Frequently Asked Questions
As you might imagine we get all kinds of questions about Big Sunday—everything from when is it — May 2- 3, 2009 — to how can we help. Here you’ll find a few answers.
What is Big Sunday?
Big Sunday is the largest annual citywide community service event in America. It’s a time for community building — when volunteers of every age and from every walk of life — work together to help others. After all, when everyone helps, everyone wins.
When is Big Sunday?
Big Sunday is now a weekend-long extravaganza. Next year, Big Sunday will be held Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2009 — we know we already told you this, but we just can’t remind you enough!
Where is Big Sunday? (And is it only in L.A.?)
Big Sunday takes place at hundreds of different sites throughout the Southland, from downtown L.A. to the Westside, from the San Fernando Valley to the San Gabriel Valley, from Orange County to the Inland Empire to Ventura County. If you’d like to get your community involved in Big Sunday, please contact berenice@bigsunday.org.
When can I sign up for a project?
Hundreds of Big Sunday projects will be listed on our website beginning April 1, 2009. Please visit us then to sign up to volunteer. Meantime, if you’d like to see a sample of the kinds of projects we’ve done in the past, click here.
Is there anything I can do to help Big Sunday now?
You betcha. Big Sunday has become such a big event that volunteers now work on it all year long. If you’d like to help, contact sherry@bigsunday.org ASAP!
Can I do an activity with my entire youth group, extended family, octet, Fortune 500 company?
Yes, absolutely. Please let us know as soon as possible if you want to do an activity as a group so we can be sure that there is enough space and enough for everyone to do. Also, know that there may be other people, from outside your group, who will be working alongside you.
I'd love to help, but I have a new baby (triplets, sullen teenager, out-of-town guests, elderly aunt). Is there anything for me to do?
Yep. At Big Sunday we have projects for all ages and all talents. The idea is that whoever you are, whatever you do, there is a way for you to help someone else.
Is it too late to add a project for my favorite charity?
Maybe. Our schedule for Big Sunday is usually pretty well set by March 1. If you’re reading this before that date and you have something you’d really love to do, please contact david@bigsunday.org. No promises, but we always try our best.
My six year-old really wants to volunteer at “Rebuilding Together” and he's very smart, but your description of that project says he has to be 14 years old. Can I bring him anyway?
No. When a project description lists an age limit it’s because the nonprofit requires us to do so for liability reasons. But don’t worry. There are plenty of age-appropriate projects for everyone.
Do you have any religious or political agenda?
Nope. We work for and with groups of all faiths and all political persuasions, but there is absolutely no religious or political agenda to any Big Sunday activity.
Is it true that everyone gets a free T-shirt? And free snacks?
Yes. And yes.
So what do I have to pay for?
Nothing. One of the great things about Big Sunday is that it has always been free for all participants. It is completely underwritten by corporate and private donations, in-kind contributions and foundations grants. Volunteers are asked only for their time and talent — no money. But to keep it free for everyone, we’re always happy to accept donations, so click here if you’d like to make a tax-deductible gift to Big Sunday.
Volunteering over one weekend is great, but what about the other 363 days in the year?
That’s a great question. We are proud to note that Big Sunday serves as a catalyst for many of our volunteers to continue to help our nonprofit and social-service partners throughout the year. (Some of them have even joined the board of groups they first helped on Big Sunday.) What’s more, every fall Big Sunday distributes a Holiday Volunteering and Giving Opportunity List to its volunteers. This list details what our participating nonprofits, schools and other groups need in terms of donations, supplies and people power from early November through Jan.1. To read more about our Holiday Projects, click here. We are also proud to say that Big Sunday responds to emergency calls from our nonprofit partners throughout the year. By the way, feel free to visit Who We Help, a list of the nonprofits we work with and links to their websites. Most of these great groups offer volunteer opportunities all year long.