There are many avenues through which people define success, but I can personally say that getting involved with a charity I connected with on more than just a tangential level worked wonders for me.
I had heard of The Princess Project in passing, but when the name came up again at a work meeting, my attention was piqued. I started to wonder if they had a local chapter and how I could get involved. Not in a dress donation, single volunteer shift kind of way, but really involved.
So I shot an email out and found out they were recruiting for their various committees in September. It’s been two years now and I love so much about my role on the marketing committee of the San Francisco chapter. I’ve connected with several wonderful ladies, had the chance to guest bartend at Soda Popinski’s and finally found an outlet for every Cinderella quote I’ve ever stumbled across.
I recently got to thinking about how I may not have done this if the name hadn’t come across my work meeting and what other opportunities are out there to help make a dream come true for another woman. Whether it’s helping a teen head to her prom or helping a cancer patient feel beautiful, here are some great organizations I’ve discovered that you can volunteer at to sub in as someone’s fairy godmother. Trust me, the good vibes will feel better than binge-watching Stranger Things on Netflix…again.
Lipstick Angels
At first glance, it looks like only licensed estheticians are eligible to help Lipstick Angels. The organization provides beauty services to strengthen the self-esteem of cancer patients.
Anyone can become an Operation Volunteer. What this looks like: helping with administrative work, fundraising and web design. If you have photography or event planning skills, you can also help with special events.
Dress for Success
It’s a common conundrum. Without a suit, it’s hard to interview and land a job. But without a job, it’s hard to afford a suit. Enter Dress for Success, which provides professional attire to women in need of a new job.
This is another nationwide charity with a San Francisco chapter and, more recently, a San Jose one. Their boutique is located near Union Square in San Francisco. Volunteers sort donations and act as personal stylists to clients to help them find the perfect suit.
Once clients have been hired, they may come back to pick up a few more professional outfits. They also can receive continued support and mentoring.
Princess Project
You didn’t think I was gonna leave out The Princess Project, did you? Every spring the Princess Project gives out thousands of prom dresses to girls who may not be able to afford one on their own.
I’m a member of the San Francisco chapter, but there are also chapters in San Diego, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Tracy. We also engage in a variety of fun fundraisers that include trunk shows and a SoulCycle class.
We accept donations year-round but our giveaways are generally in April. Roles for giveaway volunteers include checkin, fitting room attendant and personal stylist.
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