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.

Summer’s the perfect season to give back right here in South OC. Here are some local volunteer gigs that might just spark something:

🥕 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

👟 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

🎉 San Clemente Ocean Festival  This iconic pier-side event needs volunteers for everything from race support to helping with kids’ activities. How to get involved: oceanfestival.org/volunteer-2025

📚 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

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