Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers about donations, volunteering, client services, or our programs? Our FAQ page provides quick and helpful information about how to support St. Francis Center, receive assistance, and get involved in our mission.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to call us at (650) 365-7829 or email us at stfrancis@stfrancisrwc.org. We’re here to help!
A: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 1:30 pm. After 1:30 pm we do not have volunteers available to process donations.
Q: Do you have donation receipts?
A: Yes, please ask for a receipt when you drop off your donation. Fill out the bottom portion and leave it with us. Take the top portion for your records. Thank you!
Q: I have furniture, baby items (crib, bassinet, etc.), and household items. Can you take this donation?
A: We don’t have much storage for large items. Please email a photo of the items to stfrancis@stfrancisrwc.org. We will see if we can find a client that needs these items and get back to you. Thank you for thinking of us!
Q: I am here outside right now with a clothing donation. How do I get in? Who do I give it to?
A: Please pull into the driveway (look out Kate’s window at the driveway) and I will open the gates for you. Please stay back 6 feet as the gate’s open outward. (Once you verify they are back far enough push the black clicker to open the gate.) Once you pull in, you can give your bags to a volunteer. They can provide you with a donation receipt if you would like one. Thank you for thinking of us!
Q: I have some food to donate. Can you accept it?
A: We accept any packaged, unopened, unexpired food items. We especially need peanut butter and tuna at this time.
Q: Can I donate toiletries or laundry detergent? What about diapers and wipes?
A: Yes, we accept these items as long as they are in good condition.
Q: I have a bunch of shoes or toys to donate. Do you accept those?
A: We try not to accept shoes or toys, we just don’t have the storage space. (Some toys and shoes inevitably come mixed in with clothing items. That’s unavoidable.) But thank you for thinking of us.
A: You can come any day M-F 10:30-1:30. Line up in front of the building and when you are called in tell the person at the front desk that it is your first time. Please bring a photo ID and a bill with your address such as PG& E. We will enter you into our system. If you don’t have these items, that’s OK too, please come anyway, we want you to get the food you need. You can come for food & clothing twice per month.
Q: Can I come for a shower and/or laundry?
A: Yes, we take 1 person per day at 8:30 am. You have 2 hours and need to wrap up by 10:30 am. What day would you like to come?
Write the date they will come, along with their name and phone number on a Post-it and give it to Jackie. It must be 8:30 am-10:30 am ONLY. We can’t accommodate any other time due to the food pantry.
Q: I need housing. I heard you have affordable housing. How can I apply?
A: We do have an affordable housing waiting list. We are in the process of revamping our waiting list. It is closed at this time and we will re-open it in about 1 month. Please call back in about 1 month. In the meantime, I recommend you contact El Concilio and ask for their Housing Case Manager. Call them at: (650) 373-1080
A: We are taking a short pause from bringing on new volunteers at this time. Let me take your name, email and phone number and we will contact you in a few weeks. We are currently hiring a new volunteer coordinator. Thank you! (See the volunteer interest list below & add their name).
Q: I am a high school student/scouting group/service club and we would like to volunteer. How can we help?
A: You can run a drive for us! Gather your group and decide what you would like to collect: diapers, new socks, warm coats, or canned food. Then use your ingenuity to create a plan for how you will collect these items. Once you are done, call us to arrange a delivery date and time! We appreciate you so much!
A: Yes, we currently have 2 openings for 2nd grade. And we are forming a new 6th grade class for next year (current 5th graders). Is your child in one of those grades? If so, we have an application. I can email the application to you or you can come pick it up