Los Angeles County is a great place to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of others. From social services to food banks and animal shelters, there are plenty of opportunities for locals and visitors alike to donate their time and skills to local organizations. Whether you're looking for a one-time project or a long-term commitment, there's something for everyone. One of the best places to start your search is LA Works.
This volunteer action center is the largest and oldest in Los Angeles, making it easy for volunteers to find and connect with nonprofit organizations that need their help. They offer a calendar of monthly flagship projects led by LA-trained leaders, as well as a database of long-term programs and specialized volunteering opportunities. They also provide a turnkey business solution for companies involved in community service projects. Another great organization to consider is Homeboy Industries.
Founded by Father Gregory Boyle, Homeboy Industries is the world's largest and most successful gang intervention and reentry program. Every year, more than 10,000 former gang members from all over Los Angeles come through their doors in an effort to bring about positive change. Volunteers are needed for services such as legal services, GED preparation, Homeboy Heals (mental health program), and tattoo removal. The Midnight Mission is another great organization that has been helping people since 1914. They provide emergency services and 12-step programs for recovery, family life, job training, education, and workforce development that provide a compassionate bridge to achieving and maintaining a healthy, productive life.
Volunteers can help with catering, preparing special events, sorting clothes, assisting in distribution, manufacturing food boxes and hygiene kits, general cleaning and painting, mentoring, professional services (tax, legal, motivational workshops), internships, and student projects. APLA Health is another great organization that serves more than 15,000 patients and clients a year with a focus on serving the low-income LGBT community and people living with HIV. Volunteers range from 12 to 86 years old and come from all walks of life. They can help with banking over the phone to packing food and helping with fundraising. Union Station Homeless Services is the largest social services agency in the San Gabriel Valley that helps homeless and very low-income adults and families since 1973. Volunteer opportunities include volunteering in their kitchens to prepare meals for customers; at their facilities to offer a workshop, story time, or craft events; or in their offices to help with administrative work. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has distributed more than 1 billion pounds of food since 1973. Volunteers can help sort, inspect and repackage food donated at local food donation drives or help out at food drives and special events. One Voice provides goods, services, and opportunities to the disadvantaged from crisis intervention to long-term programming that lifts families out of poverty. Volunteers can help out with meal preparation, fundraising events, office assistance. Meals on Wheels of West Los Angeles has been providing nutritious meals and friendship to people who are unable to plan, buy or prepare meals on their own due to illness, disability or advanced age since 1976. Volunteers deliver a hot lunch at noon and a cold dinner every Monday through Friday. Food on Foot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping poor and homeless people in Los Angeles through programs that provide nutritious meals, clothing work opportunities and ultimately the transition to full-time employment and life off the street.
Volunteers help distribute food and clothing to approximately 150 homeless and low-income people in Hollywood. No Res Gourmet is another great organization that provides meals for those in need. Volunteers can help prepare meals for those who are unable to cook for themselves. No matter what your interests or skills are there's sure to be an opportunity that's perfect for you in Los Angeles County! If you're looking for ways to give back to your community while making an impact on those around you then volunteering in Los Angeles County is the perfect way to do it!.
