City of Los Altos Joins Community in Compassion Week Volunteering

Los Altos, Calif. — October 7, 2023 — City staff will join community members from across Los Altos and neighboring cities in actively volunteering during Compassion Week 2023, which takes place October 7-15. 

The City is offering staff paid time for volunteer hours worked at participating local nonprofits during regular business hours throughout Compassion Week. Additionally, City Council will present a proclamation championing Compassion Week during its Tuesday, October 10 meeting. 

“Volunteerism is, and always has been, a significant part of what shapes and strengthens our community,” said Mayor Sally Meadows. “To show our support for Compassion Week and what it stands for, this year for the first time, we are offering City employees paid time off to participate. We are also making City facilities available for volunteer projects to take place.” 

This year, City staff is signed up to volunteer at various local nonprofits on projects that include assembling hygiene kits for unhoused individuals, preparing dinner for a shelter, removing litter, and making paracord bracelets for U.S. military personnel overseas.  

Beginning in 2012, Compassion Week was founded by area faith communities to build a more empathetic community through local volunteerism. Since then, over 21,000 volunteers have participated in Compassion Week activities, supporting more than 85 nonprofits. It now encompasses agencies from the public sector, companies in the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and service groups, as well as religious groups. Additional information about Compassion Week 2023 and volunteer opportunities can be found at compassionweeklosaltos.org. 

Please direct media inquiries to Public Information Officer Sonia Lee at (650) 947-2611 or slee@losaltosca.gov.