Community Service Searches / Volunteer Opportunities
Here are just some examples of searches and links to community service/volunteer opportunities. This is not a complete list and there are many options not listed on this page, including the ones you may create on your own!
*IMPORTANT: Always have a trusted adult involved when choosing where to volunteer. It is important to confirm that it is a safe and legitimate volunteer opportunity. Although we share very reputable search sites, we cannot validate every option offered under each site's searches, therefore you should be extra diligent with the help of an adult, before committing or giving out personal information.
Community service descriptions are taken directly from the program websites.
Searches
Volunteer Opportunities
Offers many volunteer opportunities throughout San Diego. Also, provides links to other search sites.
As an American Cancer Society volunteer you can honor a survivor or a loved one lost to cancer, help save lives of people in your local community, and around the world. It only takes a little time to do a lot of good. Discover how rewarding it is to be a volunteer.
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Volunteers are invaluable to the daily operation of the American Red Cross and are truly the heart and soul of the organization.
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.
Share your love of reading by becoming an Everyone A Reader (EAR) volunteer. You can become a tutor who helps a 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-grade student reach their reading potential.
Volunteers can utilize their talents in a variety of programs including preparing and serving meals, tutoring kids, doing maintenance/beautification projects and much, much more.
The Guardian Angel Program to date has served nearly 100,000 seniors throughout all San Diego County regions. Visit with a senior, engage in conversation, embark on a social stroll, present various activities or just be an active listener. Engage seniors in a game of bingo, bridge, bocce ball, “name that tune” and much more. Facilities are always looking for energetic volunteers willing to lend their creativity.
Pet/Music & Art Therapy: If you have a therapy certified pet or special music/art talent you can engage seniors through a guided class or with your furry companion.
We need your help to make the vision of affordable housing a reality for hardworking families in San Diego County. You can help us by volunteering in the following ways - Help build or rehabilitate a home at a construction site, coordinate a group build day, volunteer in the ReStore, assist with office needs and administrative duties.
I Love A Clean San Diego leads and inspires our community to actively conserve and enhance the environment through example, outreach, and local involvement.
Kaiser Permanente Junior Program
Students in the program will be trained to serve as a Medical Center or Medical Office Guest Guide. In this role, they will offer directions, answer common questions, escort patients and provide wheelchair assistance to those in need. Each student will be partnered with an experienced volunteer who will provide mentorship, encouragement and support.
Volunteers are our lifeblood. We could not accomplish serving the thousands of seniors we serve throughout the year without the help of our devoted volunteers. They deliver meals, support our operations in the offices and at events, and are partners in keeping seniors healthy and independent in their own homes.
Volunteers are at the heart of our Rady Children’s family. And the difference you can make is profound. Your gift of time will help us provide the highest possible quality of service to our patients, families, staff and communities.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Rancho Coastal Humane Society. We offer a flexible and fun volunteer program. With a wide array of opportunities, from pet therapy to on-site animal companionship, there is something for almost everyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of companion animals.
At any given time, there are up to 150 people on a waiting list to take advantage of this free literacy program. Helping someone learn to read is giving them the gift of knowledge with the power to change their entire world! Your volunteerism can help change lives!
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Volunteers make the difference in the lives of all the families that come through our doors – cooking, hosting, listening, nurturing, or by simply being there and helping out in any way they can.
Rueben H. Fleet Science Center
The Fleet offers numerous volunteer and intern positions in a creative, fun environment. From the gallery floor to the education classrooms to behind-the-scenes administration, every volunteer and intern is an invaluable part of the Fleet family and helps to ensure our guests’ experiences are meaningful, memorable, educational and fun.
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center (RJKCCC) is a 12-acre family support, education, recreation, and cultural arts center.
San Diego County Volunteer Program
Make your contribution to better government and a better community, put your personal values into action, and receive training and work experience to jump-start your career by volunteering for the County of San Diego. Volunteering with the County of San Diego is an opportunity to give back to your community and/or gain valuable job opportunity.
The Food Bank relies on individuals and volunteer groups to help us in our warehouse, at food distribution sites, and at Food Bank events. Anyone who is 11 years of age and older is welcome to volunteer. Training is not required, and there are no time commitments. You may volunteer one time, or on a regular basis.
Compassionate, dedicated volunteers are essential to our programs and services organization wide and it is important to us that volunteering be a meaningful experience for everyone who participates. We recruit new volunteers on an as needed basis giving us time to meet the hundreds of people who express interest and make sure they are placed in an appropriate role and properly trained before they begin.