From beach cleanups to delivering meals, here’s how to join a community built on hope, joy, and belief in people.

Last week at Harvey West Park, something beautiful happened. Volunteers of all abilities gathered to revitalize the Friendship Garden, a special space dedicated to community members with disabilities. They planted, raked, laughed, and connected. It was a simple project with a powerful message: when people come together, communities thrive.

That’s the spirit of volunteering, and the motto of Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. For forty-four years, under the leadership of Executive Director Karen Delaney, the organization has built something rare: a culture where hope and joy aren’t just words—they’re the backbone of how we show up for each other.

After 44 years as Executive Director, Karen Delaney is stepping into retirement. Her belief: everyone can make a difference. Let’s carry her torch forward – join your community in service today!

And, this is your personal invitation to join the hope and joy club, where everyone is welcome, and every gift matters!

Here’s 10 ways to volunteer (and nurture that hope and joy) this month:

  1. July 5: Community Coastal Clean Up at Twin Lakes Help Twin Lakes Beach bounce back after the Fourth of July: collect litter, protect marine life, and meet people who care about keeping our coastline clean. Bring reusable gloves, water, and comfortable shoes. Learn more & sign up →
  2. Every Saturday: Food Sort With Second Harvest Pack fresh produce and food for families in need at the Watsonville warehouse (7:45am-11am or 11:15am-2:30pm shifts). Bring your family or friends—ages 13+ welcome.
  3. Child Care Safety Plan Support Help parents plan for the unexpected and protect their children’s future.
  4. Life Lab Summer Camp Inspire the next generation of gardeners as an assistant camp counselor for children ages 7-10.
  5. Give Rides to Seniors Be a friendly driver for seniors in need—flexible hours, you choose your schedule, county-wide need – you can be the difference!
  6. Childcare during Support Groups Watch children while parents attend sobriety support groups—flexible hours, morning and evening shifts available.
  7. Youth Planning Committee: Queer, Trans & Allied Summit Help plan an inclusive summit for LGBTQ+ youth and allies on the Central Coast.
  8. Library Council for Teens Teens! Shape your library’s future and have your voice heard on what comes next.
  9. Teen Kitchen Project – Delivery Angels Deliver medically tailored meals and brighten the day of someone who needs it most.
  10. Evergreen Cemetery Friday Work Party Preserve local history and restore this beautiful site. Join us every Friday 9:30am-12pm, all abilities welcome.
Hands in the work, joy in the heart. The joy in these faces is what volunteering looks like.

Looking for something else? Visit scvolunteernow.org for 150 more volunteer opportunities, or meet with our volunteer matchmaker and get paired with your new favorite activity.

About the Volunteer Center

At the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, we connect people for good because meaningful service is the heart of a strong, vibrant community and a healthy, happy life.

For 60 years, Santa Cruz County has trusted the Volunteer Center to help people connect for good, turning compassion into belonging and lasting impact. Our vision is a community where giving is the way of life — where everyone’s gifts matter, kindness is celebrated, and together we build a stronger, healthier, more connected community where everyone thrives.

Learn more at scvolunteercenter.org

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