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It's a given that a lot of people are unemployed right now. Our economy is in the dumps and unemployment rates are close to hitting record highs which makes this the perfect time to start volunteering. Angelenos who don't have a job right now would do well to keep themselves busy and involved while they look for steady work. Plus, volunteering while out of a job looks great on a resume and might even result in a paid position when funding at your nonprofit of choice kicks back in.
If you're already employed, then good for you. Doing something great for the city, the people, animals and policy in it can only add to your already obviously awesome Karma. LA.com is here to hook you up with the best chances available to give back.
Heal Hunger Pains LA Regional Food Bank
Serving families with incomes that fall below the poverty line in LA county, the LA Regional Food Bank is kind of like a grocery outlet, only the groceries are free instead of really cheap. Volunteers are needed in almost every capacity a grocery store would require, stocking the aisles, placing goods in shopping baskets and sorting items.
Hospitality Kitchen AKA The Hippie Kitchen
Located in the heart of Los Angeles' Skid Row, this soup kitchen serves a lot more than hot stew. Extra hands are needed in the kitchen to prep foods and outside in the line to serve the homeless masses who come downtown to get something hot and filling in their bellies.
Save Our Planet Heal the Bay
Famous for its beach side cleanup days, Heal the Bay has a bevvy of other opportunities year round for volunteers to roll up their sleeves in the fight to keep our precious coastline clean and safe. Opportunities range from short-term commitments like helping out in beautiful locales such as the Malibu Creek watershed to long-term commitments like lending a hand at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
CA EPA-LA Clean Water Team
The LA Clean Water Team is a government agency that strives to keep a watchful eye on the health and sustainability of Southern California watersheds and wetlands. Birds, reptiles, plants and all manner of beasties live in these areas which are often plagued with unauthorized dumping or contamination. Volunteers are needed to keep a lookout and clean up when necessary.
Million Trees LA
Who knows how long people have been planting tress in an effort to beautify and improve their environments. Volunteers are welcome to continue the tradition and participate in any tree planting event across LA County--of which there are many--including a tree planting downtown on October 3.
Think of the Children Aviva
There few things more fulfilling than impacting a child's life in a positive way. Aviva of LA needs volunteers to be a positive influence in a harsh world for challenged youths in our fair city. Arts and crafts, math, reading, writing and everything else that can be absorbed by an eager mind is open for instruction to those who have the time.
826LA
This much talked about nonprofit is single-handedly making volunteer tutoring not only impactful on Los Angeles area school children, but also kind of hip. 826LA has locations in Venice and Echo Park and they are always looking for knowledgeable grownups to provide tutoring and mentor support to children from elementary to high school age.
LA Dept. of Recreation & Parks
Locations all across LA County need the aid of capable adults to help in the teaching and growth of young people. Musical, artistic and athletic talents are particularly welcomed at LA After-School Programs which strive to keep kids entertained and engaged during the in-between hours when parents are still at work and children are getting out of school.
Serve Man's Best Friend Department of Animal Care & Control
Perhaps best known for catching animals when they go on the craze, the Department of Animal Care & Control also offers services to keep animals safe and they need volunteers to tend to them. This is not a one-time thing though--the department requires volunteers to contribute at least 8 hours a month for an extended period of time. Well worth it to keep an animal out of peril.
Los Angeles Shelters & Rescues
This is the perfect volunteer opportunity for someone who has always wanted a pet, like a playful pooch or a sly little kitty, but does not have the time or the space for them. Volunteers at animal shelters get to take the dogs for walks and provide playtime, AKA exercise, for the cats in the rescues' care. There is also some poop clean up duty but it's a small price to pay for improving the life of a homeless pet.
LA Zoo
Exotic animals need love too. Volunteers at the LA Zoo can either give tours, taking training to become experts in certain areas of the animal park and botanical garden, or if they are qualified enough (having spent at least 100 hours working with exotic/large/wild animals) they can volunteer as actual keepers and get to interact with the lions, tigers and bears, oh my!, at the zoo.
LA Best Friends Animal Society
The LA Best Friends Animal Society is like a one-stop-shop for animal activists and people interested in volunteering for the love of wild things. Adoptions, information, donations--it's all there. They also need writers and bloggers to keep the public at large informed about and interested in animal rescue and rights.
Do Some Politicking Republic Party of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Politicians always need another supporter and another vote. Volunteering in local, state or even national politics can very well lead to a career in that high profile world. There's also the added benefit of taking some control over the city's or state's policies that effect us all every day. Also check out statewide volunteering opportunities with the California Democratic Party and California Republican Party.
