Updating your Service Area by Zip Code

Your Volunteer Center 's area of service is delimited by zip codes registered with the Points of Light & Hands on Network Zip Codes Registry. Maintaining an up to date zip code registry is important for assuring efficient service to your communities. Zip Codes are used in to help volunteers find your Volunteer Center through the free 1-800-Volunteer phone service as well as the Points of Light & Hands on Network “Find a Volunteer Center ” and 1-800-Volunteer.org Volunteer Center search services.

• If you are a current Points of Light & Hands on Network affiliate, please review what zip codes you currently claim to make sure you that you do not own zip codes that are out of reach for your Volunteer Center and that those service areas within your reach are positively reflected in the zip codes database as being serviced by you.


• If you are a new or start-up Volunteer Center and have never previously registered zip codes with the Points of Light & Hands on Network then we suggest using a free US Zip Codes Listing (e.g. MelissaData ) to locate the zip codes in your desired service area then logging into the Zip Codes Change Requests page to formally request that the zip codes be added as your Volunteer Center's service area.

Once your change requests have been submitted you will receive a confirmation of the request and a final notice within 3-5 business days stating the availability of the zip codes. Upon approval your zip code additions will appear in the Points of Light & Hands on Network Directory of Volunteer Centers and the 1-800-Volunteer.org website.

PLEASE NOTE: Additions to the new 1-800-Volunteer phone system are made twice quarterly. To find out when the next phone system update will be made please contact zipcodes@pointsoflight.org .

The Zip Code View and Change Requests tool opens in a popup window. If you use a popup blocker you may need to temporarily disable it.

• Lost? Please review the Zip Codes Request and Review Process - Tutorial

Conflicts

• Service areas are claimed on a first come first serve basis. So in the event another Volunteer Center claims zip codes you would like to serve, we ask you to work with the claiming Volunteer Center to come up with a mutually agreeable solution to the zip codes dispute. The Volunteer Center that owns a particular zip code has the following options :


1. Denying the request to modify zip code ownership;
2. Resolving to transfer ownership from Volunteer Center A to Volunteer Center B;
3. Sharing the requested zip code(s).


• The Zip Codes Administrator may in consultation with Membership Service use discretion in denying particular zip code requests if substantially outside an area serviceable by the requesting VC unless a justifiable reason is provided.

Sharing

• VC's who resolve to share zip codes give both Volunteers and Organizations searching within those shared zips on 1800Volunteer.org and the 1800-Volunteer phone system the opportunity to chose for themselves which VC they wish to be directed to and/or affiliate with.


• The original owner of the zip code that is being shared remains the owner throughout duration of sharing.

If you need additional assistance please review the Zip Codes Request and Review Process - Tutorial