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.
The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter in Bell, CA and The Haven on the VA campus in West Los Angeles offers 3 hot meals a day to each of their residents and volunteers are always needed to help serve. Volunteers are asked assist in the prep and serve either breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are several locations listed for this opportunity.
The Los Angeles Day Care Center provides day care services for low-income families around the garment, flower and produce districts. Volunteers are welcome to assist one or mutiple days to help with the various activities around the classroom, office and recess. Volunteers must complete the required Protect the Mission training and have their fingers prints done prior to working at this facility.
Must be 18 or older and have experience working with preschoolers to volunteer
Quick Overview: Help beautify and restore the natural flora and fauna of Debs Park. We ask you to join us in removing undesirable weeds and watering our native restoration areas. With your help, we can make Northeast LA a bird friendly community.
Mission or Broader Program Description: The Audubon Center’s mission is to inspire people to experience, understand and care for the local natural world. The nature-based education and community programs at Debs Park are designed to engage children and their families in the outdoor world, and to give them a personal stake in its protection by making environmental issues relevant to their lives. The Center is operated by Audubon California, a state field program of National Audubon Society, and is a vital part of Audubon’s national outreach initiative to engage Latino audiences. The Center, which is surrounded by predominately Latino neighborhoods, is a unique gathering place and dynamic focal point for outdoor recreation, environmental education and conservation action.
Impact: We are a field program of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest conservation organizations in the country. We are situated in the largest piece of public open space in the lower Los Angeles River Watershed. The Center is a vital and unique gathering place for the Northeast LA community. Our mission is to inspire people to experience, understand, and care for the local natural world.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities: Join us in and around our native plant nursery where we propagate plants and maintain habitat restoration sites. Activities include watering, weeding, mulching, berm building and repair, seed collection, processing and sowing, potting, and planting. Learn about native plants and local bird species as you restore important native habitat within more than 17 acres around the center. Put your hands in some soil and bird while you build habitat! We need you, but more importantly, our neighBIRDS need you!
Requirements: Be sure to bring lots of water, sun protection, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty! Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves, however we will have plenty available to borrow as well. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes and dress in layers. Please fill out the downloadable waiver below and bring it with you to your first day.
* Any volunteer under the age of 18 will need to bring and have signed by a parent/guardian a Volunteer Agreement & Release for Minors. The form can be found on L.A. Works website Q&A section.
Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
VOLUNTEER COACHES (BASKETBALL, SOCCER & INDOOR FLAG FOOTBALL)
We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteer coaches who are interested in teaching youth sports. Our program goal is to create a positive environment that promotes self-confidence and self-esteem through the experiences we provide. The program is dedicated to providing all youth with the highest quality of recreation and educational experiences for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years-old.
This is a great place to gain experience working with children, improve communication and people skills. High school and college students can volunteer to receive service learning for their school.
VOLUNTEER TUTORS
Help keep kids on track in school! We need tutors for K-7 students in all subjects including writing skills, reading, math and science. All learning materials, both printed and digital, are provided. Tutoring hours are Monday–Friday, 3–7PM.
MONITORS AND GREETERS
Volunteers can work any time during operational hours. Volunteers will assist customer service attendants, walk around program areas, greet members, answer questions, and make sure child safety guidelines are being followed. The Salvation Army wants to provide a safe environment for our community.
INFORMATION DESK
Volunteers can work any time during operational hours. Volunteers will assist customers and guests by directing them to their class or answering questions.
SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE
Volunteers will assist in various duties in our Social Services Office.
Since 1972, St. Francis Center has provided relief and support to homeless and extremely low-income individuals and families in Los Angeles. Much more than a soup kitchen or a food pantry, we offer a unique range of services to sustain and empower those in need. Welcoming all with joy, dignity and compassion, we dedicate ourselves every day to Serving Hope in our community.
Event Description: Our Food Pantry distribution is part of our Family Well-Being Program. Low-income families and individuals from the community can come once a week for groceries. They select from a collection of grocery items, including a variety of fresh produce, bread, and canned goods.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities: Volunteers will first help staff sort, organize, and shelve grocery items and produce and, second, help distribute them to families and individuals in need.
Requirements: Wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing.
Time Commitment: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Age Restrictions: We are happy to host volunteers ages 8+ (parent/guardian supervision required for volunteers ages 8-13).
*Please remember to fill out a minor volunteer waiver form if minors (under 18) are attending projects. The form can be found on L.A. Works website Q&A section.
Benefits: Volunteers have the opportunity to help us "serve hope" in the Los Angeles community, learn about hunger and other issues facing many in the community, and build relationships with our guests, staff and fellow volunteers.
*Any inquiries about volunteering to fulfill court-mandated service need to first be approved by the volunteer coordinator and management.*
Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.
Celebrate month's Bdays with Open Mic night at 5:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 27th!
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.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Ranchos Walk
Join us to experience Long Beach in a whole new way at the 2nd Annual Ranchos Walk event on Saturday, September 28, 2019.
Beginning at 8 a.m., participants will take a walk through history as they follow a route that links Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos. This 9.4-mile scenic walk also connects the California State University, Long Beach campus, Reservoir Hill, Hilltop Park in Signal Hill, Longview Point at Willow Springs Park and Rancho Los Cerritos. There will also be 3.5-mile and 6-mile options available, and all participants are invited to attend the 175th anniversary celebration of Ranchos Los Cerritos at the end of the walk. Participants will be able to purchase food and bring proper identification to responsibly enjoy the beer garden refreshments.
Participation in the event is free, and online registration is available at www.longbeach.gov/ranchoswalk.
Full Ranchos Walk: the full walk is 9.4 miles from just outside Rancho Los Alamitos to the entrance of Rancho Los Cerritos. Sign in from 7:30-8:30am at 1200 Palo Verde Avenue. Parking is available for a $9 all-day fee in CSULB lot E6. Carpooling, busing, and biking are encouraged. The walk will begin at 8:00am.
6-Mile Ranchos Walk: the 6-mile walk is from the National Guard Armory to the entrance of Rancho Los Cerritos. Sign in from 9:00-10:00am at 2200 Redondo Avenue. Parking is very limited. Carpooling, busing, and biking are encouraged.
3.5-Mile Ranchos Walk: the 3.5-mile walk is from Longview Point at Willow Springs Park to the entrance of Rancho Los Cerritos. Sign in from 10:00-11:00am at 2755 Orange Avenue. Parking is very limited. Carpooling, busing, and biking are encouraged.
Shuttle services and water will be provided along the route. Only service dogs will be permitted.
Schedule:
7:00 AM: Shuttle service opens
7:30 AM: Registration for the full Ranchos Walk opens at CSU Long Beach, 1200 Palo Verde Avenue
8:00 AM: Ranchos Walk kickoff
8:30 AM: Full Walk Registration closes
9:00 AM: 6-Mile Ranchos Walk registration opens at the California National Guard, 2200 Redondo Avenue
10:00 AM: 6-Mile Walk registration closes, 3.5-Mile Walk Registration opens at Willow Springs Park, 2755 Orange Avenue
11:00 AM: 175th Anniversary Festival opens at Rancho Los Cerritos, 3.5 Mile Walk Registration closes
2:00 PM: Ranchos Walk 2019 Closes
Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and apply plenty of sunscreen. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations along the route. Three rest stops along the route will provide water, snacks, first aid, restroom facilities, and information for participants.
Please no dogs. This is a long walk and could be too much for your furry friend. Service dogs only will be allowed.
Download the izi Travel app on your smart phone to access digital route guidance and audio information on points of interest along the route. Open the app and search for "Ranchos Walk" to find the tour and start route guidance. Bring a power bank to ensure your battery will last for the full walk.
Bring money and your ID to purchase food and enjoy refreshments in the beer garden at the Rancho Los Cerritos 175th Anniversary Celebration.
Long Beach Sustainability is partnering with the departments of Public Works and Health and Human Services, as well as Walk Long Beach, Rancho los Cerritos and Rancho los Alamitos to host this event.
We are proud to make Ranchos Walk 2019 free for all participants. Please consider supporting the Ranchos Walk through a donation to one of our partners: Walk Long Beach, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Rancho Los Alamitos.
We hope you can join us!
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.
