Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Be part of the team that designs, plans, and manages events that tie the NEST to the wider community. Learn how to think critically, solve problems, and see a project through from beginning to end alongside a supportive team. You can transfer those skills to become a project manager, event coordinator, or promoter. Past events coordinated by this team include holiday parties, game days, fashion shows, and movie screenings. In light of the pandemic, we will get the opportunity to think creatively about how people can connect virtually or at a physical distance. What will our next event be? It’s up to you! This program is currently being offered for high school freshmen and sophomores. We sign off on volunteer hours! We will meet virtually on Tuesdays from 4-6 pm starting February 2nd to April 6th.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/2/21 4:00 PM + more

Volunteers are needed to help with the mass drive-through food distribution at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds every other Friday. **BILINGUAL SPANISH/ENGLISH SPEAKERS PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED** 1. Volunteer roles include: directing traffic, taking information from clients, and loading food into cars. 2. Volunteers MUST to be able to stand for long periods of time. 3. Volunteers advised to wear layers and comfy shoes. 4. Volunteers REQUIRED to cover their mouth and nose at all times. 5. Social distancing is encouraged, but it may not be possible to maintain 6 feet distance at all times due to the nature of the information intake being performed. PLEASE REVIEW THE COVID 19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK Click the red button below to sign up on the date that you want to volunteer!

Watsonville, CA

3/5/21 8:00 AM + more

Volunteers are needed to support the Watsonville Health Center on February 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. The clinic will additionally need volunteers on March 5th and 10th. Volunteer responsibilities include greeting patients, helping them complete screening forms, traffic control, being a runner if needed, and checking in on patients in the waiting area. Bilingual volunteers are greatly appreciated but not required. This volunteer position requires standing for up to 4 hours or more, so please only volunteer for this project if you are able to stand for long periods of time. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Please also wear a face covering (masks are available if you need one). Volunteer shifts are three and a half hours long. Morning Shift: 8 am to 12 pm The clinic is located at Freedom Community School 1430 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville 95076. Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must live in Santa Cruz or Monterey County and be in good health. Please review these COVID SAFETY VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES. Who are we vaccinating? At this time the focus for the clinic is to vaccinate people in the A1 priority group (people over 65 and health care workers), so volunteers will not be receiving the vaccine. You can get more information about the County of Santa Cruz vaccine distribution plan on the Health Services Website HERE. How To Sign Up for your shift: Scroll down to the day that you want to volunteer and click on the "+" sign. This will expand the section and you can select the red "Sign Up" button (or be added to the waitlist if that day is full). When you select your shift you will be prompted to "Log In" or "Register". If you already have an account your username is your email address. If you are a new volunteer use the "Register" button to set up your account. For more information about what it means to register as a volunteer go to: https://www.scvolunteernow.org/about-membership

Watsonville, CA

3/5/21 8:00 AM + more

​Friday morning food distribution at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Pajaro. Volunteers are needed to help with handing out bags to people who do not have cars and to help with directing cars on how to enter and exit the parking lot and line up for maximum efficiency. Volunteers who are bilingual in English and Spanish are especially needed - but you do not have to speak Spanish to help. Physical Distancing and Volunteer Safety: If you have your own face mask please bring it Volunteers will be given a facemask if they need it Gloves and safety vest are provided Tables and markers on the ground direct people how to maintain physical distance Most food recipients will stay in their car Please Sign Up below for the day you want to volunteer. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Pajaro, CA

3/5/21 8:30 AM + more

Want to have some fun in the sun and watch the waves while also making a difference for our community? A beach cleanup is the perfect way to do it! Join us in cleaning up the Boardwalk beach to make sure it is sparkling and beautiful. This is the perfect volunteer opportunity to do with a friend, and a great way to knock out community service hours for your school. COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed by wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart. This project is limitted to teens in middle school or high school and a maximum of 10 volunteers. Project Dates and Times: Monday, March 29 from 2pm - 4pm Monday, April 19 from 2pm - 4pm Monday, May 17 from 2pm - 4pm

Santa Cruz, CA

3/29/21 2:00 PM + more

Are you 55 +? Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP delivering Healthy Essentials meals to those in need! Be an RSVP hero, helping to assure healthy futures for seniors and others through providing nutritious food for our neighbors. RSVP volunteers are needed as drivers in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area with commitments typically just a few hours one or two days a week. RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: RSVP volunteers are needed to help assemble these much needed food bags in many of our partner agencies throughout the tri county area a couple of mornings a week. Be a part of the solution to hunger by joining a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who come together to pack and deliver food bags to seniors in need! RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us at rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! The Monterey Bay RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years as a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Help our young non-profit report our successes and seek needed funding by entering contact and demographic information of the people we are serving. As a volunteer, you will enter data from hardcopy to excel spreadsheets and eventually to a new database. We are working to document the great work we are teaching local kids and families about organic farming and nutrition. As we develop documentation, we are collecting a large amount of data that will tell an excellent story once it is recorded allowing us to seek much-needed grant funding. This is a "Virtual Volunteer Project" that you complete at home using your own computer. Volunteers may work anytime between 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday). Volunteers need to have basic computer skills, be meticulous, and resourceful. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Watsonville, CA

Through 10/31/21

Join the RSVP movement! Are you 55 +? Why explore volunteer opportunities with RSVP? RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience - or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. RSVP is a national program, part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, administered through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Joining your friends and neighbors in the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in local communities through volunteerism can be recognized on a national level! Benefits offered by RSVP include placements and referrals to 120 non-profit agencies; liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Contact us to hear more about our current opportunities and join our team! Email: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Join RSVP Today. Are you 55+? Love meeting and greeting and helping people? Volunteers are needed to meet and greet veterans who are coming in to the office for services. Skills and duties are: to be pleasant, to answer phones, to help folks get where they are needing to go, and to do light office work. If you love meeting people and helping veterans, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Shifts can work around your schedule but are typically one or two mornings or afternoons per week. The Monterey Bay RSVP program has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years, and is designed to meet the critical needs in the community by fostering volunteerism by persons age 55 and over. RSVP provides a critical link between folks in the community and our partner non profit agencies, and then highlights the tremendous impact that folks like you are making in our community by reporting their volunteer hours at a national level. RSVP promotes the true story of baby boomers as the active contributing members of their community that they are! Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Contact us and let's chat! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Capitola, CA

Through 12/31/21

I-You Venture is seeking individuals to visit seniors living in care facilities. Studies have shown 59 percent of residents that are placed in care facilities aren’t visited by family or friends. As a volunteer, you can help reduce the isolation and loneliness that many residents face every day. I-You Venture volunteers help residents overcome this isolation by introducing the community to them and letting them know someone cares! Friendly Visitor volunteers: Visit isolated seniors Assist with arts and crafts Assist with board games, puzzles and bingo Share the joy of music Share life history and memories Read to seniors Help brighten a senior’s day by sharing your time and interests with them! Who Can Be A Friendly Visitor? Volunteers should have a sincere interest in making a difference in the life of an older person. We would like volunteers to ideally commit for a period of six months. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 2/28/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP being a docent in one of our local museums or parks! Be an RSVP hero, sharing your time and talent, helping to educate visitors about our local treasures and learn something new yourself along the way! RSVP volunteers are needed in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area - Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP helping out in our Senior Centers! Be an RSVP hero, helping to assure healthy futures for seniors by sharing your time and talent. RSVP volunteers are needed in local Senior Centers to share a hobby, help run activites and serve meals, or even utilize cooking skills in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area - Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, .... Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP helping out in our local non-profit Gift Stores! Be an RSVP hero, helping to create value for these great causes by sharing your time and talent. RSVP volunteers are needed in local non-profit Gift Stores to assist at the register, restock merchandise, help with product display, and more in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area - Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, .... Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Join RSVP Today. Are you 55+? Love meeting and greeting and helping people? Volunteers are needed to help in our non-profits focused on Women's Causes - meet and greet folks who are coming in to the office for services, help out with special days and projects, some non-profits even have run daycares where they need caring volunteers. Skills and duties are: to be pleasant, to answer phones, to help folks get where they are needing to go, and to do light office work, to help out on special events, and more! If you love meeting people and helping out in the Women's Caueses arena, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Shifts can work around your schedule but are typically one or two mornings or afternoons per week or a one time event on a weekend day. The Monterey Bay RSVP program has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years, and is designed to meet the critical needs in the community by fostering volunteerism by persons age 55 and over. RSVP provides a critical link between folks in the community and our partner non profit agencies, and then highlights the tremendous impact that folks like you are making in our community by reporting their volunteer hours at a national level. RSVP promotes the true story of baby boomers as the active contributing members of their community that they are! Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Contact us and let's chat! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

The generosity of Hope Services’ volunteers make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to be valued and participating members of their communities. At Hope Services, we believe that the world is a better place when people with disabilities are fully integrated and accepted in all aspects of our culture. Activities Help maintain safe working and shopping environment throughout the store Take priced household items and put on shelves Take priced clothing and hang in specific size section Sort donations in production area Keep floor clean/free of items that may cause tripping hazards on store floor Partner with and support HOpe clients in their assigned duties. Time Commitment Preferably 2 hour or more shifts. Days are flexible during store hours. Store is open Tuesday through Sunday (Closed Mondays) COVID Safety Volunteers are asked to bring their own mask Available Locations and Hours: Watsonville: Tuesday - Sunday from 10am to 6pm San Jose: Tuesday - Sunday from 10am t0 6pm Fremont: Everyday from 10am to 6pm Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below: **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity. You may also call the Volunteer Coordinator, Corie Britton at 408-284-2869 PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Watsonville, CA

Through 4/30/21

Do you have the energy it takes to work with some of the most motivated youth in the county? Do you need leadership experience for your resumé? Are you tired of one-time volunteer opportunities that leave you unfulfilled and looking for more? Then YouthSERVE wants you! We are looking for dedicated volunteer leaders to guide our youth-led service projects throughout Santa Cruz County. We are happy to work around your schedule and where you would prefer to volunteer. Projects Include: Beach Cleanups Gardening Graffiti Removal Community Murals YouthSERVE Summer Institute Must be 18 years of age or older to apply and pass a criminal background check. You can contact the program coordinator at ys@scvolunteercenter.org

Watsonville, CA

Through 6/30/21

Volunteer Opportunity: Outreach in Monterey County to inform folks 55+ of the volunteer opportunities available through the Monterey Bay RSVP Program. Find the perfect volunteer fit - Monterey Bay RSVP Volunteer Matchmaking works to find a great personalized volunteer match for folks 55+ ! Help spread the word in Monterey County to get more folks 55+ there involved in volunteerism in the local non-profits. RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this volunteer opportunity with flexible hours: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org The Monterey Bay RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years as a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Moss Landing, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you interested in helping reduce falls among older adults? We invite you to join our team and become a certified coach for our Fall Prevention Programs. Why be concerned about fall prevention? Six out of every ten falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Whether we are able to meet in person or whether we are working remotely, we have a Fall Prevention Program to help. What qualities and experience are necessary to become a Coach? Good communication and interpersonal skills Enthusiasm Dependability Willingness to lead a small group Interest in working with older adults Life experiences are valued, with education or healthcare experience a plus Ability to perform range of motion and low-level endurance exercises Present the class according to the directions, training and materials provided Encourage interactive discussion about the concepts and skills presented Demonstrate and coach the exercises outlined in the Program Monitor and connect with each participant Promote socialization and a solution-oriented environment among the participants Have fun! Interested in hearing more? Connect with us at rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Receptionist needed once a week at busy Volunteer Center The Volunteer Center is seeking friendly, personable and organized volunteers to assist the office manager with the following duties: Answering inbound calls Meeting and greeting Volunteer Center clients and direct them to the proper department Assisting with mailings and other administrative duties, as needed Assisting with office and facility scheduling Collaborating on event planning Collecting press clipping and organizing the media binder Opening mail and assisting with mail distribution How Will The Volunteer Make A Difference in The Community? The Volunteer Center is dedicated to transforming our community and ourselves through volunteerism and empowering everyone to be the difference. We operate 22 community based programs that deliver critical services to people in need, and additionally refer prospective volunteers looking for positions to nonprofit agencies across Santa Cruz. As a volunteer office assistant, your support is vital in helping our organization meet our mission and connecting people with meaningful service opportunities in our community. Shift days, times, and the expected time commitment: We have two shifts daily, Monday - Friday: Mornings from 9am to 1pm (or 12pm) Afternoons from 1pm to 5pm (or 4pm) We ask volunteers to commit to 2 shifts per month for 3 months. Training or orientation required: Initial orientation and training will be offered on an ongoing basis. Volunteer Qualifications: Friendly and personable; Punctual and able to commit to a minimum of 1 consistent shift per week; Able to multitask; Patient and persistent; Office experience is a plus, but we are willing to train and develop your office skills. We also welcome retired volunteers! Minimum Age For Volunteers: 16 Volunteer Benefits: The Volunteer Center is a very friendly environment with warm staff. Our office manager Jan will be devoted to supporting your professional development with ongoing training and mentoring. This is a busy office and will provide the volunteer with excellent experience as a receptionist and office assistant. Past volunteers have gained valuable experience that has helped them land jobs in the community. We also welcome retired or skilled volunteers! Location of the Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 1740 17th Ave Santa Cruz 95062 Get Involved...Schedule a time to come learn more about in This Opportunity: You can also contact: Volunteer Supervisor: Jan Brady Phone Contact: (831)427-5070

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 6/30/21

The Literacy Program of Santa Cruz is looking for dedicated individuals to help community members learn English. This can help them get a better job, be able to talk to their children's teachers, and be able to get help in an emergency. 
 Volunteer tutors are trained and matched with adult students who have strong desires to learn the English language. During "Stay At Home" orders tutors meet with students over the phone or using a digital platform (Zoom, Google Hangout, Facetime, etc). No teaching or foreign language experience needed. It isvery rewarding to see a student grow before you, and requires only 2-3 hours per week. The FIRST step to becoming a Literacy Tutor is to attend a mandatory one hour Orientation. Express Interest for more information or go to the website: www.literacysantacruz.org You can also contact the Literacy Program of Santa Cruz County at (831) 427.5077.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 6/30/21

Get Ready | Esten Listos Santa Cruz County is a new project to reach out to our community and help them prepare for a disaster. We've developed easy to use materials and resources that take only 15-minutes to review with your family and start a discussion to ensure that you know what you will do if you need to evacuate your home. Express interest in this project and we will send you electronic resources and follow up to see if you want physical materials mailed to you.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 3/31/21

Please sign up here to volunteer for COVID-19 response efforts in our community. You will be added to our email list and receive regular updates about volunteer needs. Volunteer projects related to COVID-19 include: Supporting vaccination clinics Community outreach and education about COVID-19 and Vaccination Food Distribution Mental Health support other special projects as they are identified By expressing interest in this project you will be added to our list of COVID 19 response volunteers and will receive email and/or phone updates about volunteer needs as they arise. We may need to interview you before referring you to some projects. Our goal is always to match volunteers with the program that is in need of volunteers AND that fits with your skills and interests. For information about how to safely volunteer in the community during this public health emergency please read: SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING IN LIGHT OF COVID19.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 8/31/21

While we're all stuck at home some people are feeling the stress of isolation. Many seniors are no longer able to see their regular friends and support network. You can send some extra good vibes with a handmade greeting card. Handmade greeting card instructions: Create a card to show support for those feeling isolated Use colored paper, stickers, markers, and other supplies to create an uplifting card. Include a nice message such as: “Just a friendly little hello from me to you” “Hi there! Just felt like sharing a smile with you today” “Just wanted to send some happy thoughts your way today” “Take extra good care!” “Sending good, healthy vibes your way” “Wishing you well” “Sending hugs and love” “Thinking of you at this time” Completed cards can be dropped off at our office located at: 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, Monday through Thursday between 10 AM-12 PM or 1 PM-4 PM. Please place them in the donation bin in the downstairs lobby along with a note that includes your full name. Or set up a pick-up or drop-off location and time with the YouthSERVE Coordinator, ys@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 4/30/21

While you're stuck at home you can clean out your closet and make some braided dog toys for your local animal shelters. This is a new project we've never tried before, but it's gotten good reviews from others. All you need is an old t-shirt and scissors. Watch the instruction video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm7ez7QJ_Fs T-shirt dog toy Instructions: Lay the shirt down on a flat surface and cut across the chest Cut 1-2 inch strips (at least 3 strips since you will braid them) you can use multiple shirts if you want to mix colors Take a small strip and tie it around the top of the strips (an inch or less below the top of the strips) Braid the three strips tightly all the down Once braided, use another small strip of fabric to tie the ends of the toy You can drop your completed dog toys off at our office: 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz - Monday-Thursday between 10 AM-12 PM or 1 PM-4 PM. A bin will be available in the downstairs lobby. Please make sure to include a note with your full name so we can confirm with you that we received your donation. or contact Malia to schedule a pick-up: ys@scvolunteercenter.org If you don't have any spare t-shirts lying around, feel free to pick some up from our Live Oak office! There are plenty of new Human Race t-shirts available upon request. Contact Malia for more information or to set up a pickup time. ​Use the "Express Interest" button below to let us know that you're planning on completing the project.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 3/31/21

Given potential shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), fabric masks and gowns may be an option for some. Your time and talent is greatly appreciated in the community to help ensure safety. Fabric masks offer the benefit of being able to be washed and re-used. These can be used for people who have symptoms of being ill or congregate living facilities to prevent the spread of illness. Masks will be used for volunteers providing essential services and donated to the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency for distribution to medical facilities and community programs based on need and priority. Click here to download guidelines for this project. Click here to download mask-making pattern. Completed masks can be dropped off at the Volunteer Center Monday through Thursday between 10AM-12PM or 1PM-4PM. A bin will be available in the downstairs lobby. Please place your masks in a bag along with a note that includes your full name and the number of masks inside. Address: 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Additionally, you can reach out to us at masks@scvolunteercenter.org to arrange a pick-up.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 4/30/21

Volunteers are needed to support the day-to-day operations of new, emergency shelters in Santa Cruz and Watsonville Tasks include checking-in participants; food service; monitoring common areas, assisting staff with day-to-day operations; notifying supervisors of emerging needs. What skills are needed for this role? 1. Friendliness, willingness to engage with residents. This is a very person-centered role interacting with residents for the entire shift - while maintaining social distancing of 6-feet at all times. 2. Flexibility and problem-solving. We won't have everything figured out at the start and there will be some trial and error. 3. You don't need experience in a shelter – we just need people with a positive attitude who are flexible and adaptable. Volunteers will be provided with personal protective equipment (masks and gloves) and resources to maintain safety. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DOWNLOAD THE FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR SHELTER VOLUNTEERS

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 5/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP helping to provide free income tax assistance for low-income individuals! Be an RSVP hero as our partner agency ramps up for the tax season. Training is provided, along with a training guide and written test booklet, so you'll have everything you need to assist folks with their income tax preparations in this essential function with our partner agency in several locations throughout Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: RSVP volunteers are needed to help seniors out with their beloved furry friends with our partner agency which has opportunities throughout the tri county area. Be a part of the solution to care for seniors' pets when they are unable to do so, or volunteer to spread the word on pet adoptions with tabling events. RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level. Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org The Monterey Bay RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years as a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Through 12/31/21

It's so much more than a ride! Are you a friendly, reliable, and safe driver that can give a few hours to help a senior or disabled person in need? volunteer drivers based out of Santa Cruz or Mid County (Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos) to provide round-trip transportation for seniors (55+) and disabled folks. Drivers provide an invaluable service for seniors by taking them on essential trips to the doctor or to buy groceries. As a volunteer, your schedule is completely flexible; you drive when you have time and no regular commitment is required. Additionally, you will be reimbursed for your gas costs and receive supplemental insurance free of cost. Becoming a volunteer driver is a simple and fun way to build community, reduce isolation, and help all people in our community enjoy the freedom of movement. Get Involved...Express Interest in This Opportunity! You can also contact Tara, at helpinghands@scvolunteercenter.org, (831) 427-5070 ActsOfKindnessFL2018

Through 3/26/21