Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

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...Sign up for This Opportunity: Or email Michelle using the button below. **Groups should email Michelle

Santa Cruz, CA

1/17/19 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. *Special Thanksgiving food bagging day on Tuesday, November 20th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am *Special Family Shopping Day at the pantry on Thursday, November 29 from 12pm to 2pm. 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

1/17/19 9:30 AM +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

1/18/19 9:30 AM +more

Santa Cruz indivisible is pleased to have been invited to co-sponsor this years Women's March event on Saturday, January 19th. SCI will be providing volunteers to help with the March, and also with the SCI presence at the Rally after the March. Volunteers are needed to support the march in a few different areas including: Barricade and march monitoring (most important volunteer role) Videography and photography Tabling after the march Volunteers are needed from 7:30am to 2pm with various times for different shifts. To see all volunteer shifts and register for a project please go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wNU2lpy_Wmf1zMfTLNWpeuE9Q_sutqTT4CLrS4teOWo/viewform?edit_requested=true

Santa Cruz, CA

1/19/19 7:30 AM

Join us on this special gardening day for 2019 MLK Day of Service and help the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 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 general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. These volunteer garden days are held on the third Saturday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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 SIGN UP 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

1/19/19 10:00 AM

Become a Literacy Tutor!! Attend a Volunteer Orientation! 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. You can tutor at your student's home, a library, a coffee shop or other community location. The FIRST step to becoming a Literacy Tutor is to attend a mandatory one hour Orientation. ORIENTATION DATES (only need to attend ONE) Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 1740 17th Avenue: Monday, May 2nd from 6pm to 7pm Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.: January 19 and 26 February 2 February 23 March 23 Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm: February 13 March 13 Get Involved....Sign Up for This Opportunity by selecting the date you'd like to attend and using the "SIGN UP" button. You can also contact the Literacy Program of Santa Cruz County at (831) 427.5077. Website or link for further information: www.literacysantacruz.org

Santa Cruz, CA

1/19/19 10:00 AM +more

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. Volunteers also support us with composting, data entry and event planning.

Santa Cruz, CA

1/19/19 12:00 PM +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

1/19/19 12:00 PM +more

Please join other community members for this family event! Santa Cruz Police Department is hosting this community parade to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and his many accomplishments. Monday, January 21st! Sign up to volunteer here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9luuQz8TAj2Dyx9TfECsxYqkWE8zL5E-AqFAjnLPhBjTPvQ/viewform Volunteers are needed to Monitor Traffic Baracades in 3 shifts: 8AM to 10:30AM 10AM to 12:30PM 12PM to 2PM Volunteers are needed to be a March Monitor (walking with the march) 9:30AM to 12PM Volunteers are needed to help with the event at the Civic Auditorium (where the march ends): 9:30AM to 11:30AM 11AM to 1:30PM Volunteers are also needed to take photos and video and promote the event on Social Media. Sign up to volunteer here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9luuQz8TAj2Dyx9TfECsxYqkWE8zL5E-AqFAjnLPhBjTPvQ/viewform

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 8:00 AM

Come join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County at Moore Creek Preserve. We will be celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a community volunteer event. Volunteers will pull the invasive French broom plant along the creek. This is a continued effort to remove French broom and maintain diversity of the native plant species. Learn why it’s important to remove this invasive and get to explore this beautiful preserve. We will meet at the west entrance of Moore Creek Preserve off of Meder st. Please consider alternative transportation or carpooling as parking is very limited. There is no parking on Meder st. You may need to come early so you will have time to walk to the entrance from your parking spot. To bring: Water, Gloves, sturdy closed- toed shoes, lunch if you wish, and weather appropriate clothing. The Land Trust will provide water for refill, snacks, and gloves if needed. This event is subject to cancellation in the event of rain. If you have RSVP’d you will be notified of the cancellation via email.

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 9:00 AM

Join the Coastal Watershed Council and Kaiser Permanente employees on MLK Day of Service, January 21st. Make a difference in your urban ecosystem by restoring the native habitat along the San Lorenzo River! Join ecology and native plant experts as plant native plants along the riverbank. We are rehabilitating the habitat of the native bugs, birds, and fish, that all depend upon a healthy, riparian environment. River Health Days are a great introduction for anyone who is interested in learning more about invasive or native species and the San Lorenzo River ecosystem. At the end of the day, volunteers can look back on the work they’ve accomplished, the people they’ve connected with, and know that they’ve made a difference in their community that day. Equipment, gloves and refreshments are provided. More specific meeting location will be shared upon registration. Location: We will be on the riverwalk in Downtown Santa Cruz All community members are welcome to attend!

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 9:00 AM

Join us on Monday Jan 21st from 9:30am to 12:00pm for a day of service at Evergreen cemetery. We'll have a variety of projects for all abilities - from raking leaves and cleaning markers to moving heavy material and trimming. This historic cemetery is located in Harvey West Park. Children are welcome to attend with parents or other adults.

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 9:30 AM

Join us for a fun workday on the farm in honor of Martin Luther King Jr National Day of Service. We'll gather at 9:30 and work till 1 PM. Join us at 1 for a lunch. Click here to sign up on Facebook We will be digging our hands into the dirt, turning compost piles and doing other winter farm tasks and preparing for spring planting! Everyone must come with closed-toe shoes, and we recommend that everyone also wear a hat, layers, and bring a water bottle. The farm is located on Shaffer Road at Delaware Ave. on the west side of Santa Cruz near Natural Bridges State Park and the Long Marine Lab. The 3 and 20 bus lines stop nearby.

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 9:30 AM

Join us for a beach day! Help pick up trash at the beach downtown on MLK Day of Service. January 21, 2019 from 10am to 12pm. Main Beach is a beloved and relaxing location for Santa Cruz locals and visitors alike. The beauty of this beach also attracts large crowds all year long, especially during busy summer months. Illegal fires, partying, and inappropriate disposal of trash has been harmful to local wildlife, neighbors and tourists. Help us monitor and clean up Main Beach! Individual and group volunteers are welcome. The Volunteer Center provides all necessary supplies, and we encourage volunteers to bring their own reusable buckets, gloves, and water bottles, wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and to dress in layers. Check in will be located above the beach at 108 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (across the street from the Picnic Basket) We will be cleaning RAIN or SHINE! We will meet at 10:00 AM next to the bathrooms between the volleyball nets and Ideal Bar and Grill.

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 10:00 AM

Spend your MLK Day in the beautiful UCSC Arboretum and Botanic Garden! January 21, 2019 Sometimes we all need a little help staying on path. The Arboretum is seeking your assistance this MLK Day with making our paths more defined, level and user friendly so that visitors can enjoy our gardens without obstacles or confusion. Help beautify the California Conservation Garden (CCG), a library for rare and endangered plant communities of the Central Coast! Tasks will include spreading DG on pathways using wheelbarrows and shovels AND weeding in the California Conservation Garden. Please Sign Up here: https://www.volunteersignup. org/FE4AL Location: UCSC Arboretum - 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz Time: 10am - 12pm OR 12pm -2pm

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 10:00 AM +more

Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr on January 21st by volunteering! We'll meet at the Santa Cruz Bible Church at 12pm for light refreshments and and then make 200 cards for community members in need of some good cheer. Cards will be distributed to all Meals on Wheels seniors for Valentines Day. This is a family friendly volunteer opportunity. We need your childrens' creative talents to put smiles on the faces of the seniors who will receive the cards! Date and time: Monday, January 21 from 12pm-2pm Location: Santa Cruz Bible Church 440 Frederick St. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

1/21/19 12:00 PM

Are you a knowledgeable around computers? Like helping seniors solve tech problems? Then we need you! We are looking for a volunteer lab assistant to help host our open lab hours from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Tuesdays at Louden Nelson Community Center in the Senior Computer Center of Santa Cruz. 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

1/22/19 11:00 AM +more

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

1/26/19 9:00 AM +more

Help visitors with hands on art projects! Every week there's a new project! Evemts are typically Saturdays from 10am to 1:30pm; Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and Fridays from 4:30pm to 8pm Upcomint events include: Harp Concert & Wand-Making, Music Box, Sunday Play Day, Print Making with Little Giant Collective and Friendship Bracelets. 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 Eventbright 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

1/27/19 10:30 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

2/1/19 4:30 PM +more

Amazing items, terrific values! Gain retail experience by volunteering as a cashier in the Grey Bears Thift Store! Open everyday from 10am to 3pm! Our volunteers sort through a treasure trove of donated items, including clothing, furniture, housewares, jewelry, plants and garden gifts, books, music, fabrics, medical equipment, games, puzzles, sporting goods, bikes, exercise equipment, and much more. They find treasures others might see as trash and help our thrift store here at Grey Bears thrive. Volunteers also provide customer service and ring up sales. All proceeds from our thrift store sales go to support the Brown Bag Program, providing healthy groceries to 4,200 seniors each week. Most volunteers commit to one shift a week. An average shift runs from 10:00am - 3:30pm. If you are social person with any background in retail the thrift store could be a great fit for you! We are looking for volunteers who are ready to connect with the community and operate a register in any of our 4 thrift store departments. We are currently looking for cashiers in our book, computer, housewares and furniture stores. If you are ready to build relationships with members of the community and have an eye for detail this position is for you! All volunteers will receive a free lunch and a free bag of groceries every day they volunteer with us. 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 4/30/19

The Volunteer Initiative Program has ongoing internship opportunities and special project positions within various county departments. All VIP internships and volunteer opportunites are unpaid positions designed to give students, graduates and interested community members exposure to aspects of local government. Individuals should complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume that clearly expresses your area of interest and courses taken thus far. 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 6/30/19

Because there are many ways a cancer diagnosis can impact a woman’s life on a daily basis, our wonderful family of volunteers offers a wide array of practical support to women undergoing treatments. Transportation volunteers provide practical support to women with cancer by giving rides to and from medical appointments. This is an easy way to make a big difference in the lives of others! 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.

Soquel, CA

Through 1/22/19

Volunteer Match Team Member The Volunteer Center is looking for individuals who are passionate about community engagement and volunteerism to be part of our Matchmaking Team! Volunteer Matchmakers pair individuals with organizations and causes that suit their interests and skills. As a matchmaker you are providing a great service to the community by connecting volunteers with organizations in need. People have many reasons for why they volunteer. Your job is to find what motivates them, what they are looking to get from volunteering and what the best possible fits are based on their past experiences, future goals, and current interests. This opportunity allows you to meet many different types of people in the community as well as become more familiar with the organizations and services that are available. Matchmaker volunteers are provided with a training on how to navigate our Hands on Connect website, which organizations and opportunities are currently active, questions to ask volunteers, and how to search through the database to find the perfect fit and the necessary information to give clients. They also receive ongoing support from Volunteer Center staff. Each appointment runs from 45 minutes to 1 hour; on average there are 2 to 3 appointments per day. We are flexible based on your schedule, as all matchmaking is done by appointment. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one, 3 hour shift per week.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 6/30/19

Be an Office Support for the Watsonville Volunteer Center Volunteers will be helping with the center's transportation program coordinating rides by calling volunteers and matching them with clients on an as needed basis. Helping seniors and those with disabilities find rides to their doctors Appointments or grocery shopping gives our clients a bit of their independence back! Being able to get out into the community is so important to our clients. Shifts: Volunteers are needed two days a week, Monday through Thursday for 2 to 3 hours a shift. Qualifications: Organized Detail oriented Good communication skills Speak clearly Sympathetic spirit Benefits: Great opportunity for someone who would like to enhace their administrative skills or for someone who would like to help those in our community be mobile again! Training: Volunteers will be trained on site. There is no associated fee with training.

Watsonville, CA

Through 1/31/19

Nourishing Generations Education Project is looking for dedicated and focused individuals for their Fundraising Coordinator Volunteer position. Nourishing Generations Education Project is dedicated to educating children, families, and community members of all ages about cooking and eating a healthy, whole foods diet, and enjoying regular exercise-- to maximize optimal health and minimize disease. The Fundraising Coordinator would be responsible for helping Nourishing Generations define their strategies for fundraising and help implement successful fundraising tactics in the community to help support the mission of Nourishing Generations. Ideally, volunteers would have an understanding of fundraising for non-profits. This person would work closely with the board of directors, so the ability to communicate effectively would be appreciated. Hours are flexible! 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.

Los Gatos, CA

Through 1/31/19

Nourishing Generations Educational Project is looking for a volunteer to collect the data needed to determine measurable outcomes of our program and to create a database for tracking that information. NG brings chefs, nutrition educators and fitness instructors into the afterschool programs of underserved schools and affordable housing communities to teach children, teens, and families about healthy eating, healthy cooking, and healthy moving as a way to address the problem of obesity and diabetes and to promote good health. 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.

Los Gatos, CA

Through 1/31/19

Nourishing Generations Educational Project is looking for a volunteer to update and maintain our website. Estimate of 3-4 hours initially, and 1-2 hours monthly thereafter. NG brings chefs, nutrition educators and fitness instructors into the afterschool programs of underserved schools and affordable housing communities to teach children, teens, and families about healthy eating, healthy cooking, and healthy moving as a way to address the problem of obesity and diabetes and to promote good health. 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.

Los Gatos, CA

Through 1/31/19

We are looking for volunteers with an interest in writing and improving the lives of children and families through health education to be grant writers for Nourishing Generations! Volunteers will be writing grant proposals at various times throughout the year. Research into further grant opportunities would be greatly appreciated. This volunteer makes a huge impact on our ability to support programs and increase the number of programs that we could fund. Nourishing Generations is a team of nutritionists, chefs and fitness instructors that teach elementary schools students, youth, and adults about healthy eating, healthy, cooking, and healthy moving. Our mission is to educate children, families, and community members of all ages about eating and enjoying whole foods and exercising - to empower them to strive for optimal health and disease minimization (especially obesity and obesity related issues). As grant opportunities become available, we need a volunteer to write up the grant proposal and have it ready before the grant due date. It is an incredible bonus for us if the volunteer can do some research into further grant possibilities. The time commitment varies - there could be two or more grants due at some point in the year, which means more hours required, then some months where there are none due, maybe just a few hours into research. We need a volunteer with grant writing experience, someone that is reliable and completes work in a timely manner. The benefits of this opportunity are professional growth, both in experience and for the ability to use this as experience on your resume. 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.

Los Gatos, CA

Through 1/31/19

Volunteers help keep Santa Cruz graffiti free by cleaning up graffiti in their neighborhood when they see it. Call the hotline at (831) 420-5303 for more details about getting the free graffiti removal kit or stop by the Economic Development Department at 337 Locust Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. 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 2/20/19