A new national report from the national foundation, Points of Light, confirms what Santa Cruz County nonprofits already know: volunteers are not just helpful—they’re essential. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County says that volunteers power much of the region’s food access, disaster response, youth mentorship, and environmental efforts.
“Volunteers fill critical gaps in our social safety net,” says Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney. “But more than that, they transform the lives of real people—real families—in our community. Ask any volunteer, and they’ll tell you: the gift of service often gives something even greater in return—connection, purpose, and joy.”
From trail cleanups to literacy tutoring to celebrating 50 years of Pride, here are 10 local ways to get involved, boost your well-being, and support your neighbors this month:
1. Literacy Tutor Orientation – June
With nearly 23% of local households facing challenges with English literacy, tutors are urgently needed. Free info sessions available this month.
RSVP here
2. Graffiti Paint Outs (YouthServe Summer Project)
Youth and community members can help refresh neighborhoods with this fun and visible community improvement project.
Learn more
3. Second Harvest Food Bank
Volunteers are needed to pack and sort food for 65,000 community members each month. Shifts are available Tuesday through Saturday.
Sign up here
4. Felton Community Food Pantry
Help provide consistent food access to families and individuals in need. A great way to serve your local mountain community.
Sign up here
5. Woodies on the Wharf – June 21
Support one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic events, celebrating classic cars and coastal community.
Volunteer here
6. Boulder Creek Land Tending Volunteers
Help maintain and restore landscape with the San Lorenzo Valley Museum in Boulder Creek. Perfect for those who want to get their hands in the soil and connect with nature.
Get involved
7. Nisene Marks Redwoods Cleanup
Tend trails, enjoy the redwoods, and help preserve one of the county’s most treasured parks.
Volunteer here
8. Friends of Pogonip
Ongoing restoration and cleanup work helps protect this beloved open space. Great for groups and first-time volunteers.
Learn more
9. Volunteer at the Homeless Garden Project
Spend time on the farm and support transitional employment programs for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Browse opportunities
10. Find a one-day project – from beach clean-ups to outdoor adventures with local youth organizations, there is something for everyone at scvolunteercenter.org!
Support What Matters
Volunteering is one powerful way to give back—but it’s not the only way. If you believe in building a more connected, caring community, your donation can help make it happen.
The Volunteer Center depends on local support to keep vital programs running—like youth leadership, senior services, and adult literacy. As costs rise and funding falls, your gift helps keep these efforts strong.
Donate today and be part of what keeps Santa Cruz County thriving.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER CENTERThe 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.
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