Your Guide to Giving Back…(Without Leaving South OC)

A friend recently told me she spends Tuesday mornings reading to shelter dogs—part of a local volunteer program to help shy pups get adopted. She started on a whim and now says it’s the best part of her week.

If you have some free time and a heart for giving back, check out some of these local opportunities that will make a difference to someone else’s life and to your own!

🥕 Second Harvest in Irvine provides nutritious food to those in need throughout Orange County. Volunteers can sort and pack food or help harvest crops at the Harvest Solutions Farm. How to get involved: feedoc.org/get-involved

🛒 South County Outreach This nonprofit works to end hunger and homelessness in South OC. Volunteers can stock the food pantry, assist at the thrift store, or help with food rescue. How to get involved: sco-oc.org/volunteer

🏠 Families Forward  in Irvine helps local families find stability through food, housing, and counseling. Volunteer roles include pantry help, admin support, and seasonal events. How to get involved: families-forward.org/volunteer

🎆 Mission Viejo Activities Committee A volunteer-run nonprofit that unites the community through service and celebration. From the 4th of July Street Faire & Fireworks and Dia de los Muertos Festival to Santa’s Arrival and Santa’s Workshop, MVAC creates traditions that bring Mission Viejo together. Students can also join the youth committee to earn volunteer hours and leadership experience. To apply fill out an application. Adults or Youth 10-17

👟 StandUp for Kids – Orange County This nonprofit supports youth facing homelessness and always welcomes new volunteers. Roles include in-person outreach and virtual mentoring. How to get involved: Email Xiomara at [email protected]

🚲 Community Volunteers – San Juan Capistrano Join a local group helping with bike patrol, event staffing, info kiosks, and park patrol. Monthly lunch meetings keep you looped in on all things SJC. How to get involved: Contact Steve Harsh at 949-637-1945 or [email protected]

🌱 Trabuco Trailblazers 4-H – Trabuco Canyon This youth program is looking for volunteers to share real-world skills with the next generation. From gardening to crafting, your talents are welcome. How to get involved: Facebook group

🌊 Surfrider Beach Cleanups – Countywide Pitch in at a local beach cleanup and help keep OC’s coastline pristine. Surfrider hosts regular events with all supplies provided. How to get involved: cleanups.surfrider.org

🔨 Habitat for Humanity OC – Countywide Help build affordable housing for families in need. No experience necessary—just a willingness to lend a hand. How to get involved: habitatoc.org/get-involved

📚 Teen Volunteer Club – Mission Viejo Library Drop in monthly—no application or training needed. Earn service hours while helping with library programs and events. How to get involved: cityofmissionviejo.libcal.com

🐾 Dog Walking – Mission Viejo Animal Services Help socialize and exercise shelter dogs. Volunteers must be 18+, commit to a weekly 3-hour shift, and complete training. How to get involved: cityofmissionviejo.org

🍽️ Meals on Wheels – Deliver meals to homebound seniors in South OC, providing both nutrition and companionship. How to get involved: https://agewellseniorservices.org/volunteer/

🎭 Cabrillo Theater in San Clemente is operated entirely by volunteers. You’ll go behind the scenes and get involved in areas such as play production, marketing, membership & box office. https://cabrilloplayhouse.org/volunteer-opportunities/

🏞️ OC Parks needs Volunteers for Historic Docent, Backcountry Patrol, OC Zoo opportunities, trail leaders and more. https://www.ocparks.com/about-us/volunteer/oc-parks-volunteers

🐾 Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) in San Clemente, partnered with Pet Project Foundation, needs volunteers to assist the public, walk shelter dogs, and interact with cats, kittens, and rabbits. How to get involved: 949-492-1617

👵 Age Well Senior Services in Dana Point offers roles like Meals on Wheels drivers, kitchen helpers, lunch servers, and event support at senior centers. How to get involved: Sandra Andrews at 949-496-4252 or [email protected]

🇺🇸 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 9934) in Dana Point welcomes volunteers for BBQs, parades, donation drives, and community events honoring veterans and first responders. How to get involved: Wayne Yost at 949-357-3303 or [email protected]

🎖️ Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group provides care packages, hosts Thanksgiving dinners, toy drives, baby showers, and fundraisers for Marines and families. How to get involved: [email protected] | danapoint5thmarines.com/be-a-volunteer

🐴 The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding in San Juan Capistrano needs youth and adult volunteers to assist with therapeutic riding and summer programs for children with special needs. How to get involved: 949-240-8441 | sheacenter.org

🌊 Ocean Institute in Dana Point offers a variety of roles from maritime education docents to tidepool interpreters and tall ship crew. How to get involved: 949-496-2274 | oceaninstitute.org/volunteer-opportunities

🏖️ Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association engages volunteers in the Visitor Center, beach cleanups, native planting days, and Whale Walk repainting. How to get involved: [email protected]

💙 Just Like Me Foundation provides after-school, weekend, and summer activities for teens and young adults with special needs. How to get involved: [email protected] | justlikemefoundation.org

🌸 Dana Point Women’s Club has supported the community since 1951, focusing on philanthropy and service projects for local causes. How to get involved: [email protected] | danapointwomensclub.org

👧 Boys & Girls Club of San Juan Capistrano (Via Positiva Branch) seeks volunteers for tutoring, sports, arts, STEM, yoga, and enrichment programs. How to get involved: Janice Gordillo at 949-542-4105

🌍 Soroptimist International – Dana Point empowers women and girls through education and training for economic independence. How to get involved: soroptimist.org

📚 Friends of the Dana Point Library run the volunteer-powered bookstore that funds library programs. How to get involstved: Lisa Buchner at 949-489-3956 or [email protected] | friendsdanapoint.org/the-bookstore

➡️ Do you need volunteers for your organization, email [email protected] and let us know more about it. We’ll add it to the list!