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.

Big Sunday Event Giving Opportunity! One-time Volunteer Opportunity Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity
Dec
14
Sat
Help Restore Natural Habitats! Volunteer at Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Audubon California’s 4000-acre Starr Ranch Sanctuary in southeast Orange County is pleased to invite you to join them as a volunteer "Weed Warrior." Weeds can alter habitats and have negative effects on wildlife. Volunteers help remove smilo grass, periwinkle, English ivy, and English plantain using non-chemical methods.

No experience necessary. Training and tools provided. Please wear clothes that can get dirty, long pants, closed-toe shoes and layers for changing weather. Bring snacks and a picnic lunch, if you wish. A personal water bottle, a hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

Adults and children ages 8 and older are welcome. Children under 13 must be accompanied by adults. Service at Starr Ranch fulfills community service requirements. Please take a look at their volunteer days from November 2019 through May 2020. Find the dates that work for you and RSVP to Sandy DeSimone, sdesimone@audubon.org

2019-2020 Saturday Volunteer Days

9am – 12:30 pm each date (*except April)

November 9 & 16

December 7 & 14

January 11 & 18

February 8 & 15

March 7 & 21

April 4, 11, & 18 *(1:30pm – 4:30pm)

May 9 & 16


If you can’t find a date that works for you and would still like to volunteer, it is possible to volunteer during the week, Monday – Friday. Please reply with a suggested date to Sandy, sdesimone@audubon.org and they will get back to you.

 

For more information on Starr Ranch Sanctuary call 949-858-0309 or visit their website: www.starrranch.org

Mulch the Gulch Volunteer Event @ Willow Springs Park
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Volunteer with the Office of Sustainability to help care for the native plant restoration area at Willow Springs Park! This is a 12 acre restoration area filled with native coastal sage scrub and wetland plants. It features hills and low-lying areas that form a natural gulch. Volunteers will spread mulch and remove invasive species to help the native plants thrive.

 

Saturday, December 14th 9am to 12pm,

Willow Springs Park

Parking is available at 2755 Orange Avenue.

 

Gloves, tools and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers. Minors will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian: http://longbeach.gov/globalassets/sustainability/media-library/documents/about-us/events-calendar/longview-waiver

 

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/592589961281742/

 

For any questions contact Sustainability@longbeach.gov or 562-570-6396

Storytime with Mr. Steve @ Vroman's Bookstore
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Vroman's favorite storytime guy, Mr. Steve, shares books with little ones every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the kids' section of the store.

Ages 2 – 7

KCF’s Holiday Event
Dec 14 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Dec
15
Sun
OC Animal Care Volunteer @ OC Animal Care
Dec 15 all-day

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.

Native Garden Volunteer Day
Dec 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The mission of CNPS is to conserve California native plants and their natural habitats, and increase understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants. We achieve this mission at the native garden days at Point Vicente Interpretive Center through community based native gardening.

Program Description: Volunteers learn about California native gardening which gazing out at the Pacific Ocean at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. The garden provides important habitat for endangered species and inspires people to plant local. The volunteer maintenance of the garden is critical to it's success. 

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities: Volunteers will be pruning, weeding, watering, spreading or collecting native seeds, learning irrigation systems, planting, and mulching the oceanside garden.  

Time Commitment: 2 hours.  
Requirements: Close-toed shoes, clothes for outdoor work.

Benefits: Volunteers benefit by receiving a full training on proper garden techniques that they can use at home and enjoy an enriching educational experience in a beautiful setting.   

*This project is created, organized and managed by our nonprofit partner. Once you click on EXPRESS INTEREST below a staff person from that organization will contact you to follow up.
Food on Foot Sunday Serving
Dec 15 @ 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm

For over 20 years, Food on Foot has been assisting the homeless by providing nutritious meals, clothing, work opportunities and ultimately the transition to full-time employment and life off the streets.

As an awesome volunteer, you will help distribute food and clothing to up to 200 homeless and low-income people in Hollywood. Children ages 6 and up are welcome to attend! (All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

Volunteering takes place every Sunday from 3:15pm to 5:00pm in our serving location in Hollywood (1625 N. Schrader Blvd).

REGISTER HERE!!!

There's free parking for volunteers at the serving location!

You will also get a chance to meet and hear stories from the homeless participants in our Work for Food program. Graduates from this program leave the streets with a full-time job, permanent housing, a life-skills education, and the confidence needed to make their accomplishments long-lasting.

Volunteer positions require a $25 donation per person.

Your generous gift of $25 will go towards the following:

  • The cost of food you will help distribute that day.
  • Food gift cards and prizes you will give to the top workers in our Work for Food program.

Up to 200 homeless and low-income people will thank you, and it will be an experience you will never forget.

We are in need of donated clothing!

We are in need of gently used clothing (children to adult sizes), warm jackets, suits, dresses blankets, sleeping bags and backpacks.

All clothes donations are tax-deductible and can be dropped off when you come to volunteer.

Please limit your clothing donations 5 bags' worth of clothing or less.

Dec
17
Tue
OC Animal Care Volunteer @ OC Animal Care
Dec 17 all-day

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.

Fight Hunger at Tuesday’s Farmers Market in Culver City
Dec 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
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.

Dec
18
Wed
Storytime with Mr. Steve @ Vroman's Bookstore
Dec 18 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Vroman's favorite storytime guy, Mr. Steve, shares books with little ones every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the kids' section of the store.

Ages 2 – 7

How it Works

You can SEARCH by scrolling through the Months or by selecting different Categories or Tag functions. For a totally different view, try the Posterboard or Stream options! Feel free to submit an item for the calendar by clicking the “Submit Your Event / Opportunity” button above at the right-hand side of the page. Questions? Email calendar@bigsunday.org.