The Santa Cruz County community thrives when we come together with generosity, inclusivity, and connection. As the Volunteer Center approaches 60 years of service, our commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to engage, contribute, and feel a sense of belonging has never been stronger. This month, we invite you to join a community of over 15,000 volunteers who serve with kindness, compassion, and the knowing that a community that serves together, thrives together. Whether you have a special skill to share, love supporting community events, or prefer helping behind the scenes, the Volunteer Center has a place for you.
Celebrating community volunteer heroes at the Be the Difference Awards
Speaking of sharing the love – Do you know a person, nonprofit, or business that goes above and beyond through volunteerism? Nominate them for a Be the Difference Award!
The Be the Difference Awards honor outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses that make a lasting impact in our community through their volunteer efforts. “The most inspiring event of the year,” brings together civic leaders, changemakers, nonprofits, and community members to celebrate the power of volunteerism. Honorees will be recognized at the awards luncheon on May 14, 2025. Nominate your volunteer hero today!
Volunteer opportunities that share the love
1. Clam Chowder Cook-Off (Feb 22 & 23 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk)
Support Santa Cruz Parks & Rec at this fun and delicious event.
2. Matter of Balance Coach in Hollister
Help bring fall prevention classes to seniors in San Benito County!
3. Senior Center Tech Support in Santa Cruz
Bring your tech skills and assist seniors with computer skills and digital literacy.
4. Adopt a Planter Program
Beautify Santa Cruz County one planter at a time!
5. Elderday – Multiple Projects: Watsonville or at home projects
From office support to musical performances to art projects, support seniors through a variety of fun and creative volunteer roles.
6. Teaching & Skill Sharing Projects
- Bike Collective: Teach youth bike maintenance & repair.
- Children’s Museum of Discovery: Inspire learning through play.
- Santa Cruz Hostel: Share your unique skills in special workshops.
- Little Free Library DIY Project: Distribute books to the community.
7. Creative Marketing & Social Media Projects
- Santa Cruz SPCA: Create engaging media for adoptable animals.
- Homeless Garden Project: Support marketing & outreach.
- KSQD Radio Station: Help with radio station operations.
9. Event Support
- Alzheimer’s Association: Help with outreach events in Santa Cruz County
- Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center: Support the She Is Beautiful Race on Mother’s Day Weekend.
- San Lorenzo Valley Museum: Help bring cultural events to SLV as a volunteer event coordinator.
Find your perfect volunteer match!
Looking for the perfect volunteer opportunity based on your interests and skills? Fill out our Volunteer Match Form, and we’ll send you personalized recommendations!
Donate to connect Volunteers for good in Santa Cruz County
The Volunteer Center is the home for giving back in Santa Cruz County. Your donation directly connects volunteers with the greatest needs in our community. Together, we can create a ripple of change that uplifts our most vulnerable neighbors and strengthens our community for all. Donate Here.
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Visit our website at scvolunteercenter.org.
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