Volunteer with HelpSierraBreathe

Masks only protect people when they actually reach them. HelpSierraBreathe relies on volunteers across the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding metro areas to carry N95 masks the last mile — from a box of donated supplies to the farmworker, the delivery driver or the neighbor living outside in the smoke.

Why HelpSierraBreathe Needs Volunteers

When a fire flares up, smoke conditions can change within hours. Governments and large aid agencies often struggle to get N95 masks to their most vulnerable residents in time. Our coalition partners already know their communities, and volunteers let them act fast: picking up shipments, setting up distribution points and walking masks directly to people who would otherwise go without.

Ways to Volunteer with HelpSierraBreathe

Mask distribution

Hand out free N95 masks at community events, food distributions, shelters, bus stops and worksites, and share quick tips on wearing a mask so it seals properly.

Drivers and delivery

Move boxes of masks from coalition partners to rural towns, shelters and outreach sites, especially in places where transportation is limited.

Outreach and translation

Help us reach Spanish-speaking and other non-English-speaking communities, outdoor workers and elders with information about smoke safety and where to get masks.

Organizing and logistics

Track inventory, coordinate pickup spots, recruit local businesses willing to host masks, and keep fellow volunteers informed during smoke events.

Online and social media support

Share smoke alerts, distribution updates and donation drives so the word spreads quickly when air quality drops.

How to Join the HelpSierraBreathe Volunteer Team

  1. Reach out through our contact page or send us a message on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Tell us where you live and how you would like to help.
  2. Connect with a coalition partner near you, such as Washoe Basics, Reno/Sparks Mutual Aid, Rural Resistance Placerville or Mask Sonoma.
  3. Let us know your availability. During active fires we move quickly, so the best way to reach you matters.

HelpSierraBreathe Volunteer Safety

Your health matters too. Wear a well-fitted N95 while volunteering outdoors in smoke, take breaks indoors or in filtered air, drink plenty of water, and step back if you have asthma, a heart or lung condition, or simply feel unwell. Check current air quality on AirNow.gov before heading out, and never enter evacuation zones or areas closed by fire officials. Our wildfire smoke resources page has more safety guidance.

Can’t volunteer in person? A donation to HelpSierraBreathe buys the masks our volunteers hand out.