636-4131 or check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Special Guest:  Debbie Krakauer, Volunteer San Diego 

Running Time:  6:05

Happy New Year, everyone!  In episode 14 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, we talk about the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.  Amal Dalmar, one of our SAVY Leaders, and co-chair of our SAVY Outreach Committee, talks about the upcoming renovation project on January 13, 2007. 

Our third installment of Community Cinema will be on January 10, 2007 at the main public library.  This month's documentary, Twisted, is brought to us in conjunction with the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation at USCD Medical Center in Hillcrest.  This screening is open to the public.  Contact Jessica End at 858-636-4124 for additional information. 

For additional information on any of our projects, or to see a list of donations needed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org or give us a call at 858-636-4131. 

Host:  Brent Shintani 
Special thanks to:  Melissa Higgins, Amal Dalmar, and the rest of the SAVY Leaders. 
Running Time: 5:47

In episode 13 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, we focus on one our North County FLEX Volunteer Projects -- Childcare at the Women's Resource Center in Oceanside.  I caught up with Stephanie, one of our Volunteer San Diego Team Leaders, to discuss this project.

For the rest of the month, you can still donate to support year-round programs at my donation page -- http://www.active.com/donate/vsdstnick/brent06.

Rubio's Restaurants of San Diego County are offering the St. Nick Combo until December 25th.  One dollar of each meal is donated to Volunteer San Diego to support year-round programming.

For more information about Childcare at the Women's Resource Center or other FLEX Projects, please check out our website at www.volunteersandiego.org or give us a call at 858-636-4131.

Host:  Brent Shintani

Running Time:  05:52

In episode 12 of the Volunteer San Diego Podcast, we celebrate St. Nicholas Day by visiting nine of the under-served elementary schools in San Diego county.  At Carson Elementary, I spent a moment with Dr. Rich Cansdale, Superintendent, Area 3, San Diego Unified School District to discuss A Visit from St. Nicholas, and the importance of successful partnerships with the community.

With several other community volunteers, I spent some time with one of the first grade classes at Perkins Elementary sharing the St. Nicholas story.  Kelli Ochoa from Volunteer San Diego and I recap the events of the morning, including a review of all of the schools that were visited.  Hundreds of volunteers supported our schools by donating time and funds to make this event possible.  It's never too late to get involved, so we reviewed some of the ways you can still help.

Rubio's Restaurants of San Diego County are offering the St. Nick Combo until December 25th.  One dollar of each meal sold will benefit the programs at Volunteer San Diego.

If you would like to contribute to the program, our donation web sites will be active until January 2nd.  You can find my donation page at http://www.active.com/donate/vsdstnick/brent06.

For more information on A Visit From St. Nicholas, or any of our other programs and services at Volunteer San Diego, check out our web site at www.volunteersandiego.org, or give us a call at 858-636-4131.

Host:  Brent Shintani

Guests:
Dr. Rich Cansdale, Area 3 Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
Kelli Ochoa, Development Director, Volunteer San Diego

Running time: 5:55