Pitch In at Union Rescue Missions Warehouse
Volunteers will provide support at the Union Rescue Mission basement warehouse in DTLA by helping with various projects as needed. Projects include organizing canned food, sweeping, mopping, assisting with receiving deliveries.
Do Your Part at the Hollywood Food Coalition’s Community Exchange – Shift 1
Hollywood Food Coalition's Community Exchange is a free, concierge food service aimed at providing small to medium-sized social service nonprofits the food they need, when they want it, so they can focus on their missions. As a kitchen ourselves, they understand the struggle to find and acquire food in the right quantities and at the right time through the current food bank model. The Exchange is changing how all of that works. Their careful recipient intake and feedback process, paired with their innovative food rescue data-tracking system, allows them to create a concierge model that works better for all recipients. You can volunteer to keep the Community Exchange running smoothly! Visit: https://hofoco.org/community-exchange-volunteer/ Yes. Everyone must be at least 15 years of age. Those under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
Prep Meals Every Day During the Week with Hollywood Food Coalition’s Community Dinner
Hollywood Food Coalition's Community Dinner is their signature and longest-running program. They serve nightly to anyone in need of a hot, nutritious meal. Their consistency builds trust with their guests, which helps connect them with further services. Our daily meal preparation is "creative cooking" -- We see what has been donated that day and from those ingredients we create our meal -- no recipes included. During your meal preparation shift, we offer a variety of Kitchen jobs to create a meal which will be served that evening. We encourage you to choose jobs based on your strengths in order to make it the best experience possible. Kitchen leads will be there to guide and support you throughout the shift.Consider helping out with their Community Dinners on Mondays through Friday! Kids 10+ are welcome with adult accompaniment.
Do Your Part at the Hollywood Food Coalition’s Community Exchange – Shift 2
Hollywood Food Coalition's Community Exchange is a free, concierge food service aimed at providing small to medium-sized social service nonprofits the food they need, when they want it, so they can focus on their missions.As a kitchen ourselves, they understand the struggle to find and acquire food in the right quantities and at the right time through the current food bank model. The Exchange is changing how all of that works. Their careful recipient intake and feedback process, paired with their innovative food rescue data-tracking system, allows them to create a concierge model that works better for all recipients. You can volunteer to keep the Community Exchange running smoothly! Visit: https://hofoco.org/community-exchange-volunteer/ Yes. Everyone must be at least 15 years of age. Those under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
Prep and Deliver Delicious Sandwiches for Folks in Need Offsite Thursday
LAFH needs you to make Sandwiches! Volunteers are needed to make sandwiches for LAFH's outreach efforts. Volunteers would purchase the necessary ingredients to assemble sandwiches at their living place and deliver them to LAFH. Preferred sandwiches include Peanut butter and jelly, Ham and cheese, and turkey. Please be aware that if you are participating in this volunteer opportunity to fulfill volunteering hours, every 20 sandwiches equals 1 hour of volunteering. In making these sandwiches, you are aiding our outreach team to build trust and bridge connections to further assistance. Your contributions will help our unhoused neighbors leave with a full stomach and an even fuller heart. Must be able to purchase the ingredients for sandwich preparation as LAFH does not provide them. Must assemble the sandwiches at your place of residence or other location. LAFH facilities are not available for this opportunity. Deliver sandwiches to our LAFH office during specified operating hours; we do not offer donation pickups. Must be individually wrapped.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Monday Dinner Shift
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.
Help Serve Meals All Week at the Community Dinner with Hollywood Food Coalition
Hollywood Food Coalition's Community Dinner is their signature and longest-running program. They serve nightly to anyone in need of a hot, nutritious meal. Their consistency builds trust with their guests, which helps connect them with further services. The Meal Service Shift begins at 5:30 pm in the kitchen at our Community Dinner program. We pack and serve our to-go meals at the kitchen every Monday through Friday. Kitchen leads will be there to guide and support you throughout the shift.Consider helping out with their Community Dinners on Mondays through Friday! Kids 10+ are welcome with adult accompaniment.
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.
Help Sort and assemble donation kits at PATH
Help PATH get supplies to our neighbors experiencing homelessness or transitioning into housing. Sort and assemble donation kits that include hygiene items, non-perishable snacks, and/or household items. PATH programs distribute donations to those most in need.
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.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Tuesday Lunch Shift
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.
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 Sort and assemble donation kits at PATH
Help PATH get supplies to our neighbors experiencing homelessness or transitioning into housing. Sort and assemble donation kits that include hygiene items, non-perishable snacks, and/or household items. PATH programs distribute donations to those most in need.
Prep and Deliver Delicious Sandwiches for Folks in Need Offsite Friday
LAFH needs you to make Sandwiches! Volunteers are needed to make sandwiches for LAFH's outreach efforts. Volunteers would purchase the necessary ingredients to assemble sandwiches at their living place and deliver them to LAFH. Preferred sandwiches include Peanut butter and jelly, Ham and cheese, and turkey. Please be aware that if you are participating in this volunteer opportunity to fulfill volunteering hours, every 20 sandwiches equals 1 hour of volunteering. In making these sandwiches, you are aiding our outreach team to build trust and bridge connections to further assistance. Your contributions will help our unhoused neighbors leave with a full stomach and an even fuller heart. Must be able to purchase the ingredients for sandwich preparation as LAFH does not provide them. Must assemble the sandwiches at your place of residence or other location. LAFH facilities are not available for this opportunity. Deliver sandwiches to our LAFH office during specified operating hours; we do not offer donation pickups. Must be individually wrapped.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Tuesday Dinner Shift
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.
Prepare and Serve Dinner Meals with Union Rescue Mission
Help prepare and serve dinner at Union Rescue Missions kitchen! At this time they are serving our guests indoors and their unsheltered guests are receiving grab and go meals. They cannot do it - without YOU! The age requirement to volunteer in the kitchen is 14 years old. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have an adult chaperone with them at all times. The adult chaperone also must register.
Make Holiday Magic as a Secret Santa with Door of Hope!
Be a Secret Santa: As a Secret Santa, you sponsor an entire family and purchase each gift requested (total 2 per family member). Gifts are left unwrapped for parents to wrap and are due on Wednesday, December 4.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Wednesday Lunch Shift
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.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Early Morning Shift on Wednesdays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Morning Shift on Wednesdays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
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.