Big Sunday happily welcomes you to Our Really Big Community Calendar.
We try to include all kinds of volunteering and helping opportunities for all kinds of interests, talents, passions, and ages! As you’ll see, these include volunteering opportunities (one-time and long-term) as well as the chance to support a nonprofit by attending fundraising events. Plus, of course, we include all of Big Sunday’s homegrown events, too! Whoever you are, and whatever you do, there is someone out there who could use your help.
If you have questions about our calendar, or would like to add a listing, please contact calendar@bigsunday.org or submit your event/opportunity via the button below.
If you are searching for a rewarding experience and love working with and for animals, we invite you to join the OC Animal Care volunteer team. Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
§ Dog Walker –
Volunteers walk and exercise shelter dogs that are available for adoption. Through exercise, dog walkers provide adoptable dogs' human contact, mental stimulation and basic command training.
§ Cat Socializer –
Volunteers socialize available shelter cats. Through socializing, volunteers improve the quality of their lives and better prepare them for adoption into loving homes.
§ Greeter –
Volunteers greet and offer assistance to the public at OC Animal Care's front gate. Greeters are a visitor's first contact with the shelter and through their warm greeting and courtesy may influence a person's decision to adopt from OC Animal Care.
§ Mobile Adoption/Special Events –
Volunteers assist staff in educating citizens about the services provided by OC Animal Care at local fairs, festivals and mobile adoption events.
§ Clerical Support –
Volunteers assist customer services staff by preparing adoption packets that offer insightful information to ease the transition of an adopted pet into a new environment.
§ Bather/Groomer –
Volunteers bathe and groom shelter dogs to create quality bonding time between themselves and the dogs and increase a dog's adoptability.
§ Foster Caretaker –
Volunteers provide temporary care to young, injured, abused or under-socialized animals. Volunteers return their foster animals when they are deemed suitable for adoption by OC Animal Care clinic staff. The volunteer is responsible for all expenses incurred while fostering.
VOLUNTEER SELECTION
OC Animal Care requires that all potential volunteers go through an extensive selection process. This process ensures that OC Animal Care is selecting volunteers that best fit the needs of the program and understand the unique environment in which they will work. The selection process may take up to two months. Please note that applicants will be selected based on the current needs of OC Animal Care.
Time Commitment
OC Animal Care requests that you commit to a minimum of eight hours per month for three months. This commitment ensures that the program will operate smoothly and that the maximum benefit is derived for the animals.
Training
OC Animal Care staff provide training to all volunteers. Volunteers are required to complete the training for each position in which they are selected to serve.
Regular volunteers commit to serving at The Center 1+ days a week in the capacity of participating in or leading groups, attending coffee hour, cleaning, or assisting with office work. Weekly shifts range from 1.5-8 hours per shift.
As an example one of our regular volunteers, Tim, leads a group called “Timspirations” in which he shows an array of inspiration videos from across the web. He then leads the group in a discussion on their reflections and anecdotes about the clips.
If you are searching for a rewarding experience and love working with and for animals, we invite you to join the OC Animal Care volunteer team. Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
§ Dog Walker –
Volunteers walk and exercise shelter dogs that are available for adoption. Through exercise, dog walkers provide adoptable dogs' human contact, mental stimulation and basic command training.
§ Cat Socializer –
Volunteers socialize available shelter cats. Through socializing, volunteers improve the quality of their lives and better prepare them for adoption into loving homes.
§ Greeter –
Volunteers greet and offer assistance to the public at OC Animal Care's front gate. Greeters are a visitor's first contact with the shelter and through their warm greeting and courtesy may influence a person's decision to adopt from OC Animal Care.
§ Mobile Adoption/Special Events –
Volunteers assist staff in educating citizens about the services provided by OC Animal Care at local fairs, festivals and mobile adoption events.
§ Clerical Support –
Volunteers assist customer services staff by preparing adoption packets that offer insightful information to ease the transition of an adopted pet into a new environment.
§ Bather/Groomer –
Volunteers bathe and groom shelter dogs to create quality bonding time between themselves and the dogs and increase a dog's adoptability.
§ Foster Caretaker –
Volunteers provide temporary care to young, injured, abused or under-socialized animals. Volunteers return their foster animals when they are deemed suitable for adoption by OC Animal Care clinic staff. The volunteer is responsible for all expenses incurred while fostering.
VOLUNTEER SELECTION
OC Animal Care requires that all potential volunteers go through an extensive selection process. This process ensures that OC Animal Care is selecting volunteers that best fit the needs of the program and understand the unique environment in which they will work. The selection process may take up to two months. Please note that applicants will be selected based on the current needs of OC Animal Care.
Time Commitment
OC Animal Care requests that you commit to a minimum of eight hours per month for three months. This commitment ensures that the program will operate smoothly and that the maximum benefit is derived for the animals.
Training
OC Animal Care staff provide training to all volunteers. Volunteers are required to complete the training for each position in which they are selected to serve.
We are always happy to have people interested in volunteering!
We have a short orientation every Saturday morning at 8:45am in Shadow Hills. (Rain will normally cancel and we are closed for major 3-day holiday weekends.)
Volunteers must be at least 12 to volunteer. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you to sign some paperwork. Closed-toe shoes (should be comfortable because there is a lot of walking), a shirt with sleeves (T-shirts are fine; No tank tops) and long pants are required. If planning to stay for the entire day (till approx. 2 – 2:30pm) then bringing water and a sack lunch/snack is recommended. Other days and times available for volunteering will be given at the orientation.
We normally have volunteers assist the instructor with the children and horses, which includes, leading horses and spotting, which is walking alongside the horse to ensure child’s safety and position changes on the horse. Other activities might include: grooming horses, cleaning tack, gardening (raking, weeding, etc.), mailings, etc.
HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CONNECTION
Each year, our volunteers contribute 5000+ hours, accounting for almost 80% of our services. If you're interested in promoting peace in the lives of foster youth, join our community and bring your knowledge and compassion to those who will truly benefit. It's a truly rewarding experience!
Primarily our volunteers connect with youth on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm in an environment that focuses on creativity, education, life skills building, health and wellness. Under the guidance of our staff, volunteers are given the tools to work one-to-one with youth, developing strong bonds that leave a lasting impression.
HERE'S A QUICK REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST:
-
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Contribute at least 8 hours a month [2 Saturdays per month] and commit to a minimum of one year of service
- Obtain Department of Justice clearance
- Attend both a new volunteer orientation and training
And here's some of the things you'll be doing:
-
- Engage, mentor and provide leadership for youth in foster care, ages 4-18 years old
- Support our educational team in facilitating creative learning onsite and on field trips
- Create a consistent, nurturing community based environment
- Have fun making new friends with like-minded folks!
Join us for our Outdoor Volunteer Day at White Point Nature Preserve! You will help care for the White Point Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more! Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy!
White Point is located at 1600 W. Paseo del Mar in San Pedro. Enter the free parking lot from the Western Blvd as it turns into Paseo del Mar. We are located at the end of the road on the left-hand side.
We will be working outdoors, so please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection and be sure to bring drinking water and a snack. Thank you for volunteering!
Volunteering at Project Angel Food is a great way for your group to make a direct impact in the community while sharing a sense of compassion for our most fragile neighbors.
If you are looking to foster team-building while being of service and giving back to our community, there are many opportunities to help, such as preparing meals in our kitchen, assisting with special events, or working in our Urban Gardens.
ONE DAY of your help will make a big difference!
We offer opportunities for groups of up to 10 people to participate. The kitchen is open Sunday through Friday. Weekday kitchen shifts are from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday kitchen shifts are from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm. Other projects can be scheduled through the Volunteer Services Department.
Volunteering at Project Angel Food is a great way for your group to make a direct impact in the community while sharing a sense of compassion for our most fragile neighbors.
If you are looking to foster team-building while being of service and giving back to our community, there are many opportunities to help, such as preparing meals in our kitchen, assisting with special events, or working in our Urban Gardens.
ONE DAY of your help will make a big difference!
We offer opportunities for groups of up to 10 people to participate. The kitchen is open Sunday through Friday. Weekday kitchen shifts are from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday kitchen shifts are from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm. Other projects can be scheduled through the Volunteer Services Department.
We are always happy to have people interested in volunteering!
We have a short orientation every Saturday morning at 8:45am in Shadow Hills. (Rain will normally cancel and we are closed for major 3-day holiday weekends.)
Volunteers must be at least 12 to volunteer. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you to sign some paperwork. Closed-toe shoes (should be comfortable because there is a lot of walking), a shirt with sleeves (T-shirts are fine; No tank tops) and long pants are required. If planning to stay for the entire day (till approx. 2 – 2:30pm) then bringing water and a sack lunch/snack is recommended. Other days and times available for volunteering will be given at the orientation.
We normally have volunteers assist the instructor with the children and horses, which includes, leading horses and spotting, which is walking alongside the horse to ensure child’s safety and position changes on the horse. Other activities might include: grooming horses, cleaning tack, gardening (raking, weeding, etc.), mailings, etc.
Come volunteer with us at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy's Native Plant Nursery!
You will help transplant seedlings and prepare native plants to be placed in habitat restoration sites around the Peninsula! Event begins at 9am and you may leave at any time. Please arrive 15 minutes early and anyone arriving late will not be admitted on to the base. The center closes at 3pm. This site is located on a secured Navy Base. Reservations are required 48 business hours in advance. You must bring a US Driver's Licence, passport, student ID or other form of picture identification to enter the defense support point upon arrival. Your vehicle may be searched upon arrival.
If you cannot make it to this event, please cancel your reservation. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Volunteer Program Coordinator, Brittany Goldsmith by email at: BGoldsmith@pvplc.org, or call (310) 541-7613 X215.
Thank you for volunteering your time to help improve habitat for wildlife and for the local community!
