VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Below is a comprehensive list of our volunteer organizations. If you'd like more information on an organization or its volunteer positions, please contact us. Click here to return to the list of volunteer opportunities organized by category.

Note: Many of our sites have adjusted their volunteer opportunities due to COVID-19. All sites that are operating are taking the necessary precautions to promote health and safety. 

 Aging & Independence Services (AIS)

Aging & Independence Services (AIS), part of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, provides programs and services to help older adults and persons living with disabilities to stay safe, healthy, engaged, and as independent as possible.

​AIS has the following volunteer opportunities:

RSVP Advisory Council - Be an ambassador for AIS and the RSVP program in the community. Assist with event planning, fundraising, and the ongoing growth and development of the program. Attend monthly meetings.

Community Unit Volunteer - Assist with special events, including health fairs and intergenerational opportunities. 

Long-Term Care Ombudsman - (Advocates for residents in long-term care facilities). Support this program by serving as an administrative aide. 


LOCATION:
KEARNEY MESA
​VIRTUAL

 

Alpine Community Center

Volunteers are treasured at Alpine Community Center! Everything that takes place is the direct result of volunteer action. The community’s commitment to owning and maintaining a community center is demonstrated through the terrific volunteer support.
​
ACC volunteers enjoy getting to know their neighbors, participating in a local volunteer opportunity that is well organized, and watching their contribution make a huge difference in their community.  Volunteer opportunities include, administrative support, meal delivery, and nutritional aide.

LOCATION:
ALPINE

 

Alzheimer's San Diego

Alzheimer’s San Diego is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, information, and assistance to families throughout San Diego County while also helping to advance critical local research for a cure. As the local leader for dementia support and awareness, Alzheimer’s San Diego provides a lifeline for families, caregivers, and those living with a dementia diagnosis by offering a comprehensive suite of supportive programs at no cost, while also advocating for improved diagnosis, treatment, and care.  
 
Current Opportunities 
 
Virtual Companion Volunteer 
Conduct weekly online visits with individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. These visits will be done on a virtual platform, such as Zoom, FaceTime, etc. Volunteers will provide companionship for and socialization with the individuals (and often their care partners) to help reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation and to engage them in stimulating activities, such as conversing, playing online games, and going on virtual trips to the zoo. The minimum time commitment is about one (1) hour per week.

VITALZ Volunteer
Make scheduled calls to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia who live alone. The purpose is to check in, ensure they are well, and to provide a few minutes of socialization. The minimum time commitment is two (2) hours per week.

Positions available when the pandemic is over

Companion Volunteer 
Provide in-home respite visits to a person living with dementia, to allow their care partner to get a break. Volunteers provide companionship, socialization, and supervision for the person living with dementia. The minimum commitment is about four (4) hours per week.
Education Assistant
Provide assistance with Alzheimer's San Diego classes, workshops, conferences, health fairs, and special events. These occur all over San Diego County. The minimum commitment is 2-3 hours per month.
Receptionist
Greet the public, answer and forward calls, and maintain the reception and hospitality areas. They are the face of the organization and must be warm, compassionate, and patient. The minimum commitment is three (3) hours per week.
Special Events Volunteer
Provide assistance at special events, such as Walk4ALZ, Rides4ALZ, and the Visionary Luncheon. Volunteers help with a range of tasks such as registration/check-in, greeters, and refreshments. The minimum commitment varies depending on the event. Episodic volunteers are welcome.

LOCATION:
KEARNEY MESA
​VIRTUAL

 

American Red Cross of San Diego & Imperial Counties

The American Red Cross is 90% run by a committed volunteer workforce who respond to disasters, provide community education, host blood drives, support our veterans and military families with resources, and all the behind the scenes to make an impact in the Southern California Region. For a list of our ongoing volunteer opportunities in the San Diego & Imperial Counties chapter please CLICK HERE.

We are constantly looking for new volunteers to work at blood drives, deliver blood to local hospitals, train to become disaster responders, provide administrative and tech support virtually, and so much more.

Due to COVID, we have shifted many activities virtually. Opportunities like wellness calls to the VET community, Home fire safety trainings for seniors and a seasonal program distributing home readiness kits. Our in-person blood drives and disaster response activities follow all the County's health & safety guidelines. The safety and well-being or our volunteer's is #1.

Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
Blood Services Volunteer Engagement Lead: Provide support with onboarding and training. Assist with scheduling,
reinforce the shift cancellation policy, provide customer service, and build team support. Virtual work includes, phone
calling, emailing, and Microsoft Teams virtual meetings. Commitment: 2-4 hours per week for 1 year.
Reconnection Workshop Facilitator: Licensed mental health professionals are sought to facilitate workshops over Zoom
to military, veterans, and their families in various community-based settings. Commitment: 10 hours per month for 1 year.
Hero Care Caseworker: Provide sensitive customer service support to military families in need of help. Connect
clients with information and resources tailored to their situation and eligibility. Training required. Commitment: One
2-4 hour weekly shift for 1 year.
Virtual Preparedness Presenter: Bilingual Spanish speakers who are tech-savvy and comfortable hosting
presentations on Zoom and Microsoft Teams are needed to provide disaster preparedness presentations to different
groups, such as seniors and elementary school children. Training on curriculum content is provided. Team leaders are
also needed to coordinate team schedules, organize presentation sites/hosts, and recruit new partners.

LOCATION: CLAIREMONT MESA EAST

 

 Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Help visitors from around the world discover the wonders of our blue planet.  Volunteers share Birch Aquarium's mission, inspire conservation, and showcase the groundbreaking research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.  Annually, more than 400 volunteers guide visitors through exhibits, answer questions, and work behind the scenes.  All positions require attendance at a new applicant Open House which is offered quarterly. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum six month commitment of one 4 hour shift per week and to purchase an annual Volunteer Membership at $30 upon successful completion of the applicant interview. Volunteer member benefits include free unlimited admission for the volunteer, free aquarium passes annually, informative special lectures, and other discounts and exclusive opportunities. 

Tide Pool Interpreter (year-round)
Help make our simulated tide pool plaza come alive for our visitors by demonstrating coping strategies for life in a harsh environment.

Greeter (year-round)
Welcome visitors, provide an orientation to the facility, answer questions and distribute literature on aquarium programs.

School Programs Assistant (October - June)
Assist aquarium instructors in the classroom with hands-on curriculum covering a variety of marine topics including tide pools, fish diversity and kelp forests. Volunteers must first clear a background check to participate in this program.

Aquarist Assistant (year-round) 
Volunteers seeking to help in this role must begin in other areas listed above first. These volunteers help our husbandry staff with cleaning and various tasks related to maintaining healthy exhibits for our living collections. Aquarist assistants may make observations of water conditions, food preparation, and possibly help with feedings (however, this is not a guarantee).

We follow all UC San Diego Covid-19 safety protocols, which means conditions and requirements for volunteer positions are subject to change. 

Carlsbad Police Department

If you are age 50 or over and looking for a challenging, fun way to contribute to the community while helping reduce crime and increase law enforcement services to the community, then senior patrol may be it. Senior volunteer patrol members contribute approximately 30 hours per month and perform a variety of functions.

 

California Highway Patrol - EL CAJON, OCEANSIDE & SAN DIEGO

The California Highway Patrol is looking for motivated citizens who want to give something back to their community as Senior Volunteers.​​​​​ Volunteers assist the CHP in providing enhanced public service to the community.

This is an opportunity for senior citizens to make a definitive contribution towards improving public safety service and security. The Senior Volunteer Program (SVA) instills among participating volunteers an understanding and appreciation of the justice system, human relations, and ethics in the field of law enforcement. ​

You must be 55 years or older, can volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per week, pass a background check, have a good driving record, and complete the CHP Senior Volunteer Training Program.
​
There are three locations available for our senior volunteers:  El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. There are four major categories comprising the current contributions of the Senior Volunteers to the CHP:

1. Administration
2. Public Affairs
3. Volunteer Use of the CHP Vehicles and Related Duties
4. Ride-Along with Uniformed Officers​

 

Chula Vista Garden Club

The Chula Vista Garden Club meets on the 3rd Thursday each month (except July & August) from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Norman Park Senior Center – 270 F Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Our garden club offers a warm and inviting environment to anyone interested in gardening. Everyone in our club is encouraged to have their backyard Habitat Certification and to have their landscape artistry become more drought tolerant.

We have a strong sense of civic pride as demonstrated by the many civic beautification projects that we do. We have planted many green spaces; among them are the blue star Memorial Garden, Veterans Park, the two Chula Vista Libraries and others locations.

This year in September 2021 is the 75th anniversary of the Chula Vista Gardening Clubs Founding. 

 

Chula Vista Police Department

The Chula Vista Senior Volunteer Patrol is comprised of formally trained, uniformed volunteers, 50 years of age and older. Members perform services such as vacation house checks, vehicle abatement, parking enforcement, You Are Not Alone (YANA) calls and visits, and traffic control. Senior volunteer members also assist with crime prevention programs and special events.

 

Coronado Police Department

The Coronado Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) has been in existence since 1995 and is continuing its rich tradition of supporting Police Department activities and the local community. SVP’s mission is to enhance the individual and collective safety and general welfare of all the people of the City of Coronado. SVP support these goals and objectives by providing high visibility patrols and other non-enforcement services to the Coronado Police Department which allow sworn officers to focus on their primary mission of crime prevention and enforcement of the law. Activities include: being additional “eyes and ears” for PD, vehicle/beach/foot patrols, Vacation House Checks, abandon vehicle abatement, parking citations/warnings, traffic control, radar monitoring, Special Event support and more.
 
Our current membership, which includes both residence and a number of non-residences of Coronado all see the value of serving a great community and working closely with a service oriented Police Department that prides itself on integrity, professionalism, respect and teamwork. We are proud to be a part of an organization that provides superior public safety services to enhance the quality of life for the community. The Coronado SVP is always looking for energetic seniors to become a part of this team while developing new friendships and enhancing your knowledge of the community and law enforcement activities. If you are over 50, want to be part of a dynamic team and have at least 120 hours per year to volunteer this opportunity is for you! We look forward to hearing from you to learn more about our great program.

The Coronado Police Department is dedicated to providing outstanding law enforcement services to the community of Coronado. The department employs 67 paid employees and uses 40 civilian volunteers for the Senior Volunteer Patrol,  Reserve Officer and Explorer programs. The Department is a service-oriented agency that prides itself on integrity, professionalism, respect and teamwork.

The Coronado Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) was started in1995 with a Since then, the Senior Volunteer Patrol has conducted 20 academies  trained over 130 recruits and currently has 31 volunteers as it continues to grow as an essential element of  the Police Department.  Since 2000 the SVP has provided over 175,000 hours of volunteer support for an estimated savings to the city of over $4 million.

 

El Cajon Police Department

The objective of the El Cajon Police Department’s volunteer programs is to provide auxiliary support services throughout the department. As a result, the police department is able to provide a higher level of service to the citizens of El Cajon while affording an opportunity for the volunteer to give back and make a difference in their community.

​Volunteer opportunities include:

• Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP)
• Police Volunteer Unit  
• Clerical duties 
• You Are Not Alone (YANA)

 

 ElderHelp of San Diego

ElderHelp provides personalized services and information that help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes. Volunteers play a vital role providing services that enhance the quality of life for a senior. 

Opportunities:

• Transportation: Help with rides to appointments, errands, and social activities (Flexible schedule & mileage reimbursement available.)
• In-Home Help: Assist with grocery shopping, delivery of food and essential items, mail sorting, companionship, light gardening, and more.
• Check-in calls for seniors: Match up with a senior and have regular calls making sure they have everything they need.
• Home Safety & Maintenance: Install safety bars, conduct safety inspections, repair railings, and more.
• Other volunteer opportunities include directly supporting the organization through administrative work, special events, and board or committee involvement.

For some in-person opportunities, full COVID vaccination is required. 

 

Escondido Police Department

Volunteers can and do make a difference in our community. 
Escondido Police Department Volunteers perform a wide range of non-hazardous duties. Volunteers provide many services for the department, such as administrative duties, ticketing illegally parked vehicles, assisting with traffic control, and performing vacation home checks.

 

Foundation For SeniorCare

We offer services and resources for seniors to live independently and age at home -- from transportation, adult day care services and care advocacy to our senior computer learning center.
 
Opportunities

Expanded Rides Volunteer
Use your own vehicle to transport seniors and the disabled who are not able to drive themselves long distances to medical appointments outside the Fallbrook Area.

Care Advocate Volunteer
Provide friendly follow up or check in phone calls and send greeting cards for birthdays and holidays.

Adult Day Care Volunteer
Assist with arts and crafts, activities, and engage in conversation with clients at The Club.

Office Volunteer
Behind the scenes support doing clerical work, data entry, mailings and phone calls.

Events Volunteer
We run two fundraising events per year in addition to other in house events and can use help on the event day and in preparation for the event.

 

George L. Stevens Senior Center (4th District)

The Fourth District Seniors Resource Center (FDSRC)  works to enhance and embrace the quality of life for our “seasoned ambassadors” by providing a wholesome and safe environment for them to thrive, while assisting them to live more independently and proactively. 
Volunteers needed in a variety of capacities:

• Administrative Aide
• Culinary Aide
• Driver

• Home Visitor​

 

Gloria Mcclellan Adult Activity & Resource Center

Volunteers provide needed services and support for members of the senior community and their families. 
​Volunteer Opportunities

• Senior Services
• Lunch Program
• Transportation
• Travel

Temporarily Closed Due to COVID-19.

 

Heaven's Windows

Heaven's Windows provides support and emergency services for residents with hunger relief, nutritional education, advocacy, and community service. Heaven's Windows works towards building bridges to improve quality of life, in the greater San Diego area. We strive in bringing together charitable organizations, government agencies, social services, and religious organizations for the mutual benefit for our community.

Heaven's Windows have volunteer positions in its administration, warehouse, food pantry, and more! 

 

Home Start, Inc.

To effectively prevent and treat child abuse, Home Start addresses the conditions that can contribute to risky or abusive situations – poverty, unsafe neighborhoods, lack of affordable housing, and unemployment – while concurrently addressing individual self-sufficiency and emotional needs.

​Guided by our mission to assure the safety and resiliency of children by strengthening families and their communities, Home Start, Inc., a non-profit child abuse prevention, and treatment agency has strengthened and developed San Diego’s families and communities since 1972.

Volunteer Opportunities include:

• Thrift Boutique and Donation Assistance
• Front Desk/Greeter
• Administrative/Office support
• Skilled Volunteers

 

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. In more than 40 countries and in 26 U.S. cities, our dedicated teams provide clean water, shelter, health care, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people. 

Some volunteer positions available in San Diego include:

• Citizenship Tutor
• After School High School Tutor
• VITA Virtual Tax Preparation Volunteer
• Women’s Resilience Center Garden Volunteer

 

Jewish Family Service

One of the core objectives of Jewish Family Service is to support aging with dignity.
​
Volunteers opportunities that achieve this core objective:

• VITA Tax Preparer
• Foodmobile driver
• On The Go driver
• Project 19 driver
• Center for Jewish Care driver 

 

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) and San Diego Center for Jewish Culture (CJC)

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center and San Diego Center for Jewish Culture promotes programs and events for the enrichment of guests of all ages. Meet new people, participate in meaning activities, and play a role in shaping your community. The community center is open to all; not just those who identify as Jewish.
​
Volunteers assist with

• Ushering guests
• Evaluating programs
• Transporting guest speakers
• Event set up
• Marketing/social media
• Community service
• And more! Check out the website for current opportunities. ​https://www.lfjcc.org/volunteer.aspx.

 

Living Coast Discovery Center

About the Living Coast Discovery Center:
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a non-profit zoo and aquarium located in Chula Vista (San Diego), California. Each year it hosts 85,000 guests including 25,000 students. The Living Coast Discovery Center is situated on a National Wildlife Refuge along San Diego Bay. It boasts of beautiful views of downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and the protected wetland marsh habitat with over a mile in walking trails. The Living Coast’s collection includes native wildlife and endangered species such as sharks, rays, sea turtles, hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, reptiles, and more. Your support as a volunteer will help the Living Coast continue its mission to inspire the local community to connect with and care for our coastal environment.
 
Volunteering Opportunities at the Living Coast:
Our dedicated volunteers and interns are an essential part of our team. Annually, our volunteers donate a combined 28,000 hours of energetic, wildlife-loving effort annually in every area of the organization.
 
Areas to volunteer include:

• Arts & Crafts Leader
• Animal Care (birds or aquatic department)
• Docent (leads tour groups)
• Education (camp & field trip assistance)
• Guest Experience /Roving Interpreters
• Maintenance Crew
• Horticulture & Gardening
• Office/Clerical/Admin
• Exhibit Monitor (Shark & Ray, Aviary, & Touch Tank)

​
Opportunities are limited Due to COVID-19.
​

Meals on Wheels

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization and we are in need of volunteers now more than ever. We couldn’t serve thousands of seniors without our dedicated team of volunteers. We have COVID-19 safety measures in place to protect volunteers and clients, such as contactless meal delivery. We also deliver dog and cat food for our seniors’ pets at no cost. 

Opportunities

• Companionship Calls – weekly calls to seniors to help ease social isolation and loneliness
• We Care Packages – donate gift bags with useful items that will gifted to seniors on birthdays, holidays or any day to show that we care
• Meal delivery.

 

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society San Diego

Volunteers make it possible for our donated funds to directly assist Sailors, Marines, and their families.  Helping Sailors and Marines in times of need or crisis is an excellent way to make a difference while adding purpose and perspective to your own life.

When service members seek out assistance, they often interact directly with one of our skilled volunteers.  As a volunteer, you can expect to:

• Receive specialized training
• Get extensive support and resources
• Connect with other volunteers and build friendships
• Get assistance with child and dependent care and mileage expenses
• Help others and make a difference
• Build experience to add to your resume
• Feel appreciated and have fun​

 

Paternal Opportunities Programs & Services

To protect family unity through prevention, support, collaboration and advocacy for paternal, parental and tribal justice in all branches of the courts through active partnership and best practices.  POPS is a child wellbeing organization that advocates for children to have the right to equitable access to both biological parents.  We engage in prevention activities; offer support and advocacy; and collaborate in order to achieve paternal, parental, and tribal justice in all branches of the courts.

The Center is Temporarily Closed due to COVID-19.

 

Resounding Joy Inc.

Resounding Joy enhances the human experience with therapeutic applications of music. We uplift individuals and families with challenging conditions, help them achieve their goals, and support health and wellness throughout the community. We offer our powerful and cost-effective music therapy services, primarily for children with disabilities, military service members and veterans, and a volunteer-driven program to provide outreach to isolated older adults.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Music-Based: Music skills required for performance and drumming, all other positions welcome all abilities.
  • Joy Givers
  • Junior Joy Givers
  • Event Performer
  • Semper Sound Drummer
  • Semper Sound Audio Tech
• Nuts & Bolts: The roles help keep the organization running
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Google Ads Team Member
  • Graphic Designer
  • Music Therapist Assistant - Indiana
  • Office Assistant
  • Research Miner
  • Social Media Team Member
• Advisory: Professional Experience in the associated field required
  • Government Contracting
  • HR Advisor
  • Marketing & Branding
  • Social Media Strategist
• Interpersonal & Networking: These roles focus on increasing the organization's visibility in the community through relationship building
  • Access & Inclusion Assistant
  • Appreciation Assistant
  • Music Therapy Advocate

​Click here for further detailed information.

In-person, hybrid, and virtual options available for many positions. Requirements for specific positions may include a background check, reliable transportation, vaccination, or masking, per partner agreements or CDC guidelines. All positions require no financial investment. A $15 donation is optional to cover the cost of background check, as relevant.

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego provides a place to stay, meals, and the necessities of home so families can focus on caring for their critically ill or injured child being treated at a San Diego-area hospital.

We want to share our immediate volunteer needs at the Ronald McDonald House Charities® San Diego with you. If you are fully COVID vaccinated, boosted, and ready to resume volunteering (and we hope you are), please consider helping with one or more of these assignments. We look forward to partnering with you to help families who need our support during a most difficult time.

Please note, these opportunities are available because they meet the current social distancing requirements.

Front Desk/Reception
Front desk/reception volunteers are the first of many friendly faces our families and visitors see when they come to our House. A front desk/reception volunteer combines altruism with detailed organizational skills. You will greet visitors, support guests with details about the House programs (such as mealtimes), give tours, answer phones, schedule activities, accept deliveries/donations, greet donors, provide and help keep our great room tidy and welcoming. You may also assist with special projects including toy/clothing distributions, building welcome bags for guests, data entry, mailings and filing, and other administrative tasks.
SHIFTS: Seven days a week 7:00 am to 11:00 am; 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Kitchen Assistant
Are you a foodie with a philanthropic heart? Do you wish you could be on a team that delivers culinary creations to an appreciative group of diners? If you answered YES, we at Ronald McDonald House Charities® San Diego have a volunteer opportunity for you -- let the chef in you LIVE in our commercial kitchen! Bring your sous chef skills to task assisting our kitchen staff to prep, cook, and serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner to families with children staying in local hospitals due to serious illnesses and injuries. Your creations will be experienced by approximately 150-200 people each day who need to stay nourished during a most challenging time. Shifts available seven days a week!
SHIFTS: Seven days a week (except Mondays) Breakfast, 6:00 am to 8:30 am; Lunch, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Drivers (Fresh Food Rescue)
Food is love and that love is in motion when you drive a Ronald McDonald House Charities® San Diego vehicle to rescue fresh food from local stores such as Costco, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Target. The food you deliver back to the House will be thoughtfully prepared and served to sustain families eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner here while their children are treated and admitted to local hospitals. Your time driving and delivering the food positively impacts families to sustain their strength during their child’s healing process. Weekday shifts available! SHIFT: Wednesdays 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Ronald McDonald House Charities® San Diego -- February 3, 2022
Receiver (In Kind Donations)
We need you to help the operations of the house stay on target by assisting our drivers and staff with unloading and sorting in kind donations. You will help by distributing them where they need to go in our facility as well as help keep the food storage area (silo) manageable by stocking shelves and organizing food. SHIFTS: Wednesdays; Thursdays; Fridays 8:00 am to 11:00 am

 

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Our senior volunteers provide support and expertise for every area of the Museum, including docent-led tours, restoration, education, special events, collection care, and administration.

​Below is a partial list of the volunteer opportunities available:

• Docents

• Restoration

• Greeters

 

San Diego Automotive Museum

The staff of the San Diego Automotive Museum is a very harmonious team with a highly positive attitude made up of a small core of paid employees and a large pool of wonderful volunteers like you.

We are looking for more such people to assist the museum in promoting and sustaining this great environment, and we encourage your participation.
Candidates must have a healthy team spirit, be at least 18 years of age, and be willing to participate with a regular commitment.

The mission of the San Diego Automotive Museum is to tell the story of the social and technological past, present, and future of motorized vehicles throughout its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Do you have a love of cars and or motorcycles? Join the San Diego Auto Museum Family! The San Diego Automotive Museum in beautiful Balboa Park is looking for volunteers who love the history of cars and motorcycles and enjoy interacting with the public. 

Docents are needed to work on the floor of the museum and interact with the public. Docents are the front line of the San Diego Auto Museum's operations. After 20 hours, you can be trained in other areas such as tours, library, car restoration, off site events such as Good Guys, etc.

Volunteers receive the following perks: Free Admission to the Museum, discount in the gift shop, and earn free passes.

 

San Diego Blood Bank

Volunteers with San Diego Blood Bank use their skills and talents to support the mission of saving lives. Your gift of time can make a lasting impact in our community.

Reasons to volunteer with San Diego Blood Bank:

• Make a difference in the lives of others
• Connect with the community
• Flexible volunteer hours
• Satisfy community/school hours
• Volunteer appreciation events

We value the skills of each volunteer and work hard to match your strengths with our community’s needs.

Opportunities include:

• Bloodmobile Greeter
• Donor Center Host 
• Special Events
• Office Administration/Special Projects

 

San Diego Botanic Garden

The San Diego Botanic Garden inspires people of all ages to connect
with plants and nature.   

The San Diego Botanic Garden depends upon volunteer support – in a big way! Our team of volunteers offers talent, commitment, hard work and sincere caring to our Garden. They are creative and motivated, helping in many facets of the Garden.

Opportunities:

• Gardening
  
• Event Coordination
• Leading tours for children and adults
  
• Community outreach
  
• Admissions
  
• Gift shop

 

San Diego Canyonlands

San Diego Canyonlands' mission is to promote, protect and restore the natural habitats in San Diego County's canyons and creeks. We do this by fostering education and ongoing community involvement in stewardship and advocacy, and by collaborating with other organizations.

Volunteer events include invasive plant removal, native plant planting, trash pickup, and debris removal. Additional opportunities include event and landscape photography, data entry, event reporting, and more.

 

San Diego County Library

San Diego County Library serves San Diego County with 33 branches and 2 bookmobiles. 

​Volunteers perform a variety of duties, including, but not limited to: presenting and assisting with branch events, tutoring adult literacy learners, reading to children in the "Grandparents and Books" programs, helping students with homework, leading book discussion groups, and serving as Internet docents.

Duties: Volunteers perform a variety of duties, including, but not limited to: presenting and assisting with branch events, tutoring adult literacy learners, reading to children, helping students with homework, leading book discussion groups, and serving as Internet docents.

 

San Diego Electric Railway Association

The San Diego Electric Railway Association (SDERA) is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the San Diego Electric Railway
​Volunteers opportunities include:

• Restoration Volunteer
• Docents and Guides
• Gift Shop Volunteer
• Historical Research Volunteer

 

San Diego Oasis

San Diego OASIS is a unique educational program for adults 50+ who want to continue to learn and be productive throughout life. Membership is free and open to anyone 50 or older. You can give back to our community by helping children and adults.  We offer many ways to use the skills and experience you have developed over a lifetime. 

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Intergenerational Tutoring
• Center Volunteers
• Instructors
• Ambassadors

 

San Marcos Senior Activity Center

The San Marcos Senior Activity Center provides a variety of programs that promote the social, emotional, and physical well-being of independent older adults. The Center offers access to community resources, services, nutrition programs, and leisure activities that help foster social connection, vibrant aging, personal autonomy, and lifelong learning. ​

Senior Volunteers are needed for the following areas:

• Delivery Meals
• Drive up book exchange
  

• Virtual bingo

 

San Pasqual Academy

The San Pasqual Academy Neighbors (SPAN) intergenerational mentoring program brings foster youth and foster grandparents together in a warm and supportive community.

San Pasqual Academy is a residential education campus designed specifically for foster youth located in Escondido. Through the San Pasqual Academy Neighbors (SPAN) program, older adult “foster grandparents” live on-campus in affordable accommodations and in exchange share their wisdom, insight, friendship, and experience with the youth. They assist the youth in developing social skills, making life choices, developing career interests, and modeling adult/adolescent interactions.  In addition to working one-on-one with the youth, the surrogate grandparents conduct group events for the holidays and have an adopted house on campus. 
The grandparents provide many enrichment activities for self growth such as such as art, cooking and pet therapy. Group events have included pumpkin carving, holiday caroling and chili cook-offs to name several. 
 
Note: During COVID19 this organization is not accepting new volunteers.

 

San Diego County Sheriff's Department

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department serves contract cities and unincorporated areas within the county. Volunteers may assist with administrative tasks, or can be part of the Senior Volunteer Patrol to assist with patrolling neighborhoods and checking on the welfare of elderly or disabled persons. 

​All Senior Volunteer Patrol applicants approved for the program attend a formal two-week academy, prior to being assigned to a patrol station in their area. Some of the topics covered include: Alzheimer’s Safe Return, You Are Not Alone (YANA) program, crime prevention strategies, department orientation, ethics, rules of conduct, radio training, and basic traffic control.

 

San Diego Police Department

The San Diego Police Department has divisions located throughout the City of San Diego. Positions include: 

• Volunteers in Policing (V.I.P)
  Area Station V.I.P – Assist area station with office work, research, reports, and answering phone calls
  Telephone Report Unit V.I.P – Take police reports for minor and ‘no suspect’ crimes over the phone, and ensure proper elements of each type of crime exist.
• Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP)
  Assist area stations with crime preventions programs within certain geographic boundaries by providing additional resources to Department, performing vacation house checks, You Are Not Alone (YANA) checks, and promote community awareness and acceptance of R.S.V.P program.

 

Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla

Scripps Health has been providing quality clinical and surgical services since 1924 in 5 hospitals and numerous clinics throughout San Diego.  At Scripps, volunteering isn’t just for the young, it’s also for the young at heart.  No matter your age, Scripps volunteers donate their time to welcome guests, create crafts for patients and even escort their furry friends through the canine therapy program.  Volunteers provide service to patients, families, staff, and the community in various positions inside and outside of the hospitals, including the gift shops, information desks, and nursing floors. 

Whether guiding visitors to their loved one's room, providing comfort items to patients or helping staff with provide excellent patient care, Scripps volunteers touch lives of our patients in many ways. Volunteers greet patients and visitors, assist patients at the bedside, support patient’s family members in the waiting rooms, and assist staff members in clinical areas.
Volunteers are assigned to shifts in the Intensive Care Units, Emergency Department, Nursing Units, Volunteer Office, Gift Shop, Canine Therapy, Waiting Rooms, Information desk and much more. Do you know how to knit or crochet? We are looking for volunteers who can make caps for our newborns.

Our volunteers give thousands of hours of service each year in many ways. Our volunteers’ efforts are appreciated by staff, physicians, patients, and their families and enhance the overall level of care we provide.

• Must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and have other childhood vaccinations.
• Must be willing to make a commitment to volunteering for six months and 100 hours.
• Serve in at least one four-hour shift a week.

We have opportunities throughout the Scripps system and at various locations. Please let us know what area of town you wish to volunteer.

 
Volunteer Opportunities

• Canine Therapy
• Community Support
• Craft Unit
• Musician
• Physical Therapy
• Retail
• Spiritual care
• Clerical
• Information Desk
• Patient Care
• Support Services 

 

Senior Gleaners of San Diego County

Senior Gleaners glean (gather) surplus food from fields, backyards, stores, and restaurants and distribute the food to non-profit agencies throughout the county that feed the hungry. 

Volunteers can assist with:

• Gleaning fruit or other crops one morning a week from donors throughout San Diego County.  (Volunteers work in small crews focusing on various regions of the county.) .
• Gleaning unsold food several days per week from grocers, restaurants, and fast food outlets, primarily in the greater San Diego area.

 

Serving Seniors

Serving Seniors provides impactful programs and services to older adults living in poverty. 

Opportunities:

• Nutrition Support:  Food brings folks together!  Help create a sense of community and respect for Serving Seniors’ clients by serving meals.  Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch.
• Courtyard Concerts: Bring live music to seniors! We are inviting music performers (of any level) to perform in the courtyards of our housing sites. Perform one time or on a recurring schedule at any of our locations. Downtown San Diego, City Heights, or Ramona.
• General Store Organizers: To help Serving Seniors process the in-kind donations we receive.  This may include counting, sorting, and organizing donations and helping us thank donors.
• Walking Group Champion: Join our senior walking group for a 45–60-minute walk around the downtown area. Enjoy fresh air, visit scenic and historic sites in downtown San Diego and get to know our seniors! 
• Accounting Assistant:  Looking for an indirect way to support seniors?  Help the accounting department with filing, scanning documents for a few hours each week or month.

 

 

Southern Caregiver Resource Center

Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) is a private, non-profit social services agency that has been offering free services to family caregivers of adults with chronic and disabling conditions since 1987. With a team of highly qualified, professional staff, SCRC supports families through a full range of programs and services such as Specialized Information, Family Consultation/Case Management Services, Respite Care, Short-term Counseling, Legal/Financial Consultation, Education and Training, Support Groups, Employer Resources and evidence-based programs such as REACH2Caregivers/CALMA. 
​
​Opportunities:
Education Department Volunteer:

• Assisting at health fairs and education events
• Calling event registrants to confirm attendance
• Assisting with bulk mailings, entering attendance rosters onto mailing lists, and other duties as assigned

Office Assistant Volunteer:

• Providing back up to Administrative Assistants by answering phones and directing calls
• Calling event registrants to confirm attendance
• Assisting with bulk mailings, entering attendance rosters onto mailing lists, and other duties as assigned ​

Community Outreach Volunteer: NEW OPPORTUNITY!

• Supports SRCRC's mission of helping families and communities master the challenges of caring for adults with chronic and disabling conditions. 
• Help connect family caregivers to vital services. Tasks will include dropping off flyers at community locations and occasionally participating in resource distribution sites.
• While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer is occasionally required to stand, walk or sit for long periods of time. The volunteer may occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: 
  
  • Familiarity working with community outreach and social service agencies.
    
  • Be self-directed, willing to take initiative, and detail oriented.
    
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with individuals in need in the community.
    
  • Able to represent the program to clients and the public.

 

St. Madeleine Sophie's Center

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center educates and empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to realize their full potential.

We are in need of volunteers who can assist in the many areas we offer, any day or time though usually Mondays - Fridays between 9 am and 2 pm. 

Requirements: Minimum of 30 hours of service in 3 months or a commitment of 1 year of service.

Opportunities:

• Marketing
• Administrative duties
• Event planning

 

The Children's Initiative

The mission of the Children's Initiative is to help San Diego County's low-income children, youth, and families thrive and prosper. For more than 20 years, the Children's Initiative has served as an advocate and custodian for effective policies, programs, and services that support the education, health, safety, and well-being of children and families in San Diego County. 

​Volunteers 50 and older are needed for the Scaling Reading Success program that places tutors with students who need extra assistance with reading. Tutoring is virtual during the 20-21 school year.

 

The Foundation for Senior Wellbeing

The Foundation for Senior Wellbeing hosts the Information Resource Center (IRC), a comprehensive resource for North County seniors, their caregivers, and families, dedicated to improving seniors' quality of life. 

Opportunities:

• Wellness checks with other seniors.

 

Trauma Intervention Programs of
​San Diego (TIP)

Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) of San Diego, Inc., is a non-profit volunteer-based program developed to provide support and assistance to those traumatically affected in emergency situations. When a trauma occurs, partnering agencies such as law enforcement, fire, and hospital personnel request a TIP volunteer to be with survivors to provide much needed emotional and practical support immediately following the crisis. TIP works closely with partnering agencies to provide a different dynamic to the emergency response system to meet the emotional needs of surviving victims. Training is 3 months with a one year commitment.

 

Traveling Stories

Traveling Stories empowers children to achieve their dreams. Whether that dream be earning a new basketball or being the first in their family to go to college, Traveling Stories helps children develop the confidence and life skills they need to succeed!

Traveling Stories is proud to introduce its newest program: the Virtual StoryTent. Developed in response to Covid-19, the Virtual StoryTent matches children ages 5-7 (kindergarten-second grade) with reading mentors for weekly, one-on-one StoryTent sessions using Google Meets. During sessions, children read and chat about books with their mentor. For every book read, children earn Virtual Book Bucks, which may be redeemed for prizes through Traveling Stories' new online prize store.

The program duration is six weeks with one 30-45 minute session each week. There is no charge to participate. Parents may re-enroll their children in the program.

Opportunities:

• Virtual Help Desk: help children (grades K - 2nd) and reading mentors (volunteers) get on to their Google Meet Virtual StoryTent sessions. You will be responsible for keeping track of session attendance, answering minor tech questions, and sending template text messages and emails.
• Reading Role Model: facilitate weekly one-on-one video calls with their assigned reader, a student aged between five and Seven, on our Virtual Story Tent platform. During these meetings, Reading Mentors will be asked to read aloud with the child, as well as distribute Book Bucks for each book the child has read. The earned Book Bucks can then be used by the reader to purchase prizes on our online Prize Portal. These prizes will be delivered to the readers free of charge!

​Requirements:

• Application and background check
• Virtual orientation
• Virtual training (1-2 hours to complete)
• 6 week commitment

 

USS Midway Museum

 Voted #1 visitor destination in San Diego, this aircraft carrier tells the story of ‘the city at sea’.  Volunteers are essential to the everyday operation of the museum, a dynamic "crew" that shares in the passion of having fun, while building a greater sense of community. Veterans and civilians encouraged to apply. Monthly commitment for at least 4-6 months required. Come Live the Adventure!

Opportunities: 

• Docent/Tour Guide:
  • This position interfaces with the public and provides a personal touch to Midway’s self-guided audio tour of the museum. Being a docent is probably one of the most rewarding experiences a volunteer can encounter as you witness positive reactions of visitors to informative and personal presentations.
  • Training Provided. A 7-week, 40 plus-hour training curriculum (6 hours each session), using a standardized outline covering all aspects of ship familiarization, exhibits, history and interpersonal skills. After completing classroom study, 20 hours of “on the job” training with a seasoned docent is required before successfully completing a walk-through with a docent leader. 
  • As a docent graduate, you will give brief talks to groups at various locations throughout the ship. All activities are under the direction of the Chief Docent and daily operations are delegated to a Docent of the Watch who makes various daily shift assignments.
  • ​After completion of the above requirements and receiving a “yellow hat,” a minimum of 20 hours per month is required. Scheduling is flexible with shifts available 7 days a week; shifts are 4 hours each in the am or pm with occasional frequent opportunities to assist at private evening events.

• Safety Team:
  • Help ensure the safety and enjoyment of guests as they explore Midway
  • Patrol all areas of the ship to serve guest safety needs throughout Midway, as well as at special events and military ceremonies
  • Provide basic first aid for guests and Midway staff (training provided)
  • Respond to all emergency situations, medical or other
  • Monitor the entrance and all exits helping guests – from toddlers to veterans – enter and leave Midway safely
  • Monitor the loading zone and parking areas ensuring the safety of our guests on and around Navy Pier
• Education - Overnight Program:
  • Assist youth program team to host groups during evenings or early am hours. This position is meant to provide educational support rather than caregiving.
  • Prospective volunteers must be friendly, articulate, have the ability to climb ship’s ladders, and be at least 18 years of age. Criminal history security check is required.
  • Supervise groups and help facilitate activities, such as tours and presentations. At least one shift per month. Evening shifts are 3 – 11 pm, Morning 6 – 10 am, or full overnight. There are 45 events per year.
• Knot Team:
  • We are looking for volunteers who enjoy people and enjoy crafts. Previous knot-tying or macramé experience is preferred, but we are willing to train. Midway has a very popular exhibit where volunteers demonstrate rudimentary knot tying skills. They also make and give knotted items, such as, Turks-head bracelets, lanyards, and monkey fists for a suggested donation that supports our scholarship program. The total donations collected for the year 2015 was more than $100,000 from more than 17,000 knotted items. The donations go to scholarships for local students pursuing higher education.
• Guest Services Ambassador: 
  • This position offers a unique opportunity to assist our Guest Services Team in providing a welcoming museum environment for our guests.
• WWII Veterans as Storytellers:
  • This opportunity involves World War II veterans who share personal stories with Midway guests. Midway visitors are eager to meet veterans with first-hand experience.
  • Conversational/freestyle discussion; additional visual aids may be used by the guest speaker to enhance their personal stories. Volunteers are asked to participate for one or more 2-hour shifts per month on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

​

 

Words Alive

Words Alive connects children, teens, and families with the power of reading. Our mission is to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading. We envision a world where everyone is connected to the power of reading and the innumerable ways that it enriches our lives. We also know that empowering experiences turn individuals into agents of change and advocates for their own education, and that when everyone can read, whole communities thrive. At Words Alive, we believe that the world we envision is made possible through the simple, essential, and effective act of reading together.

Opportunities:

• Read to children preschool – early elementary, either in-person or virtually
• Lead a book group for teenagers from historically underserved communities
• Lead a session of virtual workshops for preschoolers and their families – read books, facilitate crafts and activities, teach methods of promoting early literacy
• Assemble learning kits for children and families
• Write and edit curriculum guides and learning resources

 
No experience necessary! Training is provided.

Need Help or Have Questions?
P: (858) 505-6399

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