Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Volunteers can be both skilled or non-skilled. Volunteers are assigned a variety of tasks depending on the construction site build phase and the individual's skills. Experienced volunteers will help guide non-skilled volunteers in the various tasks. Our esprit de corps of volunteers make it possible for Habitat for Humanity to build decent, affordable housing for qualified families and individuals in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. In addition to our Los Esteros Court site in Santa Cruz, you will receive information on additional build sites as they become available. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment Work days are Tu (reserved for skilled labor at Los Esteros), Wed, Th, Fri & Sat 8:00am – 2:30pm. A Safety Orientation will be given the first time you volunteer. Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress in comfortable layered clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty. You may bring a lunch, or pick up lunch, nearby. Many of our volunteers work regular weekly shifts, and we appreciate volunteers who consistently sign on to assist, when possible. What qualifications are we looking for? Non-skilled workers are mentored by skilled volunteers and are encouraged to apply. We are always seeking skilled volunteers with experience in: construction plumbing electrical landscaping - misc. home repair Volunteer Benefits Volunteers learn basic home construction skills, and the satisfaction of knowing that their work allows families and individuals to secure affordable housing in a demographic where affordable housing is crucial. 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

3/23/19 8:00 AM +more

The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are experiencing homelessness. HGP's vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises. On the farm you will meet the crew, learn more about the farm, and join that day's activities which may include: weeding, harvest, planting, building compost and more. Projects are weather dependent and defined by the day's priorities. We often can't tell you exactly what project you'll be working on in advance. Thursdays & Fridays: Arrive at 10am, join our crew for morning stretch and delegation of tasks for the day. Saturdays & Sundays: Arrive any time, join our weekend farm staff and volunteers in a variety of farm tasks.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/23/19 10:00 AM +more

For almost a hundred years the Art League has been offering affordable art classes in Santa Cruz. As an art nonprofit resources are limited and the classroom offers a reliable income source for the organization. Our classroom needs an upgrade and our small staff need your help to refresh the paint. Please wear comfortable cloths that can get dirty. Water and refreshments will be provided.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/23/19 10:00 AM

The Downtown Senior Center is excited to host our first ever “Small Bites from Around the World” from 11 am -1 pm on Saturday, March 23rd at the Louden Nelson Community Center. This free event for seniors will feature international cuisine from approximately 10 local restaurants. Each restaurant will provide approximately 50+ small bites/appetizers. Ideally, a representative from the restaurant will be available to help distribute and talk about the food and culture of origin OR provide a demonstration. If being present at the event is not possible, volunteers will help distribute the bites and share history about the foods on their behalf. Volunteers will also help with event set-up (9-11am) and clean-up (1-2 pm).

Santa Cruz, CA

3/23/19 11:00 AM

Volunteers are needed to help us prepare vegan meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-3pm. No experience is needed as we always need help with the basics of washing and cutting vegetables. We will provide training for cooking volunteers that are able to commit to volunteering once a month. Experienced cooks are always welcome to share their expertise. Volunteers are welcome to join us in serving the meal at the Post Office from 4pm - 6pm and with clean up afterwards. We especially need help with clean-up after the meals from 6pm to 7pm. Food Not Bombs is entirely volunteer-run and doesn't ask their volunteers to contact them before they volunteer. If you'd like to volunteer, wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and will be warm when you work outside, and just show up!

Santa Cruz, CA

3/23/19 12:00 PM +more

French broom is an invasive plant that chokes out native plant species, upsets ecosystems and is a ladder fuel that could contribute to catastrophic wildfire. Loch Lomond Reservoir is the city’s only drinking water reservoir. Protecting the watershed helps protect water resources, as well as natural habitat for fish and wildlife. Volunteers are asked to dress in layers for outdoor work, and to bring a water bottle and work gloves, if available. Light snacks and drinking water will be provided, and volunteers will receive a voucher for a free one hour boat rental at Loch Lomond. Volunteers should meet at the Recreation Area, 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton. RSVPs are required.

Felton, CA

3/24/19 9:30 AM

Help visitors with hands-on art projects! Every week there's a new project! Events are typically Saturdays from 10 am to 1:30 pm; Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Fridays from 4:30 pm to 8 pm Upcoming events include Astrology Embroidery, Paint Night, Yarn Wall Hangings and Dreamy Make Night. Lead family-friendly activities that get folks moving and inspire creativity. Think fort building, bubble making, dance parties, and more! Learn new skills, make new friends, and leave a lasting impact on your community. Training will be provided at the event. You can sign up for a specific shift -- and learn more about all the upcoming events at the Museum of Art and History Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/volunteers-at-the-santa-cruz-museum-of-art-amp-history-14444764478 Get more information about volunteering for this project and others at the Museum of Art and History...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

3/24/19 12:00 PM +more

Our farm is a place where people of all abilities can learn new skills, strengthen their social networks, and contribute valued products to our local economy. We offer horticulture and farm skills training, internships to people with developmental disabilities, environmental and gardening education, and micro-enterprise opportunities on a roughly four-acre urban, organic farm in Santa Cruz, CA. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our operations. Sign up now to join us on a Tuesday morning. Every week we tackle new aspects of our expanding farm. A few things before you come out to the farm: We highly recommend a hat and a water bottle Everyone is required to sign a liability waiver Most areas of our farm are accessible by wheelchair and a walker. If you have any mobility concerns and would like more information, please reach out Only trained service animals are allowed on the farm All volunteer roles positions will receive an orientation to the farm the first 30-45 minutes of their first time at the farm and must sign a waiver prior to participating in volunteering.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/26/19 10:00 AM +more

FREE TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS Join Christina Thurston, Volunteer Engagement Director at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County for a training in program evaluation. We will discuss how to collect input from volunteers and how to measure the impact of volunteers in your program. At this collaborative training where we will learn from eachother and share our challenges and success. This is an introductory training and is open to AmeriCorps members, nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers. Space is limited so please RSVP by using the "SIGN UP" button below or email Christina to request an agenda. Training is from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 27th.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/27/19 12:30 PM

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Grey Bears. Volunteers are needed to help on the Brown Bag program: assembling bags of fresh produce for seniors on Thursday and Friday mornings between 7:30am and 9am. Before volunteering we ask that you attend an orientation. We hold an orientation every Thursday at 1pm in the main office of Grey Bears. We also always need drivers to deliver bags of groceries to distribution sites and to homebound seniors (and we’ll reimburse your gas mileage!). The Grey Bears Brown Bag Program is one of the most efficient and successful food distribution programs in the United States. Volunteers glean the fields, help collect donated food from local stores and supermarkets, assemble bags of food in our warehouse and deliver it to a network of sites and medically homebound seniors throughout Santa Cruz County every week. This year, through our produce recovery program, Grey Bears will distribute 2.6 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food to 4,200 Santa Cruz County seniors. 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

3/28/19 7:30 AM +more

Volunteers are responsible for helping families pick out items from our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. Whether they are explaining the benefits of kale or helping find the right shoe size, volunteers will be a vital help to our families. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment: Starting on February 9th, 2018, our pantry will be open every Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Volunteers that speak Spanish are especially needed. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below Or Call: (831) 319-4571​ **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

3/28/19 9:30 AM +more

Grey Bears improves the health and well being of seniors through food distribution, volunteerism and community participation. Volunteers are essential to the success of Grey Bear's programs! Volunteer opportunities include packing food for the Brown Bag Delivery program, cooking lunch, ringing up sales at the thrift store, sorting recycling, assisting in the office, selling books online, facility maintenance and more! Before volunteering we ask that you attend an orientation. We hold an orientation every Thursday at 1pm in the main office of Grey Bears At the orientation you can sign up for the project that fits your interests.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/28/19 1:00 PM +more

Join us at Evergreen cemetery for a few hours of work maintianing and restoring this historical site. We meet every Friday from 9:30 to 12:30. There are projects for all abilities. Lunch is provided at noon.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/29/19 9:30 AM +more

Create an exciting experience at the biggest stop along the Santa Cruz First Friday Art Tour. Bring three floors of free exhibitions (including a brand new one), an art activity, and musical performance to life as MAH volunteer. Tour and food included. Art Activity Helper | 4:30 - 7 pm OR 6:30 - 10 pm Celebrate Dia de los Muertos by helping to lead a sugar skull decorating and tissue paper flower making art activity. Sugar skulls are an integral part of Day of the Dead and honor those who've passed away. Help families connect with their histories and loved ones as an Art Activity Helper. Art Ambassador | 4:30 - 7 pm OR 6:30 - 10 pm Welcome visitors into three floors of free exhibition space. From a new photography exhibition surrounding themes of displacement and immigration to a kaleidoscopic installation of queer and feminist art, you'll bring new life to dynamic spaces. Answer visitors' quesetions and ask a few yourself. No experience necessary! We'll make sure you've got all the info you need for a great experience. Sign up directly for the shift you want on the Santa Cruz MAH Eventbright page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-art-festival-volunteer-with-mah-tickets-51364224779 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

4/5/19 4:30 PM +more

VegFest brings the local community together to celebrate and learn about a plant-based, cruelty-free, and environmentally-sustainable lifestyle. We need lots of volunteers to help with setting up, handing out samples, assisting with kid's art, managing compost and recycling, cleaning up, and more! By volunteering, you’ll have an opportunity to support this festival, to interact with the public, and to promote a plant-based, cruelty-free, sustainable life-style. Festival admission is free; volunteers will get free parking and a swag bag full of vegan goodies! VegFest Features: Restaurants, food exhibitors, and free food sampling! Cruelty-free fashion and beauty exhibitors Notable speakers to discuss topics in health and nutrition, environmentalism, and animal welfare and compassion Kids' activities Get involved with non-profit organizations Saturday, April 6. Shifts start at 7 am and continue all day until 9 pm. Most shifts are 2-3 hours. Sign up for 1 or more shifts at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQxjfQPb-pfw1Dt_THaVFln9XvS8SnPrPc0v90E-J4vqyRlw/viewform Get more information about volunteering for this project and others at the Museum of Art and History...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

4/6/19 7:00 AM

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to keep our Garden Learning Center thriving! We have worked hard to transform our surrounding grounds from a creekside jungle of invasive ivy, blackberry, and mattress wire vine into a pollinator and California native plant haven -- and there is always more work to be done! As a garden volunteer, you will help us with watering, weeding, pruning and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Tools and gloves will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have some. We will garden in light rain, but will cancel in the case of a downpour. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, and bring gloves (if you have them), a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. Gardening gloves, tools, and water will be provided. 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. You can also contact the coordinator directly by using the "email" link below or by visiting the program website at the top of this posting.

Santa Cruz, CA

4/6/19 10:00 AM +more

Young Volunteers are Needed to Tutor Seniors in Technology Help seniors navigate in the digital age and stay connected with their community with their personal electronic devices. From e-mail to iPads, our seniors need your help and with the community center's recent upgrade to Windows 7 your assistance will be more important than ever! This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. The next Senior Tech Days from 12pm to 3pm are scheduled for: January 5th and 19th, 2019 February 2nd and 16th March 2nd and 16th April 6th and 20th May 4th and 18th June 1st All Senior Tech Days are held on Saturdays from 12pm-3pm at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Sign Up by clicking on the red box below. We will confirm your attendance one week prior to the project day.

Santa Cruz, CA

4/6/19 12:00 PM +more

Do you want to share your love for the ocean and wildlife with the public? If so, NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is seeking dynamic individuals to join our awesome Docent team at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz! As an Exploration Center Docent you will have the opportunity to: 🦀 Engage with the public and interpret exhibits 🐬 Attend educational field trips 🐟 Support special events 🦀 Participate in Docent only monthly enrichments 🐋 Assist with school field trips, guided tours, and operations 🐬 Be a part of a great volunteer community! Learn more about becoming a Docent by attending an Informational Meeting on either Wednesday, March 27th at 5:30 PM or Sunday, March 31st at 10 AM at the Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. The 2019 Docent Training Program will be held from April 10th - May 15th on Wednesdays from 6 PM - 9 PM at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz. Express interest below for more information about how to apply for this exciting training opportunity!

Santa Cruz, CA

4/10/19 6:00 PM

Make a difference in the lower San Lorenzo River ecosystem by volunteering with a Coastal Watershed Council’s River Health Day. During the December River Health Day, we will be planting native plants along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to improve biodiversity and habitat complexity in the river ecosystem. This event will take place on the east bank of the San Lorenzo River upstream of the Broadway Avenue Bridge. We will meet at the Santa Cruz Riverwalk adjacent to Mimi De Marta Dog Park on 119 Broadway Santa Cruz. We highly recommend walking or biking to the event as there is limited parking in the area. Gloves and tools provided. Wear sturdy shoes and layers. We recommend that all volunteers dress in comfortable gardening clothes, include long pants, socks and sturdy shoes. Bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (831) 464 9200 with any questions before the event. Location: We will be on the riverwalk in Downtown Santa Cruz. Sign up here: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-day-22/ This River Health Day is about a 2.5 hour event that starts at 9:30 am and goes until 12:00 pm, but we encourage people to commit to however long they desire! Whether you would like to stay for half an hour, an hour, or even a little more than two hours, we are happy to see you out there! Learn more and sign up: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-day-22/

Santa Cruz, CA

4/13/19 9:30 AM +more

Come spend Earth Day helping out in the garden at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary! We will beautify the school's garden to help create a sense of pride for their students. No gardening experience required! We will have a variety of tasks for all ages. We recommend volunteers wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. Drop in anytime between 10am-2pm.

Santa Cruz, CA

4/20/19 10:00 AM

Restoration Saturday We invite you to participate in this family-friendly outdoor volunteering activity helping to restore wetland habitat. Volunteer work includes planting native plants, removing exotic invasive plants, and helping in our native plant greenhouse. Afterwards, we will go for a guided nature walk. The restoration group meets at the Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Center located at the top of the Pajaro Valley High School campus (500 Harkins Slough Rd) at 9 a.m. Please bring water, and wear layered work clothes, sturdy shoes and a sun hat. We will provide tools, gloves, and a snack. Please Note: organized groups of over 15 people or more should make sure to contact Mary K. with advance notice to ensure adequate supplies and tools Get Involved...Sign Up for This Opportunity or email the Project Coordinator for more info.

Watsonville, CA

4/27/19 9:00 AM +more

The California State Parks Foundation Park Champions program is currently seeking volunteers to help maintain and beautify Henry Cowell State Park. Work will focus on making improvements to Campgrounds, picnic areas and general maintenance of the park. Please join us by registering link below. Snacks and lunch are provided! Some of the events will have free camping. Please look for details on the California State Parks Foundation website. You must register for this work day by visiting our website at www.calparks.org/volunteer Check out all the other work days we are doing throughout the state.

Felton, CA

5/4/19 9:00 AM +more

Snapshot Day is May 4, 2018! On the first Saturday in May each year hundreds of volunteers join the Coastal Watershed Council and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff to take a “snapshot” of the health of rivers and streams flowing into the Sanctuary. This favorite event draws people of all ages from all over California’s Central Coast to collect scientifically valid water quality data and to learn more about their local watersheds.The valuable data collected by Snapshot Day volunteers is used to drive action for clean water. Data from field measurements and lab analysis are collected and analyzed to determine the biggest threats to water quality and best management practices to address them. Together with local experts and our partners in government, CWC uses that data to drive improvements in our stormwater infrastructure and also manage erosion and stormwater runoff which are threats to clean water. **All volunteers are required to attend a training** Go to the Coastal Watershed website to sign up for a training: https://coastal-watershed.org/san-lorenzo-river/our-approach/community-science/snapshot-day/

Santa Cruz, CA

5/4/19 12:00 PM

Your job is to greet and orient volunteers, have them sign in on the waiver sheets and then direct them to their job sites and their team leaders. This job is crucial for getting all the awesome volunteers where they are needed when they are needed! Shifts: 6am-9:30am, 9am-12pm Location: 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95060

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 6:00 AM +more

Join an awesome group of volunteers to help set up for the Human Race Walkathon & Fun Run. Duties include unloading and getting supplies to various stations along West Cliff Drive. This job is very crucial the success of the Human Race and a great way to get involved! Shift: 5:45am-8:00am Location: Meet at 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95060

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 6:00 AM

Your job is to get the signage installed before people arrive on the day of the race. All the supplies for attaching the signs will be in your kit. You will have a map of the area where the signs are designated by number and type. Each volunteer will be responsible for a designated sign posting. Shift: 6-8:30am Location: 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95060

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 6:00 AM

Help with this amazing race by helping setup the main festivities area! We will be needing help to tables, booths, games and more! Shift: 6am-7am

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 6:00 AM

The Human Race has thousands of participants and need your help to give each participant a t-shirt for participating! Shift: 7am-11am

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 7:00 AM

Your job is to serve people breakfast! This is a buffet style - so volunteers will need to keep trays full of the provided breakfast foods while participants serve themselves. Volunteers will also be needed at the coffee table to keep it tidy and replenish as needed. Shift: 7:30-10:30am Location: 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95060

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 7:30 AM

Your job is to welcome people to the Human Race and check their pledge sheets or waiver forms to make sure they are complete so they can register quickly. This job is truly essential to making sure that everyone gets in, gets their waivers signed and is able to be at the start line in time for the walkathon and fun run to begin! Shift: 7:30-10:30 Location: 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95060

Santa Cruz, CA

5/11/19 7:30 AM