Help Distribute Meals and Water for the Unsheltered with Lucky Duck Foundation
The Lucky Duck Food and Water Initiative has distributed more than 1.8 million meals to San Diego's unsheltered neighbors since May 2020. Volunteers help by packing and/or distributing food and water for homeless outreach teams to distribute to individuals living on the streets. Volunteers are necessary to keep the program running, so please consider signing up. Volunteer events take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at our distribution sites in National City and the Midway District.
Organize and Sort Food for Community Fridges with LA Community Fridges
Every Tuesday, LA Community Fridges meet up at an LA location (meeting location may change weekly - you will be notified in advance) with a large amount of produce donated from Food Forward. Volunteers can help organize/bag the produce and/or help distribute it to community fridges. It's a fun way to meet and mingle with other volunteers in LA while also ensuring that LA Community Fridges keep their fridges stocked with fresh and healthy food for everyone's neighbors!
Volunteer at Union Station Homeless Services’ Dinner in the Park 2024
For over 50 years, everyone at Union Station Homeless Services has celebrated Thanksgiving with those in need. Dinner in the Park is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together over celebratory meals. They have a variety of volunteer shifts available to make Dinner in the Park happen this year! You and your friends, family, organization, or business can help out this year by preparing food, packaging meal boxes, carving turkeys, serving hot meals, and more!
Relax and Make Art at Big Sunday’s Sun Days on Tuesdays
Come decorate Mosaic Suns with us! For the past few months, people enjoyed joining us to make beautiful, cheerful and unique mosaic suns to brighten up nonprofits around town. These cool projects are the brainchild of our old friend Cathy Weiss and will be led by Cathy and our own Big Sunday staff, Josh. We can use your help! You don't need to be artistic Ð just sincere. Visit: https://bigsunday.org/get-involved/tuesdayartdays/
Volunteer at URM Thrift Boutique with Union Rescue Mission
Volunteers will provide support at the Covina Thrift Store by sorting through donations, cleaning & organizing the facility, and other various tasks delegated by the Thrift Store Manager. Volunteers are needed between 11am to 5pm. Partial shifts are welcome. Please check in with management upon arrival and inform them what time you will be leaving. Age requirement: 18 years old and over.
Volunteer at the Thanksgiving Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center
Volunteer at the Thanksgiving Critter Camp this November 25-27 and help bring pet responsibility education to young children! This is a unique opportunity for high school students (grades 9-12) who are enthusiastic, reliable, and experienced in working with PreK-6th grade kids. As a Junior Volunteer, you'll assist with preparing materials, supervising activities, managing children's behavior, and supporting the camp instructor with lessons, crafts, and games. While you'll be working around animals, the focus is on engaging with children, so maturity, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential. Volunteer shifts run from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm (with some extended hours) across three days. All new volunteers must attend a mandatory training on November 25, and COVID-19 policies must be followed to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
Spend Time with Kids at Hope Gardens Family Center
Union Rescue Mission is looking for volunteers to be role models, loving, very hands-on and ready to spend quality time with children 0-5 years old (Peeps) at Hope Gardens Family Center! Why do they need childcare? Their sheltered Moms have committed to a program and attend transformational classes. Hope Gardens offers childcare so that their Moms have zero distractions and can focus on their recovery. 18 years & Up - Background check required. PARTIAL SHIFTS ARE WELCOMED
Help Out at LA Family Housing’s Donation Center
Join in assisting with the efficient operation of their donation center! Help sort and hang clothing, assemble kits, and assist during pick-up times. Work alongside other dedicated volunteers to ensure that donations are organized and ready for distribution to those in need. YOUR IMPACT: Your efforts will help provide essential items to individuals and families in need, ensuring they receive clean, properly fitting clothing and necessary supplies. With your help, they can swiftly sort and distribute donations to our community.
Sort and Pack Canned Goods for Distribution Amongst People Facing Food Insecurity (For Minors Only!)- Tuesday Shift 2
Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to mobilize resources in the community to alleviate hunger. Help sort, inspect and repackage donated food items from local supermarket chains and farmers/growers before the food goes out for distribution into the community.Please refer to volunteer guidelines and dress code on sign-up. Waiver required. Volunteers 14+ are welcome.
Food Sorters Needed! Every Tuesday Shift 1
Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to mobilize resources in the community to alleviate hunger. We will be assembling food packages for over 29,000 families, older adults, and children who face food insecurity in Los Angeles County. (The food packages consist of food items like canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, cereal and other non-perishable food items.) Please refer to volunteer guidelines and dress code on sign-up. Volunteers must be 18+ to participate.
Join Torrance Tuesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Serve Thanksgiving Meals to Adults Transitioning out of Homelessness in Canoga Park
Make it possible for adults transitioning out of homelessness to have their own Thanksgiving celebration. Help serve food, host a friendly bingo game, and hand out gift-cards and prizes to brighten the holiday season for these individuals! YOUR IMPACT: Unfortunately, for many adults experiencing homelessness, this can be a lonely time of year. In addition, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal can be out of reach for many of our participants. By providing a full Thanksgiving meal, along with a fun, community-building activity, you're helping these people create great holiday memories.
Make A Difference at Big Sunday’s AW@10 Event
We'd love to have you join us for our Accessible Wednesday morning program, AW@10! Previously held biweekly as "2W@10," these special events are held from 10:00am Ð 11:30am each Wednesday where we do fun activities to help local nonprofits. And what's extra special about these Wednesday events? Our guests of honor are wonderful and fun volunteers with some developmental challenges who want to give back and help others, in groups and as individuals. The accessible activities we'll do on Wednesdays are specifically designed with these guests in mind, so that everyone can participate and have fun volunteering - because we believe very strongly that absolutely everyone has something to give. People of ALL ability levels are invited to join us on Wednesdays! All we ask is that you show up ready to be part of a community of helpful people! Visit: https://bigsunday.org/get-involved/aw10/
Volunteer at Union Station Homeless Services’ Dinner in the Park 2024
For over 50 years, everyone at Union Station Homeless Services has celebrated Thanksgiving with those in need. Dinner in the Park is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together over celebratory meals. They have a variety of volunteer shifts available to make Dinner in the Park happen this year! You and your friends, family, organization, or business can help out this year by preparing food, packaging meal boxes, carving turkeys, serving hot meals, and more!
Volunteer at the Thanksgiving Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center
Volunteer at the Thanksgiving Critter Camp this November 25-27 and help bring pet responsibility education to young children! This is a unique opportunity for high school students (grades 9-12) who are enthusiastic, reliable, and experienced in working with PreK-6th grade kids. As a Junior Volunteer, you'll assist with preparing materials, supervising activities, managing children's behavior, and supporting the camp instructor with lessons, crafts, and games. While you'll be working around animals, the focus is on engaging with children, so maturity, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential. Volunteer shifts run from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm (with some extended hours) across three days. All new volunteers must attend a mandatory training on November 25, and COVID-19 policies must be followed to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
Sort and Pack Canned Goods for Distribution Amongst People Facing Food Insecurity (For Minors Only!)-Wednesday Shift
Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to mobilize resources in the community to alleviate hunger. Help sort, inspect and repackage donated food items from local supermarket chains and farmers/growers before the food goes out for distribution into the community.Please refer to volunteer guidelines and dress code on sign-up. Waiver required. Volunteers 14+ are welcome.
Join Encino Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Join Hollywood Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Join Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Join Atwater Village Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Featured Projects
Host a Collection for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
Big Sunday,
berenice@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Collections are happening all around town Ð in schools, faith groups and offices! This is a great way for students to receive community service hours. You can collect items and drop off at our offices by Friday, Nov 22 at 1pm, please.
Donate Clothes and Hygiene Essentials to Project Ropa
Project Ropa,
info@projectropa.org,
(310) 400-7114
By donating, you directly support Project Ropa’s programs and enable them to continue making a difference in the lives of those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to restore hope and dignity. They gladly accept in-kind donations of hygiene products, adult size clothing, shoes and accessories. Please review list of items they’re looking for and fill out their donation form to schedule a donation drop off or pick up.
Drop off Cold Weather Items & Snacks for Skid Row
Covenant House California,
mfarrell@covca.org,
(323) 461-3131
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, to be loved.We are in need of Donations needed for Skid Row including warm socks, beanies, gloves, and a blanket and granola bars. Drop off items to Covenant House anytime up to December 8.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Monday Dinner Shift
LA Family Housing,
Volunteer@LAFH.org,
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you’re helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Join Hollywood Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Food Forward,
volunteer@foodforward.org,
(818) 764-1022
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We “glean”—meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste–and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don’t need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Get Your Hands Dirty at Garden School Foundation’s Community Garden Day
Garden School Foundation,
join-us@gardenschoolfoundation.org,
(802) 779-2889
Garden School Foundation provides in-depth garden-based education to youth at Title I schools in Los Angeles, strengthening connections between food justice, environmental stewardship, and community health. By using the full transformative potential of school gardens as teaching sites, we nurture a healthy and mindful generation of children who care for their bodies, their communities, and the earth. We currently serve ten Title I elementary schools, reaching over 3,200 students and their families each year. As a GSF volunteer, you’ll play a indispensable role in maintaining our historic school garden at an elementary school in West Adams. Your work will help us maintain a space that is both educational and beautiful, and will positively impact both the environment and student growth. Join us to learn new skills, connect with nature, and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding day with our local community. Together you’ll work alongside GSF staff and school families to weed the garden, refresh mulch pathways, harvest veggies from our production farm, build new raised beds, and more! After a morning of hard work and good vibes, we’ll share a light lunch together (provided by our partners at Sprouts) under the fig trees. Volunteers should wear close-toe shoes and loose, comfy clothes that are school-appropriate. Complimentary t-shirts will also be provided. We encourage volunteers to bring their own water bottles and sun protection.