Volunteer Opportunities 
South Orange County
by Holly Wilcox, DHHS, Class of 2012

Junior Achievement of OC and the Inland Empire

Will Ferguson, 949 515-1998, Ext. 4514, www.orangecounty.ja.org, wferguson@jasocal.org, Minimum Age -16, Hour Requirements – Once a week for 5 visits for ½ hour per visit, Training is provided.  Responsibilities:  Teach Junior Achievement hands-on economic, kit based program to K-2nd grade students at a local elementary school.  Each lesson is ½ hour and the JA kit includes posters, worksheets, stickers, etc. for the K-2nd Grade students.  Volunteer teachers must read the lesson prior to teaching at the elementary school.  All classes are taught during school (afternoon) or after school setting.  A total of 10 hours of community service hours are awarded at completion of program., www.jaocie.ja.org   

Second Harvest Food Bank – Orange County Harvest

www.feedoc.org, volunteer@feedoc.org, You may find volunteer opportunities online at www.volunteermatch.com, Advanced Search, keyword – Second Harvest, and a list of current volunteer opportunities will be listed.  Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday year-round to label, pack, and sort food items in the Food Bank’s warehouse.  You may volunteer individually or as a group.  Morning and afternoon shifts are available.

Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter

Mallory Gompert, 949 757-3705, Minimum Age – Varies, Hour Requirements – Varies depends on volunteer position, Training – Yes, volunteers are required to attend a one-hour volunteer orientation prior to volunteering.  Internships are available.  Additional training provided for each job.  Volunteer Responsibilities available – Youth Liaison:  Implement educational and fundraising initiatives in Orange County schools, youth groups, churches, girl scouts, and boy scouts. Coordinate projects such as the 5000 Penny Project and Casual for a Cause Day to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the Association.   Office Volunteer: Assist with general office duties such as copying, filing, mailings, data entry, telephone calls and record keeping. Event Volunteers: Assist Chapter Committees with fundraising or educational events and projects such as the Crean Classic Golf Tournament, An Affair to Remember Gala, Memory Walk, Memories in the Making Art Auction and/or educational conferences.  Library Assistants: The Alzheimer’s Association has a lending library that contains information regarding Alzheimer’s disease for families and professionals to borrow. Volunteers are needed to help maintain inventory, process new books and contact people with overdue materials.  All of the volunteer opportunities can be on an ongoing or on-call basis.  Annual events that can use teenaged volunteers - Memory Walk (Volunteer and High School team participants), Crean Classic Golf Tournament, An Affair to Remember Gala, Memories in the Making Art Auction, Educational Conferences.

Shade Tree Partnership

Leslie, 949 453-5312, bonkowsl@irwd.com, www.shadetreepartnership.org; No minimum age, No time requirement, You may register to volunteer online. You may register to volunteer online at our website under "Volunteers". Volunteers are needed to work at our nursery on 9/27; 10/25, and 11/22 (all Saturdays from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.). Shade Tree Partnership has a nursery with 9,000 trees and volunteers are needed to perform nursery tasks, including upsizing seedlings into one gallon or 15 gallon containers, weeding, pruning, and staking. No experience is required as we train during the event. To thank our volunteers, a continental breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. and a barbecued lunch with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and cookies will be served at 11:00 a.m. Also, we provide students community service hours for their work effort.   

Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Megan, 714 508-4757, Please visit their website at www.irvineranchwildlands.org under Activities.  Upcoming volunteer opportunities will be listed with the specific requirements to volunteer for the particular events.  Programs & Events: Assist with registration and check-in on programs and hikes, assist with hikes. Docents: A docent is a volunteer trained in the basics of ecology and natural history. Docents assist staff naturalists with hikes, campouts and summer camps.

Irvine Historical Museum

Gail Daniels, 949 854-0510, No minimum age, no hour requirement, training is provided.  Responsibilities – Catalog museum items and upkeep exhibits.  Volunteer opportunities available by appointment.

Back to Natives Restoration

Reginald Durant, Director of Restoration or Lori Whalen, Director of Education, 949 509-4787, www.backtonatives.org, Minimum Age – depends on activity, No hour requirements.  Internships available.  Training is provided.  Volunteer opportunities are available all year round.  Must be willing to learn physical skills including shoveling, weeding, digging, how to use a wheelbarrow, and biological monitoring.   

American Lung Association

714 835-5864, Ext. 105, Natalie Martinez, Minimum Age – 16 / unless accompanied by an adult.  Responsibilities:  light office work, mailings.  There are special events throughout the year which require volunteers,  you may contact Natalie at any time for a schedule of upcoming events.

Council on Aging-Orange County

714 479-0107, Carolina Gutierrez, www.coaoc.org or visit http://www.coaoc.org/new/html/volunteer.htm, You may review the current volunteer opportunities available and fill out a volunteer online registration form directly online.

Philharmonic Society of Orange County

Diane Perez, 949 553-2422, Ext. 227, www.philharmonicsociety.org, Description of duties:  research new curriculums, present programs in schools, organize and staff concerts, filing, mailings, and other essential administrative tasks.

Open Space Services/Turtle Rock Nature Center

Amy Litton, alitton@cityofirvine.org, 949 724-6738, http://www.cityofirvine.org/depts/cs/openspace/volunteer_opportunities.asp, Nature Center: Trail maintenance, non-native plant removal, administrative assistance. We offer Eagle Scout and Gold award projects to interested scouts.

Irvine Animal Care Center

Christine Franco or Jenny Shively, 949 724-7740, irvineshelter@cityofirvine.org , minimum age/15, minimum time commitment/8 hours a month for the first six months.  After the first six months, they require all volunteers to maintain a minimum of 5 hours per month (excluding the month of December).  Responsibilities:  animal shelter work, administrative tasks, special events, or foster care.  Training is provided.  Opportunities available all year around.

Families Forward

Debbie Regele, 949 552-2727, Ext. 226, www.families-forward.org, info@families-forward.org, Minimum age – 14, Warehouse Work Volunteers needed.  Responsibilities: inventorying, shelving, and organizing donated food.  Most opportunities are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings, 9 a.m. – 12 noon.  Summertime or spring break is a great time for high school students to work in the warehouse.  Food drive volunteers are also needed.  Volunteers are also needed for the Families Forward Gala/Silent/Live Auction held on September 20, 2008.  Volunteers will help with preparations of set-up and/or work the night of the event.  Different time/shifts are available.  Half-Marathon Race to Support Families Forward, December 8 in Irvine.  Volunteers needed to staff various stations of the race.  Additional volunteer opportunities are available.

Yellow Ribbon America

Brad, (714) 454-1150, www.yellowribbonamerica.com, Please visit website for more information and current volunteer opportunities.

Heritage Park Library Bookstore

Carol Tsai, (949)-551-7160, Minimum Age/16, No hour requirement.  Description of duties:  shelve books and tidy shelves. http://www.ocpl.org/16brnch.asp

Girl Scout Council of Orange County

Lesley Finch, 949 461-8861, lfinch@gscoc.org, Minimum Age – Depends on the event, Yes, there are hour requirements.  Training/orientation is provided.  Brief description of volunteer responsibilities:  The Girl Scout Council of Orange County accepts staff applications for Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 for “Cadette-O-Rama”, a weekend camping skills competition and camp-out held annually in October.  Positions are available for “Red Hats” (10th -12th” graders) and “Blue Hats” (9th graders and older) and training is provided.  Staff positions are open to individual girls.  Girls who serve as staff for this event are not required to apply/attend with an adult.  There are various volunteer opportunities throughout the year.  Please visit www.gscoc.org.

March of Dimes

949 263-1100, Sarah, sweeda@marchofdimes.com, Minimum age/14, No hour requirement/flexible.   Responsibilites: varied and training will be provided.  March for Babies – April 2009, various events throughout the year. http://www.marchofdimes.com/california/

Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

949 859-6312, Tom Summa, www.pcrf-kids.org, Minimum Age/12, No hour requirement.  Responsibilities – packaging and mailing, light office work.  Special Events throughout the year can use volunteers.

Birth Choice

Kathryn Go, 949 261-2981, Minimum Age/13, No hour requirement.  Volunteer application will need to be completed.  Responsibilities:  child care, office work, filing, copying, answering phones, etc. http://www.birthchoiceoc.org/ 

Wyland Foundation  

497-7979, www.wylandfoundation.org, please visit the website for various volunteer opportunities such as beach clean up days, organizing a beach clean up, etc.

My Hero Project

949 376-5964, Jeannie  email: myhero@myheroproject.org,  website:www.myhero.com, Minimum Age/None.  Hour Requirement – depends on volunteer assignment.  Responsibilities may include multimedia work, graphic arts, journalism, and light office work.  Special Events include Film Festival at USC in November and Hero Festival in May.  Volunteers needed to create and distribute original flyers.  Writing assignments are useful to the organization.  Highly recommended for students interested in journalism, or multimedia.  Internships are available with opportunities for paid freelance work.  Bilingual volunteers encouraged to volunteer however not required.

The Raise Foundation

Kristin Jefferson, 955-1578, Ext. 13, Kristin@theraisefoundation.org, Various community projects throughout the year i.e., November - Thanksgiving Food Drive, February - Annual Bundles of Love Drive, April – Mother’s Day Drive, April – Pennies for Prevention, June – Thanksgiving in the Summer.  Description:  Coordinate/Host a Drive at church/school, attend the sorting and packaging at the end of the collection drive. http://www.theraisefoundation.org/WebFormsA/Default.aspx?S=18

Laguna Beach Community Clinic

Marcy Boyne, 949 494-0761 ext. 141, mboyne@lbclinic.org, www.lbclinic.org, Minimum Age/14.  Responsibilities may include light office work, assistance as needed by director.

Sierra Club

Robin Everett, 361-7534, robin.everett@sierraclub.org, No Minimum Age. Gardening, maintaining trails, etc.

Bridge Learning Center for Homeless Children

Howard Levin, 494-0591, Minimum age/13, Description: An all volunteer organization, from teens to seniors, who spend one hour per week working with a child, one-on-one to increase their self-esteem and social ability.  Tutoring is only in the basic 3Rs but also help them keep up with the rest of the class as necessary.  http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/opp_detail.jsp?oppid=64822

Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley

Nicole Belair, 949-240- 7898, ext. *19, nbelair@bgccapo.com. Minimum Age – 13, Minimum Hour Requirements – 30, training/orientation is provided; Responsibilities:  aid staff members with preparation and supervision of members during after school activities.  The schedule can be flexible; you may work directly with the children after school on a regular basis and/or assist with special events that happen in December, February, March, May, & September.

Laguna Beach Women’s Club

womanscluboflagunabeach@yahoo.com, Infrequent need for volunteers, however, you may email for current opportunities.

Laguna Art Museum

Derry Coe, 949 494-8971, Ext. 217, dcoe@lagunaartmuseum.org, computer literate volunteers are needed.  Special Events are held during the year, assisting with registration, selling raffle tickets, assisting the caterers.  Office skills are also needed, filing, help with mailings.  Also assistance with the Museum Store is also needed.  http://www.lagunaartmuseum.org/Volunteer.html

SHARE Mountain Bike Club

Ken Rands, 636-0345, info@sharemtb.com No Minimum Age.  No hours required.  Will provide tool use and safety.  Will provide all trail tools.  Description:  Volunteers would meet at a specified location and hike or ride to the work site.  After instruction, volunteers would maintain trails by moving soil to prevent erosion or cutting back brush to keep the trail clear.  Also participates in Inner Coastal Clean Up Day.  Can coordinate with a group that would want to volunteer.  Will provide all trail tools.  For scheduled events, see the calendar on http://www.sharemtb.com/

Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

Nancy or Laura, 497-3552, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, Minimum Age/18.  Hour Requirement:  4 hours per week, shifts are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m.  Due to insurance reasons, they request a one year commitment. Two Hour Mandatory Volunteer Training is held one Saturday or Sunday a month.

Friends of the Sea Lion/Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Marine Mammal Recovery

Kiersten Sedlick, 494-3050, ksedlick@pacificmmc.org, Minimum age/18 for ongoing basis, contact Kiersten for annual event opportunities wherein teenagers younger than 18 may be able to volunteer.   Training is provided.
Description of Duties:  We currently have two volunteer positions available, animal care and education.  Both volunteer positions require a one-year commitment.  Education volunteer shifts are once a week for 3 hours.  Animal care volunteer shifts are also once a week, but generally last 4 hours or more (animal care volunteers are often here 6-8 hours during the busy season).  Our education volunteers are, in a sense, on the front lines.  They have the most involvement with the public.  Education volunteers greet visitors, answer questions, and provide various groups with presentations in our classroom.  They also get to do fun marine-related activities with the kids.  Usually, we send an education volunteer out on rescues with animal care to answer any questions the public might have (they are usually curious as to what is going on).  Our animal care volunteers do the dirty work, so to speak.  It is hard manual labor and we require that you be able to lift 50 lbs over your head.  Animal care volunteers are involved with the daily cleaning, feeding and rescuing of our Pinnipeds patients.  Animal care is hard work, yet quite rewarding. Kiersten stated that she is currently working on a Teen Volunteer Program for 2008, please contact Kiersten if you are interested.  http://www.pacificmmc.org/howToHelp/volunteer.php

Friendship Shelter

949 494-6928, James Gard, office@friendshipshelter.org, www.friendshipshelter.org

Laguna Beach Library

949 497-1733, Rebecca Porter, Minimum Age/13 No hour requirement.  Various volunteer opportunities available, sort books, shelve books, Read to Me Program, crafts, etc.

Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce

949 494-1018, Rose Hancock, info@lagunabeachchamber.org, Minimum Age/16, No hour requirement.  Responsibilities – light office work and/or Special Events throughout the year, Community Expo in October, Hometown BBQ – July 2009, Hospitality Night in December.

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen

949 548-8861 –Volunteer Hours are Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m to 5 p.m.  Saturday volunteer hours are 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon.  In order to volunteer, you will need to leave a message on the answering machine.

Zero Trash Laguna

www.zerotrashlaguna.org, Clear our streets and beaches the first Saturday of each month.  Please visit website for current information.

Child Guidance Center, Inc.

Elaine O’Rourke, 714 953-4455, Ext. 613, Minimum Age/Varies, No hour requirement.  Light office work, copying, filing, sorting, etc.

Laguna Beach Playhouse

Lee Prouty, 949 497-2787, Ext. 203, www.lagunaplayhouse.com, Duties include: ushering, helping with mailings, education or group projects, and much more.

Saddleback Memorial Center

Patricia Dooley, 452-3728, pdooley@memorialcare.org, Minimum age/16.  Must attend volunteer orientation before becoming a volunteer. Must be able to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours (4 hrs a week).  Two TB Test are required.  Medical clearance from your doctor is required.  Criminal Background check if over 18.  Must purchase volunteer uniform $25 and $6 dues annually.  All volunteers are required to attend additional training and must show competence with the assigned duties.  There is also a campus in San Clemente.  http://www.memorialcare.org/saddleback/volunteers/volunteers.cfm

South County Community Outreach

949 380-8144, Don Ruff, www.saddlebackoutreach.org, Minimum Age 12 accompanied with an adult.  Volunteer Hours Mon. thru Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Volunteer duties:  Sorting food and misc. help as needed.

Challenger League – Little League

Patty Stoner, 949 364-1961, Description of Duties:  Assist K-7th grade children with physical and mental disabilities the basics of throwing, catching, hitting, base running, and having fun.  There is a possibility there may be a basketball league for disabled children as well.  http://www.district55.org/challenger.html

Corazon, Inc.

Maria Mazzenga Avellanda, 949 830-7494 or 949 830-7429

Country Villa Healthcare

Shari Ryan, 949 837-8000, Description of duties:  Assist patients in moving to and from activities, participating in activities, and room visits.

Kids Konnected

Carol Reed, 949 582-5443, Description of duties:  Volunteers needed for a range of support services for kids who have a parent with cancer.  http://www.kidskonnected.org/donate/volunteer.html

Her Place

949 707-5111, JoAnne, www.herplaceoc.org, Volunteers are needed for child care, performing office work or assisting counselors.

Niguel Botanical Preserve

425-5126, Minimum Age/13. No hour requirement, Various gardening opportunities available and specific all-volunteer days throughout the year.

Orange County Natural History Museum

Museum Manager, 831-3287, Various volunteer opportunities, please visit www.ocnhm.org

Discovery Shop/American Cancer Society

949 261-9446, Lorena or Shannon, Minimum Age/14 or Jacki Palmer 949 831-8523, Discovery Shop -Minimum Age/14.  Hour Requirement – once a week.  Volunteer duties:  sorting clothes, organizing shop.  The Discovery Shop is open 7 days a week.  American Cancer Society also utilizes volunteers to assist with the Relay for Life Annual event.  If interested in volunteering with the Annual Relay for Life, you may contact the Lead Area Manager, Ted Braxton at 949 567-0602 and he can direct you to the particular city organizer in South Orange County. 

Friends of the Laguna Niguel Library

Marilyn Teitelbaum, 495-0137, Minimum Age/14, No hour requirement, shelving books.

Laguna Niguel Library

Amber Ray, 949 249-5252, Minimum age/14, Time Requirement varies, Description: Homework Club, sort books, shelve books, Read to Me Program, crafts, etc.

Aliso & Wood Canyon Wilderness Park

Angeline Santiago, 714 973-6871 angeline.santiago@rdmd.ocgov.com; or 949 923-2200, alisowood@ocparks.com, Minimum Age/No minimum as long as the opportunity is safe for volunteer.  Volunteers 15 and younger need an adult 18 and over to accompany the volunteer.  Volunteers under 18 need parent/guardian permission on the volunteer application.  Minimum Hour Requirements:  Volunteer opportunities usually last 3-4 hours.  General volunteers have a 3-5 hours/month commitment.  General volunteers must attend a Program Orientation Meeting, get LiveScan fingerprinted (if 18 and over) and fill out General Application.  One Time Volunteers must have one time application and approval of volunteer opportunity.  Description of duties:  Maintaining and interpreting the beauty and allure of over 39,000 acres of parkland and open space. www.ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons

Orange County American Red Cross

Youth Services, 714 481-5300, www.oc-redcross.org, youth@oc-redcross.org.  Minimum Age/12  Please e-mail or visit their website for current special events and opportunities.  Various volunteer opportunities available.  Please visit their website for current special events and opportunities. Y-HAVE (Youth-HIV/AIDS Volunteer Educators) trains youth to present information about HIV/AIDS disease progression, transmission, testing, and prevention to middle and high school students throughout Orange County. Youth presenters plan and coordinate trainings, fundraisers, conferences, and annual events. Y-HAVE has reached more than 110,000 students and is unique because it is peer-to-peer education, allowing youth to become educated and aware of HIV/AIDS. YiES (Youth In Emergency Services) trains youth to become involved with disaster preparedness and response. Youth learn how to respond in the event of a local disaster, how to identify hazards, and how to care for themselves during a disaster. There are monthly YiES meetings and trainings (in first aid and CPR) are hosted 2-3 times each school year. LOOKOUT! is a peer education where youth are trained in bicycle, skateboard, scooter, and pedestrian safety and make presentations to elementary age children at community fairs, after-school programs, etc. Jr. LDC/LDC (Leadership Development Center) are two summer camps designed for junior high and high school students respectively. Staffed by former participants who are trained in all aspects of leading camp activities, it is open to all Orange County youth. At Jr. LDC /LDC youth learn and enhance their leadership skills through group activities and confidence building exercises. Office assistants provide assistance after-school or during the summer in the Youth Services department working on various computer data entry and clerical projects. Often times they are working on the prep work for an upcoming service project or training. Service projects are a great way to get involved and assist the community. Each month 2-3 service projects (usually on weekends) are available to youth volunteers to participate in. The service projects range from events hosted by the Red Cross to serve the community, to events hosted by other agencies that Red Cross youth volunteers would help out at. Attend Youth Council meetings held every 1st Wednesday of each month from 6 – 7:30pm to get to most updated volunteer service information.

Laguna Grove Veterinary Hospital

Betty, 949 495-8387, Minimum Age/14, lgvh@sbcglobal.net, Assist with office staff as needed.

South Coast YMCA

949 495-9622 – Sports related volunteer opportunities available such as coaching, customer service, and sports instruction and aides.   Contact Edgar @ 949 249-6213 or eanzaldo@ymcaoc.net.  Minimum Age – 18.  First Aid and CPR is required if 18 and over.  General volunteer opportunities contact person:  Marcia Marsala @ 949 249-6208, email address is mmarsala@ymcaoc.net, younger students may volunteer for short term hours and special events.  There are no hour requirements.  Annual Special Events that can use volunteers – Annual 4th of July Run in the Parks, Monthly Family Fit Nights, Healthy Kids Day held in April.

Crown Valley Animal Care Shelter

949 495-1123, Heidi, Minimum Age/18.  Assist with office staff as needed.

Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce

949 363-0136 – Debbie Newman, Minimum Age/None, Responsibilities include:  updating websites, computer work, light office work.  Training will be provided.  Special Events:  Holiday Tree Lighting in December, Taste of Laguna Niguel in August.

Laguna Niguel Woman’s Club

949 388-7964, Kathy, Minimum Age/14, Minimal need for volunteers but at times does require volunteers. 

Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation

Volunteer Hotline 362-4351, Minimum Age 13 except Haunted Trails is 14.  Hour Requirement:  See below in annual activities

South Orange County AYSO

Jim Cowart, 949 249-8036, Minimum Age/varies.  Scorekeepers, assistant coaches. etc.

Mission Viejo Activities Committee

Cathy Allen, 949 830-7066, Minimum Age/16.  Description:  Utilizes volunteers particularly at their events – The Boutique in November, Hot Chocolate at Santa’s Workshop, and at the 4th of July Celebration. www.mvactivities.com.

Birth Choice of Mission Viejo

Jennifer Irving, 949 364-3928, Minimum Age/13, No hour requirement.  Volunteer application will need to be completed.  Responsibilities:  child care, office work, filing, copying, answering phones, etc. Special community service projects available as well.

Fun With Chalk

949 367-1222, Dr. Lieberman, Minimum Age/16.   No hour requirement.  Assistance with mailings and light office work such as mailings, copying. Assist with festival held in May 2009.  Please visit their website for more information and complete the volunteer application online.  Elaine Lieberman, Volunteer Coordinator.  http://www.funwithchalk.com/

Mission Viejo Library

949 830-7100, Patrice Rand, http://cmvl.org/volunteeropps/volunteer.html, Minimum Age/None, No Hour Requirement.  Various volunteer opportunities available.  Book Drive - For each full bag of books that you bring in, the library will give you one (1) community service hour. Students are also needed for the Youth Advisory Board.  

Working Wardrobe

714 210-2460, Minimum Age 16, No hour requirements, sorting, organizing, etc.

From Chrysalis to Wings

949 916-6851, http://www.chrysalistowings.com/volunteerism.html, Please visit their website online for current volunteer opportunities.

Cabrillo Playhouse
 

Nancy Keck, 949 363-1533, mnkeck@earthlink.net, 949 492-0465, Fax 949 495-9104, cabrillo_theatre@hotmail.com, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA  92672, No Minimum Age but for volunteers under the age of 18, a note from a parent or legal guardian stating approval for the volunteer activity on behalf of their child.  Hour Requirements:  For production-related activities and event set up/tear down, there would be specific hours but for the most part, we are happy to have volunteers for whatever amount of time they can donate!  There are volunteer orientation sessions a couple of times of year.  Training for specific activities (i.e., costumes, set building, etc.) is provided at the time of the activity.  There will always be someone available to train/answer questions etc.  For the face painting booth, prior face painting knowledge/experience is very helpful. Description of volunteer responsibilities - The majority of our volunteer requirements are self-explanatory.  Specific responsibilities are based on the task.  The specific responsibilities are explained to the volunteer as the need arises.  Because of the variety of opportunities available, we need volunteers year round.  We try to do mini-fund raising activities every other month; there is a major fund raising event usually in June; play productions run from September to May or June; Face Painting at the Ocean Festival in July; and the Street Festival is in August.   Scary Story Telling at the Playhouse in October. New activities are being developed throughout the year – check our website (www.cabrilloplayhouse.org) for current information.

Casa Romantica

949 498-2139, Noreen, Minimum Age/9th Grade, Hour Requirement – none.  Responsibilities may include:  gardening, afternoon clerical work, phones, mailings, etc.  Special Event assistance at their Toast to the Casa held on the last Saturday of September each year.  You may contact Noreen for more information.

Hospice Care of the West

949 282-5948, Donna Miller – Volunteer Coordinator, Minimum Age/15.  No hour requirement.  Responsibilities – light office work such as copying, filing, creating admission packets for the nurses.  There is one Special Event, Memorial Service, during the year held on the 1st weekend in November that needs volunteers to assist in decorating and registration.

San Clemente Art Association & Garden Club

949 275-3974, Launa Gold, www.sanclementegardenclub.com, 949 498-2335, There are many opportunities in the gardens of San Clemente for interested teens to volunteer!  We participate in monthly programs at the Rio Adult Day Care Center where help would be appreciated.  We have, for years done a garden related program at the Boys & Girls Club.  Currently, we are looking for someone to chair that activity.  If we have a teen or two interested to help, that may inspire someone to chair the program.  The Garden Club’s annual Garden Fest is April 12.  We would love to have teens help with the children’s activities, plant sale, popcorn machine, etc.  Also, we participate in the Character Counts annual event in the fall.  We could really use help assisting the children plant a flower at that event. I recently took on the job of Head Gardener at the Casa Romantica. There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Casa gardens also. There would be a Garden Club member guiding the teens in all of these activities and no experience/minimum hours/training is necessary.  Pam Hill, 369-0260, pamhill.art@cox.net, Minimum Age/9th grade, however, younger students may be accepted if accompanied by parent depending upon the job duty.  Volunteers may be placed on their volunteer email list and may be contacted with specific current needs and assignments to fit volunteer’s schedule.  Some duties may include light office work such as mailings, answering phones, etc.  There is a need for volunteers with computer knowledge.  Art majors advised to volunteer for exposure to the art world but not required.  There are two main special events that can use volunteers.  Paint San Clemente on June and a 2 Day Art & Craft Faire in August 2009 Arts & Crafts Fair. 

City of San Clemente Educational Foundation Beaches Parks & Recreation

361-8353, Vicki, Minimum Age/18, No time requirements.  Responsibilities: Will need to fill out a volunteer application and will be referred to the particular department based on the volunteer’s interest.  There are special events throughout the year; you would need to fill out a volunteer application as stated above.

Ocean Festival

949 440-6141, www.oceanfestival.org  You may register to volunteer at the Ocean Festival held in July directly online at their website.  Click on the “Contact Us” to register.

Surfrider Foundation

949 206-2523, socsurfrider@yahoo.com or southoc@surfrider.org Some of their activities include beach cleanups, community outreach, newsletter writing, PR, volunteer coordination, and more!   Check their website for current volunteer information.

San Clemente Junior Lifeguards

Jr. Lifeguard Hotline - 949 361-8261 - The San Clemente City Junior Lifeguard Program is an ocean and beach oriented educational and recreational opportunity for young people, ages 10 to 17. The program is designed to increase the participant's appreciation and understanding of the recreational opportunities and hazards of the ocean environment. Participants receive education and experience in ocean safety, first aid, rescue techniques, body surfing, board surfing, body boarding, physical fitness, and Marine Safety operations. Applicants should be in good health and physical condition.  http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=99

San Clemente Chamber of Commerce

Norma, 949 492-1131, www.scchamber.com, Minimum Age – 15, No Hour Requirement.  Various responsibilities such as answering phones, assist visitors.

San Clemente Hospital & Medical Center

949 496-1122, www.memorialcare.org, Please visit the website for additional information.  You may complete the volunteer application online.

San Clemente Historical Society

949 212-8299, Rad Ghantouf, www.sanclementehistoricalsociety.org, Minimum Age/None, No hour requirement.  Various responsibilities available for those having an interest in the historical aspects of San Clemente.

Friends of the San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation

949 212-8299, Rad Ghantouf, Minimum Age/None, No hour requirement.  Various responsibilities available for those having an interest in the San Clemente community.

Character Counts!

Leslie Mowers, 361-8368, mowersl@san-clemente/prg, www.charactercounts.org.  Minimum Age/13 unless accompanied by a parent.  No hour requirements.  Description:  Help fold award t-shirts 600 each year, repair/paint CC Mural at North Beach, as needed.  Help with Jamboree.  Other events such as Rotary Club Events, Kiwanis Club Events, starting and joining a CC! at the local school.

Laura’s House

949 361-3775, Laura Kelley, Minimum Age/18 for some volunteer opportunities.  40 Hour Domestic Violence training would be required.  However, there are special events throughout the year that require high school aged volunteers.  If interested, contact Andrea McCallister, for current opportunities.  Volunteers are needed for their social networking websites, MySpace and Facebook.  Also, www.laurashouse.org, participates in Taste of Ladera scheduled for May 2009 – volunteers are needed for face painting and Havana Nights Event on May 2009 at the Hyatt Newport Beach – volunteers are needed for assistance with Silent Auction.  You may also support Laura’s House by linking your Albertsons Savings card to Laura’s House.  Just go to www.albertsons.com/cp/ and use their ID:  LH ID # 49000115420.  They offer Volunteer Orientation twice a month, which gives an overview of all of the various opportunities to volunteer and get involved.

Web Wise Kids

www.webwisekids.org, 714 435-2885, For more information, please check out the website.

Toby’s House

Nancy Leland, 361-7721, Minimum age/18 or a minor accompanied with an adult, No minimum hours of service, Thrift store is open on weekends.  Description:  Sorting, tagging, and moving donated items.

Family Assistance Ministries

Jan Cleaves or Nancy Martinez, 492-8477, nancy@family-assistance.org, No Minimum Age. Description:  Food packing, office duties, handy person, driver for senior clients. If the child is under 16, he/she must be accompanied by an adult during service hours.

San Clemente Volunteer Corps

949 361-8353, You may visit their website for an application to volunteer.  Their website is  http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=7.  There are various volunteer opportunities and requirements within the city.

San Juan Capistrano Library

949 493-1752, Librarian, Minimum Age/None.  Shelving books, crafts, help with bookstore, etc.

Mission San Juan Capistrano  

949 234-1315, Pat March, http://www.missionsjc.com/volunteer.html, Minimum Age/7th grade, Various volunteer opportunities, please visit the website for current volunteer opportunities and special events that can use volunteers.

Marco Forster Middle
SChool

Students Teaching Students: Volunteerswc to teach or tutor students from Marco Forester Middle School on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. For more information, go to http://breakthroughsjc.smes.org/index.aspx. Diosa Adams,  Diosa.adams@smes.org  949.661.0108 ext: 322

Mission San Juan Capistrano  

949 234-1315, Pat March, http://www.missionsjc.com/volunteer.html, Minimum Age/7th grade, Various volunteer opportunities, please visit the website for current volunteer opportunities and special events that can use volunteers.

O’Neill Museum

Gwen Vermeulen, 493-8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com, For volunteer opportunities, please visit their website.

Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano

Richard Hill Adams, 949 661-6767 or 949 455-4100, rhaura@aol.com, www.sanjuancapistranorotary.org

Camino Real Playhouse

Megan McCarver, 949 388-6477, www.caminorealplayhouse.org, Minimum Age/13, No hour requirement.  Volunteers needed as ushers, set design, stage production, gardening, etc.

Fran Joswick Theraputic Riding Center

Nancy Riggs, 240-8441, Ext. 105, Minimum Age/11.  Hour Requirement/varies.  Assistance needed with horses, fundraising events, office work, working with guests and visitors.  You may fill out an application online to volunteer.  http://www.sheacenter.org/volunteer/index.html

Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy

949 240-3363, www.ranchomissionviejo.com, For current volunteer opportunities, please visit their website.

Casper’s Wilderness Park

Park Ranger Ryan Cordero 949 923-2208 and Volunteer Coordinator Angeline Santiago, 714 973-6871, Minimum Age/15, Must be physically capable of hiking on uneven terrain and performing semi strenuous work using various hand tools.  Please visit www.ocparks.com for more information.  Active volunteers participate in backcountry projects and are eligible to attend certified training workshops that enhance backcountry field skills.  The General Application Process needs to be completed prior to volunteering. 

Capistrano Animal Rescue Foundation (CARE)

Rita Love, 240-1735, r.love48@cox.net or info@capoanimalrescue.com., Minimum Age18 unless accompanied by an adult.  No hour requirements.  Training/orientation would be event specific.  Variety of volunteer opportunities.  Dog Wrangler – help train, socialize and walk dogs to prepare them for adoption.  Adoption Days at PetSmart in Petco, Swallow’s Day Parade or Mercado Booth in March, 4th of July Booth, Pet Pictures with Santa, Fundraising events – CARE Show – Superbowl Weekend Saturday, CARE Events:  Benefit Dinners, BBQ’s, Yard/Bake sales, Garden Tour – May, Hogs for Dogs (and Cats) in October.  Because of Liability Insurance requirements, some volunteer positions will require a membership with C.A.R.E.

Brighton Gardens Healthcare

Crystal, 949 248-8855, No minimum age.  No hour requirement.  Assist seniors with arts, crafts, serving meals, spending time with seniors, etc.

American Heroes Tribute

800 983-HERO, Chris Yates, Minimum Age/Varies, No hour requirement, Responsibilities: various responsibilities such as making banners, sing the national anthem at events, hand out literature, build banner stands, etc.

Charity’s Best

Yolanda Middleton, 949 350-1897, No minimum age.  Various volunteer opportunities and special events throughout the year.  The main event during the year is a Golf Tournament which needs volunteers. 

The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy

949 489-9778, www.theconservancy.org, Minimum Age/varies. Various volunteer opportunities available, such as, trail clearing, weeding crews, computer work, office work, mailings, graphic design, website programming.  Volunteers are also needed who have natural history knowledge.

READ/Orange County

Mario Galindo, 566-3070, egcortez@ocpl.org, Minimum Age/18. To be a literacy tutor, they require 50 hours.  Other volunteer opportunities do not require a time requirement.  Tutor training is provided (23 hours).   Other opportunities would include specific training.  Volunteer duties vary:     Tutors meet with adult learners in the community at local libraries to provide literacy tutoring.  Office volunteers can assist with clerical duties, minor library duties Families For Literacy volunteers go to designated family reading events and assist READ staff: setting up, reading with kids
Tutoring is year round.  We have an annual picnic; September.  Families For Literacy has events year round.   Although most tutors are 18, there are some events were we would appreciate the help of teens.

New Hope Teen Line

Ameeta Dadlani, 714 971-4301, ameetad@crystalcathedral.org,  Quinn Webb, 714 971-4308, Minimum age/16, 2-4 hour shifts M-F, Description:  Volunteer Teen Counselors who listen and receive reflection to brainstorm solutions or problems to come up with plan of action, training will be provided.  www.teenline.org  (Located in Garden Grove)

Office of the District Attorney

Jose Morfin, 714 347-8415, Jose.morfin@da.ocgov.com  Education & Resources Volunteer information on website.  http://www.orangecountyda.com/home/index.asp?page=146, You may register to volunteer online.  Community Education Services is recruiting volunteers to assist with weekend events.  Volunteer opportunities include helping to set up and staff the outreach booth, disseminating resource information, and interacting with the public at cultural festivals.

Orange County Performing Arts

714 556-2122, Ext. 4259, www.ocpac.org, Minimum Age/varies.  Description:  ushers, docent, special events, etc.

San Diego Surfrider Foundation

858 792-9940, info@surfridersd.org  Some of their activities include beach cleanups, community outreach, newsletter writing, PR, volunteer coordination, and more!   Check their website for current volunteer information.

San Diego Coast Keeper

Sarah Blakeslee, 619 758-7743, Ext. 115, sarah@sdcoastkeeper.org, No minimum age, Description:  Science based surveys, beach cleanups, general office tasks, water monitoring, special event planning.  Also has annual events such as Beach Clean Up Days, World Wide Water Monitoring Day, National Coastal Clean Up Day, and Ocean Gala Fundraiser.  Please visit our website at www.sdbaykeeper.org for up to date information.

Orange County Coast Keeper

714 850-1965, ellen@coastkeeper.org, www.coastkeeper.org Some of their activities include beach cleanups, community outreach, newsletter writing, PR, volunteer coordination, and more!   Check their website for current volunteer information.

Blind Children’s Learning Center

Sharon Mitchael or Irene Takahashi, 714 573-8888, www.blindkids.org, Minimum Age – 18 unless accompanied by an adult, No hour requirements, Responsibilities:  assist with classrooms with kids as a student aide, prepare materials, child care, outside activities, training will be provided.  Located in Santa Ana. (55 fwy / 17th St), www.blindkids.org 

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Megan Guild, www.wishocie.org, 714 573-9474, mguild@wishocie.org, Minimum Age/None.  Organize community service projects, fundraise, etc.

Special Olympics

Rebecca Mosteller, Volunteer Manager, 714 564-8374, orangecounty@sosc.org, www.sosc.org, various volunteer opportunities available.  Please visit their website for current information.

Trauma Intervention Program (TIP Teens) – Orange County Chapter

949 707-9016, http://www.tiporangecounty.org/index2.htm, Please visit website for current volunteer opportunities.  You may register to volunteer online.  Training is required.

Big Brothers/Sisters of Orange County

Claudia Cuevas or Nichael Parhar, 714 544-7773, Ext. 240, nparhar@bigbrooc.org, www.bigbrooc.org, Please visit website for current volunteer opportunities and requirements. 

San Dieguito Heritage Museum

Encinitas, CA (San Diego County) Minimum age/13.  Description:  Guide visitors and children on tour of museum, assist in collecting historic information and to help conduct special events.  Also need volunteers to help in restoring buildings and artifacts.  Also need volunteers to help in gardening projects.  Group volunteer projects are available.  Address is 450 Quail Gardens, Encinitas, CA.  http://www.sdheritage.org/

Orange County People for Animals

Julie Meskell,  714 544-9041, juliemeskell@cox.net, Minimum Age/14.  No hour requirements.  Minimal training provided.  Assisting with distributing literature at information tables.  Teenagers are encouraged to be liaisons with OCPA in starting healthy lunch programs and animal protection clubs in their school.  Participate in Earth Day and Meat Out day in the Spring.  http://www.ocpausa.org/

Marine Corps Reserve  Toys for Tots

Jane Dawson, jane.dawson@ocgov.com or Dee Azevedo 714 679-3738.  Minimum Age 12.  12-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over.  Youths under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signed permission letter.  Volunteer Duties:  Unload trucks, sort and/or assemble toys, pull and/or bag orders, break down boxes and trash detail, clean, sweep or mop warehouse, assist with office duties, answering the phone, and filing.  http://www.octoysfortots.org/volunteer.php

Child Abuse Prevention Center

www.brightfutures4kids.org, (714) 543-4333, please visit online for current opportunities.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

www.cff.org, You may register to volunteer online for various volunteer opportunities.  Please review the website for your particular interest and requirements.

United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County

Marisol Parand, 714 200-2630, mparand@ucp-oc.org, www.ucp-oc.org/volunteer.html, Minimum Age/10, No hour requirement.  Volunteers needed during the holiday season sorting gifts by age, organizing and wrapping.  They also have a need for volunteers ages 16+ for the OC Marathon.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Luke Plubell, P: 949.553.0363 F: 949.553.8813 www.jdrfoc.org; orangecounty@jdrf.org; Lite office work helping with thank you letters and notes, mailings, filing, lite excel data entry. Major events through the year: Walk to Cure Diabetes UC Irvine (November 9th 2008), Dream Gala (March 21st 2009), Fore the Kids Golf Classic (April 27th 2009), Volunteer opportunities available thought the year. Minimum Age – 14. Younger then 14 requires parent supervision.

Orange County Bar Foundation

Nancy Garcia, 714 480-1925, Ext. 108, ngarcia@ocbarfoundation.org, http://www.ocbarfoundation.org/volunteer_opportunities.html, For current volunteer opportunities and to register to volunteer, please visit their website. Minimum age 18 unless accompanied by an adult…no hour requirements.  Assistance needed with special events throughout the year – OC Marathon takes place on a Sunday in May and the Annual SHORTSTOP Golf tournament takes place on a Friday in September.

Festival of Children Foundation

Taryn Podlas, 714 438-3287, PodlasT@southcoastplaza.com, www.festivalofchildren.org, Festival of Children is a month long showcase of children’s charities at South Coast Plaza retail center, with over 100 entertainment acts scheduled on the weekends in September for children and their families.  This year, we’re excited to welcome 22 new children’s charities in to our total of 78 organizations that will be on site throughout the month.  In addition, highlights of the program will include an appearance by marine artist Wyland, an innovative skateboard program with CreateAskate, and dozens of appearances by incredibly talented dancers, singers and entertainers!  Our full schedule of events is available online at  www.festivalofchildren.org. Below is the volunteer schedule. We need between 4 and 6 volunteers for each shift, and are always thrilled to welcome members of your club, your friends and family. Your job on these days will be to assist with arts and crafts, help charities at their booths, and join our staff in making sure all events run smoothly. Tuesday, September 2: 1:00-5:00.  Volunteers are needed to assemble gift bags for our Opening Night Party.  Location: Festival of Children Headquarters, 3315 Fairview Road , Costa Mesa, CA. Wednesday, September 3: 1:00-5:00.  Volunteers are needed to assemble gift bags for our Opening Night Party.  Location: Festival of Children Headquarters, 3315 Fairview Road , Costa Mesa , CA .Volunteers are needed on the following dates in TWO shifts (you may select one, or work a full shift from 11:30 until 4:00).11:30a.m. – 2:00p.m. 1:30p.m. – 4:00p.m. Saturday, September 06, 2008; Sunday, September 07, 2008; Saturday, September 13, 2008; Sunday, September 14, 2008; Saturday, September 20, 2008; Sunday, September 21, 2008; Saturday, September 27, 2008; Sunday, September 28, 2008. Please contact Taryn Podlas to let her know your availability for these dates and times as soon as possible.  Whether you can help us out for 2 hours or throughout the entire month, your help is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to working with all of you in the days ahead!

Olive Crest

714 543-5437, Tamara Koch, www.olivecrest.org, Minimum Age/varies.  No hour requirement.  There are a variety of opportunities for students to volunteer.  Please visit their website for current volunteer opportunities.

Junior League of Orange County

949 261-0823, www.jlocc.org, Must become a member in order to volunteer with their organization.

Orange Elderly Service, Inc.

714 637-3845, Peggy, Deliver meals to home bound elderly individuals in Orange. 

Veterans First

714 547-0615, Minimum Age – 14 with parent supervision, No hour requirement, Responsibilities – provide homeless with food.  Opportunities available during the holiday season and Veteran’s Day. 

Armory Shelters

714 288-5600, Maribel Vasques, Minimum age/varies.  Light office work, mailings, copying, sorting, special events, etc.

Alzheimer Association

Mallory Gompert, 949 757-3705, Mallory.gompart@alz.org 

Homefront America, Inc.

949 248-9468, 949-293-5307. info@homefrontamerica.org, Please visit their website for current volunteer opportunities.  You may register to volunteer online. For the next six months, we will need volunteers to help with: Thanksgiving food drive – This event will take place if we can collect the necessary food items.  Food items should be limited to holiday fixings, not the turkeys or hams because we simply do not have any refrigeration storage.  If Dana Hills High School would like to be the host school for this effort, we will gladly meet with representative(s) to kick off this project.  The food collected will go to benefit military families on Camp Pendleton, Miramar, and the Submariners stationed in Pt. Loma San Diego.  We will need volunteers to collect, sort, and put together the food in boxes. Christmas toy drive – Every year we collect, sort, and deliver toys to the children at Camp Pendleton.  We will need help to collect, inventory, sort, and package the toys for the children.  We will have a list of children’s names and their ages so we can provide them with the appropriate toys. PowerPoint Presentation – We are also looking for someone who can help us with a PowerPoint presentation.  Throughout the year, we have all sorts of opportunities to help support our Troops and their families that are highly suitable for High School age students.  

A Million Thanks

www.amillionthanks.org, Please visit their website for current volunteer opportunities.

Toys for the Troops Kids

Bill Stein, 916 974-8387, www.toysforthetroopskids.org, Please visit their website for current volunteer opportunities.

Helping Americas Youth

www.helpingamericasyouth.gov, Please visit their website for current volunteer opportunities. 

Childrens Hospital of Orange-Mission (CHOC)

www.choc.org, Minimum Age/16, Minimum Hours/100 hrs a year, Highly recommend to visit the website and review the volunteer information and requirements.   There are varied volunteer opportunities within the CHOC system. Currently there is a 2-3 month waiting list, apply online early. 

Orangewood Children’s Foundation

714 619-0200, Sarah Whittenberg,  www.orangewoodfoundation.org  or 714 636-4781, Ext. 212, 714 935-7687,  Please visit their website for various volunteer opportunities.

Orange County Boy Scouts of America

www.ocbsa.org, 714 546-4990, Must be a member to volunteer.  Various volunteer opportunities available.

Heroes for Heroes

Diane Malowney, 858 453-5789, diane@heroesforheroes.net, www.heroesforheroes.net, Please visit the website and contact Diane for current volunteer opportunities.

St. Jude Medical Center

Christina Goldman, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 714 992-3000, Ext. 2878, Description of Duties:  Provide support to patients, visitors and staff, from the nursing units to the information desks.  http://www.stjudemedicalcenter.org/How-You-Help/Volunteering/Become-a-Hospital-Volunteer/ 

American Cancer Society

Lucy Quintana, 949 640-4777, www.cancer.org, lucy.quintana@cancer.org, Minimum age: 14, Responsibilities: sort, hang, steam, and merchandise, training will be provided.  Open 7 days a week.

County of Orange

Jane Dawson, 714 834-7440, jane.dawson@ocgov.com, www.ocgov.com/volunteer.asp, Email Jane for a list of volunteer opportunities for teens under 18.  Various opportunities throughout the year with various age and time requirements. 

Surf Aid International

760 753-1103, Elizabeth, Minimum Age/12 accompanied by parent or parent permission,  www.surfaidinternational.org, Swim for Life Relay, Hand out posters in surf shops, around town, booths at surf contests in the area.

Breast Cancer Survivors

949 421-1206, Nicolette, Minimum Age/16, Responsibilities would include assisting with mailings and/or light office work.  Special Events throughout the year would also require the use of volunteers throughout South Orange County. .  http://www.bcsurvivors.org/index.php/volunteers/