Volunteer as a Kitchen Assistant with Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food’s kitchen is 80% volunteer-driven. You don’t need to be great cook, all you need to do is simply take direction from their professionally trained chefs. You’ll join compassionate people in chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, mixing batter, baking cookies, and packaging the meals. They have shifts Sunday through Friday from 3 to 5:30pm. For the safety of all volunteers, staff and clients, all volunteers must have received a COVID-19 vaccination and be 14 years of age or older. Volunteers aged 14 or 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Volunteers aged 16 or 17 years must have a parent or guardian sign a liability waiver form.
Prepare and Serve Dinner Meals with Union Rescue Mission at Angeles House
Help prepare and serve dinner at Union Rescue Missions Angeles House (South LA)! Angeles House is their new campus that opened in April 2022. Angeles House is the home of about 86 families in South Los Angeles. Help them prepare and serve breakfast meals, to those that are sheltered within their facility. You must be at least 14 years to volunteer in the kitchen. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have an adult chaperone present. The chaperone also must be registered.
Prepare and Serve Dinner Meals with Union Rescue Mission and Hope Gardens Family Center
Help prepare and serve dinner meals to those at the Hope Gardens Family Center in Sylmar. Hope Gardens Family Center provides 3 hot meals per day to all guests. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and set-up for each meal, serve, as well as assist in the clean-up process. Meal serve volunteers are required to be at least 14 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have an adult chaperon present. The chaperone also must be registered.
Assemble Hygiene Kits with Project Ropa
Project Ropa is a nonprofit organization that helps restore dignity, rekindle optimism and empower the lives of people experiencing homelessness by providing clean clothes, hygiene kits and drinking water in a safe, humane and dignified way. Help create hygiene kits for them to distribute to people in need in the Los Angeles area. This is a great activity for children to get involved with. This activity can be done remotely by putting together items in a bag (paper bag, tote bag or reusable grocery bag are preferred). Please note: Items for the hygiene kits will not be provided by Project Ropa. They recommend reaching out to your network of friends and family to source the items. All items can be travel-size or full-size. All kits can be mailed to Project Ropa at: Project Ropa, 2851 W 120th Street, Suite E #566, Hawthorne, CA 90250 or dropped off at their warehouse in Gardena, CA. Drop off hours at their warehouse are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am-3pm and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm. They are closed on all bank holidays. Their warehouse address is: 13970 Van Ness Avenue, Gardena, CA 90249. If mailing please include a note with your full name and email address in the package. Please note: They are unable to provide verification of remote volunteer work for community service hours. They can only do so for in-person volunteering.
Support Crime Survivors Resource Center’s Backpack Program
Support education for children, youth, teens and adults. Crime Survivors has donated more than 2,500 Backpacks with School Supplies to victims of crime and their Families, partnering agencies and nonprofits throughout Southern California. Join the Survivors Hope Backpack Program and provide school supplies to the youth.
Provide Admin & Operational Support to Door of Hope
If you enjoy completing tasks such as stuffing envelopes, sending letters, or assembling packages, Door of Hope invites you to support the Door of Hope staff by contributing to occasional administrative projects. If interested, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us.
Donate to Aviva’s Youth Center
Aviva believes every child and every family in our Los Angeles community deserves the chance for a brighter future. They provide compassionate support, therapeutic services, and guidance to at-risk children and families. The Youth Drop-in Center will offers a safe, welcoming space where young people can access essential services, resources, and support. Serving youth ages 12 - 25, their center will be a beacon of hope and a hub opportunity for some of the most marginalized individuals in their community. By purchasing items from their list, you can help ensure their success by providing them with the essentials they need during visits to the center.
Donate to Build New Homes for Low-Income People with West Hollywood Community Housing
West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affordable housing development corporation founded in 1986. With the stability of housing, they transform the lives of low-income individuals and families. Today, WHCHC continues to serve West Hollywood and has expanded into Los Angeles and neighboring areas. Please donate to help them continue their projects
Provide Sack Lunches for Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services need volunteer groups to provide lunches for the shelter residents and community members in need. If your family, corporation, faith-based, civic or social group would like to provide sack lunches, please contact them!
Prep and Serve Meals with Union Station Homeless Services
Interested in food prep and meal service? Union Station Homeless Services needs your help! These volunteer shifts are an integral part of maintaining an efficient and successful kitchen and meal program. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to volunteer in the kitchen with a chaperone and 16 to volunteer without one.
Donate to Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services has developed a Housing First model that addresses homelessness at its core. By prioritizing stable housing, they lay the groundwork for individuals to reclaim their lives. With a housing retention success rate of 97%, their approach is not just a temporary fix; it's a proven pathway to a sustainable future for those they serve. Because of your support, doors have opened, lives have been stabilized, and community ties have been strengthened. But the journey doesn't end here. They need your help to continue this vital work. The ripple effect of your donation extends far beyond the walls of a home—it restores a sense of belonging and purpose. Make your mark in the fight against homelessness. Donate today!
Adopt-An-Item for Union Station Homeless Services
Are you looking for an easy way to give back? Union Station Homeless Services' Adopt-an-Item program is a simple way to make a positive impact in your community. By adopting an item, you provide essential ingredients that help their kitchen staff cook delicious and nutritious meals for their residents.
Adopt-a-Meal at Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services relies on the support of volunteer groups to provide daily home-cooked meals to shelter residents and community members in need. If your family, corporation, or civic group would like to cook and serve a meal at one of their shelters, consider sponsoring an Adopt-a-Meal!
Give Young People A Happy Holiday by Shopping My Friend’s Place’s Wishlist
My Friend's Place annual Holiday in-kind drive is a way for young people ages 12 to 25 who are impacted by homelessness can enjoy themselves and receive both presents and essentials. Their biggest need is donations of items on their Holiday Wishlist, linked below, as they want to provide young people with as much as possible while also stocking up on items for distribution throughout the next year. Monetary contributions can be made via their website as well. Questions can be directed to clothingcloset@myfriendsplace.org
Build Laundry Kits with Project Ropa
Help create laundry kits for Project Ropa to directly distribute to those in need in the Los Angeles area. This is a great activity for children to get involved with. The majority of the people they serve can't afford to wash their clothing. Part of the barrier is the cost of laundry detergent. You can help by creating laundry kits. All kits can be mailed to them at: Project Ropa, 2851 W 120th Street, Suite E #566, Hawthorne, CA 90250 or dropped off at their warehouse in Gardena, CA. They accept donation drop offs at their warehouse on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-3pm and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm. They are closed on all major holidays. Their warehouse address is: 13970 Van Ness Avenue, Gardena, CA 90249. If mailing please include a note with your full name and email address in the package. Please note: They are unable to provide verification of remote volunteer work for community service hours. They can only do so for in-person volunteer work.
Help Create A Safe Haven for Youths by Volunteering with My Friend’s Place
Your time matters more than you know. Partner with staff at My Friend's Place to help young people access food, clothing, and other programming during a weekly shift Monday - Friday. A background check, training and a commitment of at least six months is required.
Spread Some Love and Volunteer with Community Loving
Join Community Loving in spreading love and care to the community! Whether you're helping distribute essentials, organizing donations, or supporting special events, your time makes a real difference. Take a look at their upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up for a shift that works for you. Every hand helps, and they can’t do this without you!
Donate and Give Back To the Community Through the Pico Union Project
The Pico Union Project is composed of a diverse group of people dedicated to building an equitable community and fostering connection through programs like their Vida Sana Farmers Market, free art and guitar classes, and community cleanups. By donating, you can help this organization continue its mission to offer essential, free services and creative programs to local residents and workers. Your contribution is vital to supporting their ongoing commitment to the community.
Help PATH and Become a Food Rescue Driver
Food rescue drivers help their staff team to combat food insecurity by helping to bring much needed food resources directly to the communities that they serve. PATH partners with local food rescue agencies, grocery stores, and restaurants to rescue excess food and then distribute it to individuals and families that are food insecure. Food Recue Drivers commit to a regularly scheduled food rescue shift, where they are assigned a day and time to pick up food donations for drop-off at a local PATH site. Volunteer Drivers are expected to use their own vehicle, or a PATH van, to pick up food donated from local community partners. This position is ideal for individuals who would like to help support individuals and families impacted by homelessness, and at the same time help reduce food waste. If you are interested in volunteering in this position, please send inquiries to PATHVolunteers@epath.org
Help Make Snack Bags for PATH’s Homelessness Outreach Team
Help PATH build relationships with neighbors experiencing homelessness! This a perfect opportunity to get a group together and get directly involved in making a difference! This opportunity would involve you or your group hosting a drive or purchasing non-perishable snacks, and then assembling the items into brown paper bags. PATH street outreach teams distribute the Snack Bags to their neighbors experiencing homelessness. Please note: Drop offs must be scheduled in advance.
Featured Projects
Help Make Holiday Meal Baskets for the PATH Community
PATH (People Assisting the Homeless),
PATHvolunteers@epath.org,
(323) 644-2200
Help PATH meet their goal to assemble and distribute over 800 Holiday Meal Baskets to those in need. Help make sure that everyone in the community – housed and unhoused – can enjoy a special meal! By donating items to the food drive, you will help provide enough food to assemble “Holiday Meal Boxes” to help PATH teams enrich the holiday experience of members of the community. The relationships you help build with food donations can be vital in helping neighbors feel secure and supported. Email PATH at PATHVolunteers@epath.org to schedule a date/time to drop-off or shop the Amazon Link: https://a.co/hBgLUY7 and food will be delivered directly to PATH.
Give to the Crime Survivors Resource Center’s Thanksgiving Drive
Crime Survivors Resource Center,
info@crime survivors.org,
(844) 853-4673
Help make Thanksgiving Day a festive occation for families in need. Your donatoin will help Crime Survivors Resource Center purchase grocery store gift cards for all the fixins needed by families. There are many ways to help including sponsoring a family and hosting a corportate challange.
Host a Thanksgiving Food Drive For Families at Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services,
volunteer@unionstationhs.org,
(626) 240-0720
Make a difference this Thanksgiving and host a food drive in your community! Collect items like stuffing, mashed potatoes, Velveeta cheese, and more. USHS kindly request all items be dropped off one of the locations listed on their website no later than November 18th.
Help Host a Thanksgiving Celebration at PATH
PATH (People Assisting the Homeless),
PATHvolunteers@epath.org,
(323) 644-2200
Participate in an on-site volunteer activity to celebrate Thanksgiving with PATH residents. They are looking for individuals and/or groups who can donate some or all of the following items and help organize PATH Thanksgiving celebrations: Bring a Thanksgiving meal to serve to PATH residents ($1500-$3000), Bring Thanksgiving-inspired desserts (approx. $250-$275), Bring/play group games (Bingo, Uno, Trivia), Organize a raffle-prize giveaway. Date/Time: TBD based on site and group/individual availability. You can take a special role in making this Thanksgiving special for many members of the PATH Community. Please sign-up and reach out to learn more about this holiday opportunity! Email them at: PATHVolunteers@epath.org
Help Donate Turkeys For Families at Union Station Homeless Services
Union Station Homeless Services,
volunteer@unionstationhs.org,
(626) 240-0720
Help USHS collect 750 frozen turkeys for families in need this Thanksgiving! Drop off days will be Nov. 17th and 18th.
Take Photographs for A Place Called Home’s Thanksgiving Event
A Place Called Home,
volunteer@apch.org,
(323) 232-7653
Volunteer will serve as event photographer to capture photos in shot list provided by A Place Called Home. Volunteer will provide 6-8 edited select shots to APCH within 48 hours after the event, and will provide full take edited shots to APCH within 5 business days after the event. APCH will credit photography as desired in publications.
Help Setup, Facilitate and Breakdown A Place Called Homes Thanksgiving Distribution & Dinner Event
A Place Called Home,
volunteer@apch.org,
(323) 232-7653
Volunteers will support all aspects of event setup, facilitation and breakdown alongside the A Place Called Hometeam to help create a welcoming, festive environment as APCH welcomes hundreds of South Central families and neighbors to the APCH campus for their annual Thanksgiving event. In addition to celebrating community, this event provides hundreds of turkeys and grocery bags with all the Thanksgiving fixings for members of their South Central community. Please Note: Role may include moving, bending, walking, light-medium lifting and extended periods of standing. Please let the APCH team know if there is anything they can do to make this project more comfortable for you.
Join Us for Big Sunday’s Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event!
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
3235499944
Each year we collect and pack big bags full of Thanksgiving dinner for thousands of people! We need folks to donate food, as well as pack everything up and distribute it. And yes, everyone is invited to join together for a community breakfast, too! A true festival of gratitude. We also need folks to lead food collections in their community!
Host a Winter Holiday Celebration at PATH
PATH (People Assisting the Homeless),
PATHvolunteers@epath.org,
(323) 644-2200
ueroHelp make the holiday season bright for PATH residents by hosting a Winter Holiday celebration at one of their sites! They are encouraging the community to get involved in celebrating this holiday season with those at PATH residences who may need an extra support and encouragement during this especially trying time. By hosting a holiday celebration, you have the opportunity to: Sponsor a meal/snack to provide for community celebration,Bring cookies and decorate them in holiday-inspired themes (approx. $250-$275), Bring Holiday decorations and decorate common room of PATH building, Host a holiday movie night and bring popcorn and treats for guests, Bring group games (Bingo, card games, trivia, etc.) to play with residents, Organize a raffle-prize giveaway. Date/Time: December 1st – December 12th – TBD based on site and group/individual availability. Please email them at PATHVolunteers@epath.org for available dates and locations if you are interested in bringing the holiday spirit to the community and ensuring that everyone – housed or unhoused – can enjoy a festive and cheerful holiday. Kids Welcome: Varys by site.