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
Oct
8
Tue
Fight Hunger at Tuesday’s Farmers Market in Culver City
Oct 8 @ 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.

Oct
9
Wed
Habitat Restoration at the Audubon Center at Debs Park!
Oct 9 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

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.

Storytime with Mr. Steve @ Vroman's Bookstore
Oct 9 @ 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

Fight Hunger at Wednesday’s Farmers Market in Santa Monica
Oct 9 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 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.

**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.

Halloween Special “Died in Long Beach” w/ Author Claudine Burnett @ Belmont Heights United Methodist Church
Oct 9 @ 6:30 pm

Join us Wednesday, Oct 9th for our monthly BHCA meeting featuring Long Beach author Claudine Burnett.

Died In Long Beach

Just in time for Halloween, Claudine Burnett will present “Died In Long Beach”,  a fascinating history that unveils surprising historic facts about the deaths of our city founders, politicians, accident victims and Civil War veterans along with stories of the people who cared for the dead and dying.

Are any of our cemeteries haunted?

Were there actually “cemetery wars” at the turn of the century?”

Claudine Burnett is officially listed as one of the top 10 authors from Long Beach and enjoys a rich following through her numerous books and articles.  She will answer these questions and more for this fun and interesting Halloween themed presentation. 

Wednesday night also marks the start of the BHCA clothing drive, collecting used children’s coats and used clothing for children and adults on behalf of The Children's Clinic Family Health Center at Roosevelt Elementary School and the Mama J Jackets Clothing Drive.  Clothing and jackets can be dropped off at this meeting.

We meet at the Belmont Heights United Methodist Church, 317 Termino Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814.  Enter at the back parking lot and look for our banner at the stairwell.  This is a public event and everyone is welcome

6:30 pm mixer/refreshments.  General meeting 7:00 p.m.

Contact Will Cullen @ 562-881-4530 for more information. President@mybelmontheights.org 

Click here to view our award-winning newsletter   –  News From the Neighborhood

Oct
11
Fri
Habitat Restoration at the Audubon Center at Debs Park!
Oct 11 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

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.

Oct
12
Sat
Peace 4 Kids
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

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!
Storytime with Mr. Steve @ Vroman's Bookstore
Oct 12 @ 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

Oct
13
Sun
29th Annual L.A. GOAL Art Show and Open House @ L.A. GOAL
Oct 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join us for our 29th Annual L.A. GOAL Art Show and Open House!
The artists have been working hard to create an exhibit you don't want to miss! In addition to exhibiting our Members’ incredible works from this year, the show will also be an Open House at L.A. GOAL and will include collaborative art-making opportunities in our studio. We can’t wait to see you there!

Captain Ron’s “The Galley Restaurant” Sponsors 11th Annual Home Run for Kids Softball Game @ Palisades Charter High School Baseball Field
Oct 13 @ 10:00 am

Join us for 7 innings of slow-pitch softball at the 11th Annual Home Run for Kids Softball Game! 

Benefitting children with hearing loss.

Teams: Captain Ron's "The Galley Restaurant" vs. Kehillat Israel Temple

Warm-ups begin at 10:00 am
Star-Spangled Banner at 10:55am
Game begins promptly at 11:00 am

Complimentary lunch at the Galley to follow. Significant others and families are welcome to join! Please RSVP for lunch by October 9th to captainschur@gmail.com.

Your donation of $175 will allow you to play softball or sponsor a "Galley Girl" to play in your place. Games are adults only. To sign up, contact Captain Ron Schur at 310.701.5096.

Make checks payable to: NO LIMITS

Please put in memo "Captain Ron Softball"

Mail to: The Galley, Attn: Captain Ron/Softball

2442 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405

 

We look forward to seeing you on the field! Thank you for being an MVP for our deaf children and families!

 

Grand Slam for a deaf child: $5,000

This Grand Slam will sponsor a deaf child for one year of services at No Limits, providing individual therapy, parent education, literacy, and so much more!

PURCHASE

 

Home Run for Parent Education: $2,500

Your home run hits is out of the park to provide bi-weekly literacy instruction, helping deaf children learn to read and write.

PURCHASE

 

Base Hit for Parent Education: $1,000

With your base hit contribution, you'll provide weekly parent education to our families!

PURCHASE

 

No Limits Fan: $500

Become a die-hard No Limits fan, giving deaf children and their families vital services they need to succeed.

PURCHASE

 

Play Ball for No Limits: $175

Take your spot in the line up for 7 innings of slow-pitch softball! Your support includes complimentary lunch at the Galley following the game.

PURCHASE

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.