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Last year, we asked 7x7.com readers to vote for their favorite nonprofits doing good in the city. After receiving more than 60 nominations, we awarded $700 (matched by Gump’s) to the winner, SF Child Abuse and Prevention Center. The money went to support the organization’s services, including their 24-hour crisis line, which receives 19,000 calls every year from families dealing with domestic abuse. “In 36 years, the only time our phone lines were down was during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake,” says executive director Katie Albright, who notes that there are some 5,600 cases of child abuse reported in SF every year. “More recently, with the recession, we’ve seen a huge outpouring of volunteers who just want to help out where they can.” To get involved with the crisis line, volunteers undergo a 50-hour training course on counseling skills, interventions, and how to handle especially sensitive family cases.

The group leads safety classes for kids in public schools and trains adults on how to spot and report domestic violence. Families can also go to the Family Support Center for counseling, respite childcare, and help with substance abuse. In April, the charity hosts their annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon with a keynote presentation by pediatrician Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, where they hope to raise $250,000 to support the center’s programs. 1757 Waller St., 415-668-0494, sfcapc.org

WHAT GIVES?The votes are in—and just in time for spring soul cleaning.Readers name their favorite SF nonprofits. BY KELLY MENDEZ

ILLUSTRATION BY JESSE LEFKOWITZ

SF CHILD ABUSE AND PREVENTION CENTERHow to GiveMoney: A donation of $1,000 or more puts you in the Blue Ribbon Circle with a VIP invitation to the annual luncheon. Mail checks directly to the center, or use your credit card on their website.Time: Pro bono finance, legal, marketing, and handiwork hours are always appreciated. Or vol-unteer at the 24-hour crisis call center, childcare center, or dining room, where every Tuesday eve-ning, the organization serves dinner to families in need. Stu!: Childcare supplies such as disposable dia-pers, soap, baby wipes, and clothing are always in great demand. Also, toys in good condition and children’s books can be dropped off at the center.

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KEEN SFWith basketball clinics at the Embarcadero YMCA and swimming outings at the North Beach Pool several times a month, KEEN SF gives special needs children one-on-one coaching and plenty of time to play. Donations go toward athletic equipment and sports programs. 415-710-4412, keensanfrancisco.org

How to GiveMoney: KEEN is raising $10,000 to fund its aquatics program. A donation of $40 covers one lesson for a child, while $480 buys an entire season of swimming for a water lover. Credit card, check, and PayPal donations can be made at globalgiving.org. Or text KEEN to 50555 to give $10 for a new basketball, badminton rackets, or jump ropes. Time: KEEN is completely volunteer-based. Fill out an online application to intern, help with gym setup, or coach. Play sessions are posted on their online calendar, usually the day of. Stuff: Donate that extra sports equipment (basketballs, jump ropes, and goggles) you’ve got lying around.

A GOOD IDEA SFWhat started as a small neighborhood group in the Haight has spread to the Tenderloin, SoMa, and the Mission to bring blankets, food, clothes, and sleeping bags to homeless people on the street. Eventually, the nonprofit hopes to build a boarding school for homeless teens in the city. 2044 Union St., 415-806-5116, agoodideasf.org

How to GiveMoney: PayPal and credit card donations can be made on the website.Time: Become a member of the leadership team and help organize projects and events. Or hand out candy, hugs, and smiles when the group hits the streets every other month with their Call to Arms program. The nonprofit also needs people to lead wellness and self-actualization programs. Coming up, they will be pairing up volunteers with those who could benefit from their professional strengths and talents.Stuff: Drop off packaged candy, baked goods, shampoo, beanies, gloves, socks, sleeping bags, and blankets at their Union Street offices.

PROJECT NIGHT NIGHTDomestic violence victims often have to flee their homes without a chance to pack much. For kids, that means leaving behind a favorite bear or toy. Every year since 2005, Project Night Night has given 25,000 children living in shelters care packages with books, stuffed animals, and blankets. 148 Beulah St., 415-310-0360, projectnightnight.org

How to GiveMoney: Use PayPal to donate, or you may sponsor your own Night Night package for $20. Time: Ask Project Night Night for some totes, fill them up at home, and deliver them to the homeless shelter of your choice. You can also volunteer your graphic design and Photoshop skills for the website, or round up supplies for kids in need.Stuff: Drop off warm blankets, books, and stuffed animals in new or good condition, along with store gift cards in any amount, at Starbucks Coffee (2222 Fillmore St., 415-673-3171) or Hotel del Sol (3100 Webster St., 415-921-5520).

SHANTI PROJECTStarted in 1974, Shanti Project was the first U.S. organization to work directly with AIDS patients. Today, from their office in the Tenderloin, Shanti Project offers support groups and life coaching to neighbors with HIV, AIDS, and breast cancer, most of them twice below the poverty line and without insurance. They also pair up artists and writers with patients to help them cope with their illnesses through creative expression. 730 Polk St., 415-674-4700, shanti.org

How to GiveMoney: Cash, credit card, and check donations can be made online and go to counseling services.Time: New volunteers who can commit to at least six months complete one of four trainings that take place each year. No commitment is needed if you want to help out with administrative tasks. Or join their SF Marathon team to help raise money for the charity.Stuff: Drop off clothing, small appliances, used iPods, toiletries, art supplies, and large items for fundraising auctions at the Shanti Project office.

SUMMER SEARCH SFLow-income high school students start thinking about college during their sophomore year when they join Summer Search SF. Thanks to career counseling, SAT prep, and financial aid resources, the nonprofit has helped 93 percent of its participating students go to college. The organization also gives scholarships for summer wilderness retreats and opportunities for students to study abroad. 500 Sansome St. Suite 350, 415-362-5225, summersearch.org

How to GiveMoney: Check and credit card donations can be made online and go directly toward outdoor equipment for their hikes, summer retreat tuitions, and college-counseling sessions for students.Time: Volunteer as an academic tutor, career mentor, or workshop leader in areas that include blogging and public speaking. Stuff: If you’re a business owner, create part-time jobs for Summer Search SF students, or donate used big-ticket items for fundraising auctions.

DISH In 2006, Lauren Hall and Doug Gary founded DISH (Delivering Innovation in Supportive Housing). They took six rundown residential hotels—five in the Tenderloin and one in the Mission—and turned them into supportive, safe rooms for the mentally ill and homeless. The rent is subsidized for the 450 tenants, and everyone helps keep up the building and organize get-togethers for residents. 232 Eddy St., 415-776-3474, dishsf.org

How to GiveMoney: Credit card donations can be made online, or simply surf the web with goodsearch .com and ask that each of your search’s 1 cent donations go to DISH.Also, browse goodshop .com for a selection of online retailers, and donate a portion of your purchase to DISH.Time: Volunteer to paint a room or serve a meal to tenants. DISH welcomes corporate sponsorships and hopes to launch the Adopt-A-Building Campaign this year.Stuff: Nonperishable food, plus new socks and underwear, are always on the wish list. x