Top ways to volunteer with seniors this March in Santa Cruz County

Volunteering is a powerful way to strengthen our community by fostering kindness, compassion, and connection. When we help each other, we create a sense of belonging and ensure that no one is left behind. Volunteering is also good for your health – reducing the risk of heart disease and supporting mental health.

This month, you’re invited to join hundreds of local volunteers in supporting our senior community. Right now, senior service programs are facing a double whammy of budget cuts and staffing shortages, and yet, more seniors need these vital services than ever before. The good news is that you can help!

Whether you’re 55+ and looking for ways to stay active or of any age and want to help seniors access essential services, healthy meals, and feel engaged instead of isolated, there’s a way for you to make a difference.

Join the team of RSVP volunteers! Their dedication and kindness make a huge difference in the lives of older adults—and they have fun while they serve! Volunteering is a powerful way to give back and stay connected. Credit: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Here’s How You Can Help

1. Support Critical Senior Services

Not everyone has time to volunteer, but anyone can help. A monthly gift of $8 or more ensures that seniors continue to receive life-changing services like transportation, meal deliveries, and home safety support. Donate Here.

2. Join the 55+ Volunteer Community!

Are you 55+ and looking for a way to stay active while making an impact? Join the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)! RSVP Volunteers tackle important projects while having fun and making a difference. Learn more here.

3. Help Seniors Stay Connected

Write “Thinking of You” cards, create art for the Ageless Art Project, or become a Friendly Visitor and spread a bit of joy to seniors in assisted living. Learn more.
Teach Tech Skills by volunteering as a Spanish-speaking Senior Computer Tutor.
Engage & Inspire by leading music, wellness, or art activities for older adults.

4. Meal & Grocery Delivery

Brown Bag Grocery Program – Deliver fresh groceries to homebound individuals with Grey Bears. Flexible Thursday and Friday shifts. Mileage reimbursement available.
Deliver Meals to Seniors with Meals on Wheels: Flexible shifts available to bring meals to seniors in need.

5. Transportation & Mobility Support

If you’re handy with hammer, join the Helping Hands crew! These volunteers provide simple home safety repairs for low income senior homeowners, helping to keep them safe in their homes. Credit: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Drive the Extra Mile – Provide Rides for Seniors
Help older adults get to appointments or run errands with a small time commitment.
Volunteer Transportation Dispatcher
Remote opportunity to match seniors with volunteer drivers and keep them mobile.

6. Health & Financial Support

Train as a HICAP Volunteer Counselor to assist older adults with Medicare questions and enrollment.
Prepare Taxes for Low-Income Families and Seniors: Project SCOUT seeks tax preparation, admin support, and IT volunteer roles.

Not seeing an opportunity that works for you?

With 140+ volunteer openings, there’s something for everyone at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Get matched here.

Join us and connect for good!

The Volunteer Center is the home for giving back in Santa Cruz County. We make it easy for dreamers, doers, and activists to give back with time, wisdom, actions, networks, and voices. Subscribe to our monthly volunteer news to stay in the know about how you can make an impact in Santa Cruz County.

Together, we will continue to strengthen our beloved community—where everyone belongs, neighbors help neighbors, and we choose to be the difference.

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Visit our website at scvolunteercenter.org.