Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we get asked:
I want to become a volunteer. What do I have to do?
We are so happy to hear that you are interested in joining our Community Seva Family.
- Please visit the Volunteer/Signup page to learn more about the process on volunteering for Community Seva
- Finally, if you are not ready to commit, we recommend you join us on Facebook at both the following links to stay updated on our offerings
FACEBOOK PAGE
FACEBOOK GROUP
- Also, please sign up to our mailchimp newsletter. This will keep you updated on the latest Community Seva news.
I signed up for a seva, but can’t make it after all. What should I do?
No problem. Please look for the email you received from signup.com. There is a link in the email for you to “remove” yourself or swap your position to another day. If you have lost your email, please email us at volunteer@communityseva.org and we will help.
I signed up, but don’t know where to go to cook. Where is the address?
Once you sign up for a seva, 3-4 days before the actual date, we will email you all necessary details of the seva including address, time and other details. We do not put this information up on the website due to privacy reasons.
Please note that it is VERY IMPORTANT that you confirm by replying to the email we send you so that we are sure you received it.
Can kids participate?
We have lots of opportunities for children! Children ages 12 and above can cook at some shelters on the weekends. Younger children can participate in Care Bag seva, where they pack carebags at home for distribution. Please note: When you register your child for a seva, you must sign on their behalf and also provide a unique email id for the child.
Are our donations tax deductible? Where does the money go?
Yes. We are a registered 501 (c) (3) organization and all your contributions are tax-deductible. Your contributions go towards our mission of feeding the hungry & serving the homeless.
Do you provide receipts for my tax-deductible contribution?
Yes. When you donate on our website, you will be automatically emailed a receipt.
I just made a donation & my company makes a matching grant. Can you help?
I don’t want to use Paypal to donate. Can I pay by cash or check?
Actually, when you click on the PayPal button, there is an option to pay by credit card without a PayPal account. However, if you prefer to mail us a check, please let us know by sending us an email to volunteer@communityseva.org and we will send you the details.
Can an organization or business sponsor a Seva ? Can our employees participate? How do we contribute
Yes most definitely. You and your colleagues can sponsor and volunteer as a group. However we may limit the number of colleagues who can be part of the Seva due to particular shelter restrictions on the number of volunteers that can be present at any particular time ( fire and safety regulations). Contributions can be made through your HR or one designated person can provide us with a check.
I want to sponsor only half of the meal. Can I?
For such special circumstances, we prefer that you email us. We would be happy to discuss options for such sponsorship with you. Please email volunteer@communityseva.org
I want to sponsor a meal. Can I buy the ingredients and decide the menu?
No, we have a team who decides the menu based on a variety of criteria, including nutrition and what is popular at the shelter. We also plan based on optimized shopping and ingredients For this reason, we are unable to support our sponsors buying ingredients and deciding the menus. It further complicates our money transaction procedures trying to reimburse for the various items.
Who are the sponsors listed on your site? Are they different from the meal sponsors?
Yes. The business sponsors listed on our site have supported us in paying for our annual event and by donating generously for our marketing and other materials. We work hard to ensure that when our seva sponsors donate towards an event, that 100% of their funds goes towards that event.
I am celebrating a special event/honoring an important day and have a large group that wants to cook and serve together. Can we do that?
Yes. Please contact us and we will see how we can help organize a seva for your group.
I am vegetarian and do not like to touch/cook eggs. Is that ok? Can I still volunteer?
Most definitely. If you are not comfortable in touching / cooking a particular menu item, we still have various items that you can help us with.
I want to carpool to the seva. How can I coordinate this?
Yes, we might be able to help. Please email your request ahead of time to volunteer@communityseva.org
I don’t live in the Bay Area. How can I help?
Thank you for your interest. We welcome your donations at all times. If you would like to discuss starting a branch of Community Seva at your location, we would love to speak with you. Please email volunteer@communityseva.org
I have a question that is not answered here. Whom can I speak to?
Please email volunteer@communityseva.org with your questions and we will get back to you ASAP