Volunteering Opportunities in LA
Whether you believe in karma or not, paying-it-forward is good for your community and good for your health. Some research shows that those who demonstrate more altruistic social interest lead longer, happier, healthier lives. So spread the love Angelenos! Our fair city is full of volunteering opportunities. Look through the guide to discover opportunities to save furry friends, help the homeless and beautify our beaches.
Habitat for Humanity
17700 S. Figueroa Street
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 323-4663
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Like to see results? There are few things more rewarding than completing a home for a deserving family. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) helps to build homes or entire neighborhoods so that everyone can live in safe, affordable housing. And good news for those of you who aren't so handy with a hammer, they take "unskilled" construction volunteers too.
Los Angeles Animal Services
14409 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 374-5879
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Whether you're a dog, cat or gerbil lover, volunteering at Los Angeles Animal Services will leave a fuzzy feeling in your heart. There are many volunteer opportunities, including becoming a Bottle Baby Volunteer, where you bottle-feed unweaned puppies and kittens.
LA's BEST
711 14th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 745-1900
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What happens between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every weekday could change the future of Los Angeles. Join the LA's BEST team of volunteers to help 28,000 kids at 180 elementary schools in Los Angeles' most vulnerable neighborhoods. Go ahead, rediscover your inner child by becoming an activity assistant. A few hours of playing sports and games is good for everyone.
Los Angeles Mission
303 East 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 629-1227
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The Los Angeles Mission says the face of homelessness is changing. With the economic downturn, more and more women and children are on the streets. Work with other like-minded volunteers to help provide addiction treatment programs, food, shelter, clothing, and education for homeless Angelenos.
Children Uniting Nations
6380 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 944-0500
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Join Children Uniting Nations and become a mentor to an at-risk or foster child. You'll be matched with a kid over a three month period. Enjoy going to events like bowling day or game night and make a difference in a disadvantaged child's life.
American Red Cross-Los Angeles Region
11355 Ohio Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 445-9900
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The logo may be red, but this organization has long been the golden standard of volunteering. The opportunities with The Red Cross are endless: help people displaced by disaster, teach CPR and First Aid, or lead school programs in fire preparedness.
Children of the Night
14530 Sylvan St.
Van Nuys, CA 91411
(818) 908-4474
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Prostitution is a devastating reality for many Los Angeles youths. Become a volunteer at Children of the Night and help children from 11-17 who are forced into prostitution. Volunteers organize two hour presentations on fun subjects like crafts, jewelry making, dance, yoga, acting and animation."
Angel Flight West
3161 Donald Douglas Loop South
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 390-2958
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Angel Flight's mission is truly special. A network of 1,900 pilots provide free air transportation on private aircrafts for people with medical conditions or other compelling needs. But you don't need to be a pilot; even people with a fear of heights can help out. Join Angel Flight's team of mission coordinators, disaster response workers and special events coordinators.
Heal the Bay
1444 9th St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 451-1500
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SoCal is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Heal the Bay is working to keep it that way. The environmental organization works to make coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy and clean for human and marine life. Volunteer for their beach cleanups, community outreach, or at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Meals on Wheels
1823-A Michigan Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 394-7558
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Meals on Wheels is more than just hot meal delivery, the program also helps seniors in the community who experience loneliness and isolation. Volunteer to deliver meals to the elderly and help to promote self-respect and independent living.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
800 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 481-3611
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Do you think you're a role model? Work one-on-one with a kid age 7-14 in the greater L.A. area. Volunteers only have to meet with their "littles" twice a month. Have fun flying a kite, exploring a museum, or just hanging out.
Reading Partners
Ste. 208, 1308 Factory Place
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 627-7820
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Make a difference early on in a child's life by becoming a one-on-one tutor. It only takes 45 minutes once a week, and you're time will be well spent. The organization reports that on average students gain 1.7 months of reading skills for every month in the program.
Common Ground: Westside HIV Community Center
2012 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 314-5480
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More than 3,360 people living on the Westside are HIV positive, and this organization aims to serve this growing population. Volunteers are needed in areas like reception, administrative support, fund-raising, and educational outreach.
