POINT is the volunteer system Jingle Bell Christmas uses for applications, shift sign-ups, reminders and check-in. It costs you nothing. Please download the free POINT app (App Store or Google Play) and sign in with your own email. You’ll need the app to get event messages and to check in and out with the QR code or kiosk on December 5. After you sign up for a shift, you’ll get a confirmation email and a text from POINT at (619) 473-4853. That’s us, not spam.

Yes! Teens 14–17 are welcome on any shift marked “Ages 14+ (teens welcome),” including the AIW Foundation lunch shifts, and serve alongside a cleared adult. Not open to teens: Area Safety Monitors (21+), Santa Photographer (18+) and the Teen Zone shifts (21+).

Create your POINT account with your own email address. Your hours are recorded when you check in and out at the kiosk, and you can print an hours report from POINT. AIW Foundation can also provide a signed service letter.

Many of the children and families we serve are in foster care, so every volunteer 18 and older completes a background check through Checkr, a trusted screening company. It costs you nothing. After you apply and pick your shift, Checkr emails you a secure link that takes about 5 minutes to complete. Most checks clear in under 20 minutes, though some take longer, so please apply early; sign-ups close Nov 24. Your shift is confirmed once your check clears. Teens 14–17 don’t need a check. CPS staff are covered by their agency’s own screening; your team lead will tell you if another exemption applies to you.

TEAM ONLY shifts are held for partner teams (AIW Foundation lunch team, Love Fosters Hope Teen Zone and CPS Family Welcome), even if the app shows open spots. If you’re on one of these teams, look for the blue “reserved spot” banner on your shift and tap Confirm. Everyone else, please pick any other open shift.

Your team’s TEAM ONLY spots are held for you, but only until Nov 24, when sign-ups close in POINT. On Nov 25, any team spots that haven’t been claimed are released so our coordinators can fill them with other volunteers who are ready to serve. A spot that’s been released can’t be held again.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Claim your spot as soon as you get your POINT invite: (1) claim your POINT account, (2) complete the application and waiver, and (3) tap your TEAM ONLY shift (look for the blue “reserved spot” banner), then tap Confirm.

Adults also need time for a Checkr background check. Most clear in under 20 minutes, but some take longer. Your team is counting on you, and so are the families. If you missed the deadline, call (832) 761-4902 and we’ll do our best to find you a spot.

A photo ID, a water bottle, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and clothes for the weather, since several stations are outdoors. Festive holiday attire is welcome!

Scan the POINT QR code at the Volunteer Check-In table when you arrive and again when you leave, or use the check-in kiosk. Please log in to the POINT app before December 5.

No clean-up or teardown begins before 2:30 PM, and only when Jingle Bell Christmas Coordinators give the OK. Breakdown crew arrives at 2:15 PM for a short briefing.