Quick Overview: We are working to fight hunger and food waste in Southern California, and we'd love to have you join us.

Mission or Broader Program Description: Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need, and inspiring others to do the same.

Impact: You will be collecting beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables that would otherwise get thrown away, and donating 100% to local food banks, pantries, and shelters.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities: Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help us collect donations of fresh produce from vendors at your local farmers market and box, sort, and weigh the produce. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. Wear comfortable work clothing and close-toed shoes, and bring water to drink. ​​​​​​​

Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.​​​​​​​
* Volunteers 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.

**All volunteers must register through the Food Forward website. Sign up here: www.foodforward.org/volunteer.** 

After expressing interest, the opportunity leader will contact you to confirm your participation and provide directions for this opportunity.

Our Homeless Service Center connects homeless individuals and families with services, housing and case management. We provide laundry facilities, showers, mail boxes and assistance with registering to receive hot meals at Bread & Roses Cafe.

Volunteer duties include: Assisting homeless clients with making appointments for services (laundry, showers, meals, etc.), sorting mail, and providing other assistance as needed.

Requirements include being able to stand for long periods of time, alphabetize mail, greet clients, etc

Join us for TM@10 (Thursday Mornings at 10) at Big Sunday headquarters where we’ll host a different service project each week that benefits a worthy cause! Enjoy good food, good company and good deeds; everyone is welcome. Some of the groups we’re helping include My Friend’s Place, Covenant House, and lots of shelters, hospitals, and senior facilities around all over town. For more info or to sign up, contact rob@bigsunday.org.  Click HERE for TM@10’s full schedule.

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.

Our Homeless Service Center connects homeless individuals and families with services, housing and case management. We provide laundry facilities, showers, mail boxes and assistance with registering to receive hot meals at Bread & Roses Cafe.

Volunteer duties include: Assisting homeless clients with making appointments for services (laundry, showers, meals, etc.), sorting mail, and providing other assistance as needed.

Requirements include being able to stand for long periods of time, alphabetize mail, greet clients, etc

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.

Our monthly all-ages beach cleanup bonanza, 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month except December.

Beach cleanups are a great experience for you and your family, friends and co-workers to get involved in the community and environment. All you need to do is show up…and bring reusable supplies, if possible! We provide the supplies, all you need to do is register, sign a waiver, and show up! Visit Heal the Bay’s Eventbrite page for details about the location for this month’s Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanup.

This is a rain or shine event. Cleanups are only cancelled for lightning or thunderstorms. We will still hold the cleanup in light and steady rain. In this case, please come prepared with a rain jacket, appropriate shoes, and an umbrella.