This April is Global Volunteer Month—a time to honor the thousands of volunteers who show up for our community all year long. Research backs up what volunteers already know: service strengthens people, reduces isolation, and builds purpose. It reminds us we’re not alone.

When the world feels heavy, when we’re facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, volunteering brings us back to center—back to what matters. Back to community. Back to the knowing that one person can make a difference.

However you choose to give matters. Because volunteering changes everything!

This month, we invite you to take action: Volunteer your time, advocate for your favorite cause, or donate to support the power of volunteerism in our community.

April 18th: The biggest beach clean up of the year! Join Inspector Planet, Santa Clara University, UCSC Athletics, and the Volunteer Center to celebrate community, connection, and clean beaches! All ages and abilities are welcome.

10 Ways to Volunteer Locally

  1. Join the Main Beach Clean-Up
    Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Let’s come together in community and service. All ages and abilities welcome—whether you’re a long-time volunteer or this is your first time, you are ready to clean the beach or cheer from the deck. Together, let’s celebrate our volunteer community!
  2. Help Seniors Age Safely at Home
    Install grab bars, change light bulbs, fix smoke detectors. Join the Helping Hands team where small repairs make a big difference. Flexible schedule, meet new friends, stay active while helping older neighbors stay safe.
  3. Teach Adults English Literacy
    Help adults reach their educational goals and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Attend a free information session to learn more!
  4. Get Outdoors with the Santa Cruz County Parks Department:
    Restore habitats, support pollinators, keep our parks beautiful – choose from various outdoor maintenance and beautification roles across the county.
  5. She Is Beautiful 5k/10k Race – Volunteer Day May 9
    Support domestic violence survivors and families at this uplifting community event on May 9 along West Cliff Drive. Perfect for individuals, families, and workplace teams.
  6. Prepare Our Community for Emergencies
    Join our volunteer outreach team! Learn how to give presentations or talk one-on-one about disaster preparedness. Help neighbors be prepared, stay safe, and get ready with Listos California and the Volunteer Center.
  7. Pitch In Santa Cruz County
    Join the community-wide cleanup effort in May with hundreds of neighbors across our community. Find your neighborhood and sign up to Pitch In!
  8. Bake Birthday Cakes for Foster Kids – Cake4Kids
    Bake and decorate homemade cakes in your own kitchen, then deliver to youth in foster care and at-risk youth. You choose when and how often. (Ages 16+).
  9. Help Coordinate Rides for Seniors
    As a transportation dispatcher, you will volunteer from home, helping local seniors find rides to doctors appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential destinations!
  10. Find Your Perfect Fit Not sure where you belong? We’ll match you with an opportunity based on your time, skills, and passion. Get matched!

Celebrate Together

After volunteering this month, join us to celebrate! The Be the Difference Awards on May 20 honors the volunteers, nonprofits, and community leaders making Santa Cruz County stronger.

In addition to this year’s honorees, we’ll honor Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney as she transitions to retirement, marking 40 years of transformative service and visionary leadership that built this thriving volunteer movement.

Whether you are a volunteer or you’re simply inspired by this community, you’re invited to celebrate what’s possible when we show up for one another!

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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