The County of Orange invites volunteers to assist with special projects and short-term activities that benefit a variety of programs serving the community. Activities are designed to fit into busy schedules and can often accommodate families and small groups. Please check out our "Calendar of Events" for the experience that is just right for you.
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities with OC Parks
Volunteering at a County park, historic site, harbor, beach or trail provides you with the opportunity to work outdoors, in a natural environment. It gives you the chance to re-create in a way you never have before . . . up close and personal. Individuals, families and groups can assist with habitat restoration, tree planting, butterfly garden maintenance, beach cleanup, trail maintenance, and much, much more. Please click here for details about upcoming events.
Annual OC Coastal Cleanup Day Scheduled the Third Saturday of September
Help Preserve Orange County's Coastal Resources
California Coastal Cleanup Day gives all Californians the opportunity to learn about coastal resources and to become actively involved in preserving those resources. Volunteers will clean up trash, separate if for recycling and keep track of what they find. Most importantly, volunteers will gain a better understanding of the amount of marine debris that litters our environment, how it impacts them, where it comes from and how they can help eliminate the problem.
Volunteer opportunities are scheduled at several sites throughout Orange County from 9 a.m. - noon.
Click here for more details.
Holiday Opportunities During October, November & December
OC Zoo's Halloween Zoo-tacular Event
Don't miss out on this year's big Zoo-tacular event on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Volunteers aged 18+ are needed to help with activities such as handing out candy and toys, working craft tables, assisting at scavenger hunt stations, giving out prizes, and helping with the games for kids. Volunteers are also needed on the day before, Friday, October 28, 2022, to assist with pumpkin carving and decorating . Please click here to view the event flyer, and click here for more information on volunteering. You can also call 714-973-6846 or email marcy.crede@ocparks.com
"Adopt a Family" for the Holidays
"Sharing From Your Heart" is a holiday program offered through the Probation Community Action Association (PCAA). PCAA is considered the "Heart" of Probation in serving at-risk and victim families and in helping to reduce youth crime and violence. Community members and local organizations are invited to "adopt a family" by purchasing items or making a monetary donation so that parents can select gifts for their families. Last year, 75 families were provided with clothing, food, toys, gifts and Christmas trees through the PCAA Adopt a Family "Sharing From Your Heart" program. Please click here for more details, call 714.393.3685 or e-mail contactpcaa@aol.com.
Operation Santa Claus & Senior Santa and Friends
Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends are holiday gift drives conducted throughout Orange County each year. Operation Santa Claus collects and distributes gifts and toys to needy children who have experienced abused or neglect or who are physically or mentally challenged or homeless. Senior Santa and Friends serve elderly and dependent adults who may be neglected, displaced or physically or mentally challenged.
You Can Donate! New unwrapped toys, gifts, gift certificates and monetary donations help Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends fulfill holiday wishes for less fortunate members of our community.
You Can Volunteer! Help at our Santa Ana location by unpacking, sorting and preparing donated gifts and toys for distribution.
Click here to learn how you can volunteer and donate with Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends.
Orangewood Children and Family Center Holiday Wish List
Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC) is a 24-hour emergency shelter care facility operated and owned by the Orange County Social Services Agency for children who have been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected. The children range in age from 2 days old to 18 years of age. Thank you for considering OCFC as a possible recipient of your holiday gift giving.
Click here for more details about Orangewood Children and Family Center Holiday Wish List.
