Have some free time? Here are some Coachella Valley nonprofits that need your help.
Is your nonprofit looking for volunteers? Email giving@desertsun.com. Entries may be edited for space.
Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV)
ACV is always looking for volunteers who have a heart for the people of the Coachella Valley. ACV is your local, hands-on, nonprofit that supports our valley's families struggling with dementia and other cognitive issues. If you are interested in assisting with social groups, hospitality, office help, support group facilitation, organizing special events or fundraising, please contact Priscilla at (760) 776-3100 or via priscilla@cvalzheimers.org.
American Documentary and Animation Film Festival
We are looking for volunteers for our ever-growing team! Your people skills can be used to enhance the film-going experience for our festival attendees, and you will get the chance to see an amazing array of documentary films. Students wanting to learn about the film industry, people with backgrounds in business and the arts or anyone willing to help in the theaters by ushering, introducing films, cashiering or assisting in festival promotions are welcome. Another way to volunteer is to be Home Stay Host for a visiting filmmaker. Information: info@amdocfilmfest.com, amdocfilmfest.com
Assistance League
We are always looking for new members to join our ever-growing chapter. Honored by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year, we strive to provide services to all population sectors in our valley. This year, our all-volunteer organization provided clothing packages to 4,341 underserved elementary students in three school districts. Our Senior Services program provides nursing home residents, identified as being without other resources, with entertainment, friendly visits and gifts. We also provide performing arts scholarships for high school talent, a baby shower for Marine and Navy moms-to-be and through our Assault Survivor Support program, clothing and other essentials for survivors of assault. If you are interested in joining our efforts visit assistanceleague.org/coachella-valley and click on "Get Involved." Contact Sally Tilden, (562) 773-4723, sally.tilden@gmail.com for more information.
Cathedral City Senior Center
If you ask any one of our volunteers, they'll tell you that having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of seniors is why they do what they do. It's a great opportunity to make friends while also enhancing the lives of the people around you. The CCSC volunteer program is currently recruiting new volunteers in the following areas: the food bank, front desk/reception and program facilitators. For more information, contact Pat at (760) 321-1548 or pat@cathedralcenter.org.
Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network
Seeking adult volunteers who want to help educate and train fellow Coachella Valley residents on how to be prepared for all types of disasters to which we are vulnerable. Hours are flexible. We are looking for assistance for our community presentations, in-house training for critical skills, event set-up, bilingual help and more. Apply at cvdpn.org/volunteer.
Desert Best Friend's Closet
Seeking volunteers to act as wardrobe "stylists" who work with clients outfitting them for job interviews, sort incoming donations, sales assistants in our boutique and resume writers/employment mentors. Contact Johnny Anderson at (760) 776-9975 or janderson@bfcloset.org.
Desert Hot Springs Police Dept. Citizens on Patrol
Together with the community, we are building a department that effectively fights crime, helps to eliminate neighborhood blight and provides exceptional service. In support of the police department, our volunteers are encouraged to spend time getting to know residents and merchants in an effort to develop relationships and to cooperatively build a safer community. Whether answering calls, greeting people at our station or completing duties in the field, we are committed to partnerships with the community and to collaborative problem solving for the benefit of all. For more information, email citizensonpatrol@dhspd.com or call (760) 329-2904 ext. 348.
Desert Paws Sanctuary
Desert Paws Sanctuary is in need of foster volunteers to help abandoned animals in the Coachella Valley. We are looking for individuals who can provide love to an animal. We provide food and other supplies while the animal is in your care. If you are interested in becoming a foster volunteer, please complete a foster application form at desertpawssanctuary.org. If you have questions, email info@desertpawssanctuary.org.
Dezart Performs
Play a vital role in one of the Coachella Valley's premier theater companies. Dezart Performs has added performances this season and is looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers over 18 for front-of-house roles such as usher, greeter, ticket scanner, concessions worker or to handle box office duties. Volunteers are encouraged to stay and enjoy the play. Sign up to volunteer at dezartperforms.org/volunteer-opportunities. Questions? Email Eileen Breen, managing director, at eileen.breen@dezartperforms.com.
Food Now
Food Now is a community food pantry located in Desert Hot Springs. Since 1989, we have been serving the needs of the residents of Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Springs and surrounding areas. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents in the western valley by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services that strengthen families and build healthy communities. We are looking for volunteers 18+ to help package and distribute to local families. Hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Visit thefamilyservicesofthedesert.org/volunteer.
Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum
We are the Gilman Ranch Hands, the support group for a historic ranch, house and wagon museum in Banning. We are seeking volunteers for a number of tasks, including helping with tours and/or school programs, putting on special events at the ranch, doing research/writing and general upkeep. Training is provided. Come be a part of one of Riverside County’s historic sites! Call the ranch at (951) 922-9200 or inquire at gilmanranchhands@gmail.com.
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Host a puppy that's been born to change lives! Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) provides custom-trained guide dogs to people who are blind. Currently, GDD is seeking individuals over the age of 18 and/or families to welcome our puppies into their home for about a year and a half. Puppy raisers are volunteers who help these dogs learn the fundamental skills needed to be successful in their jobs as service dogs when they are adults. These skills include basic obedience, understanding the world around them and behaving appropriately in public settings. At 18-24 months, puppies return to Guide Dogs of the Desert to undergo more training, to ultimately find their perfect career! GDD provides support in the training and exposure process as well as in providing the basic needs for each pup. If you are willing to open your heart and home to a puppy destined to make a lasting impact, this role may be for you. Want to be involved, but can't commit to a pup right now? We want to hear from you, too. There is something for anyone and everyone who wants to support this incredible journey. The gift of independence takes a community to nurture, and we invite you to be a part of ours. Learn how your skills, strengths and willingness can make a difference in the lives of people who are blind. Visit gddca.org, email puppyraisers@gddca.org or contact Lisa Morand (760) 329-2378.
Hanson House
Hanson House is a home away from home for the loved ones of patients receiving care at Desert Regional Medical Center. Volunteers assist families during sudden and oftentimes unexpected health crises in four-hour shifts. Responsibilities include checking guests in or out of their casitas, receiving payments and providing a compassionate listening ear. Volunteers should be dependable, have basic computer and telephone skills, enjoy interacting with the public and have the flexibility to work some evenings or weekends. We welcome volunteers with skills in accounting, IT, office management, fundraising, social media or grant writing. Bilingual volunteers encouraged to volunteer. Call or email Susan Laird, assistant manager at (760) 416-5070 or susan.laird@hansonhouse.org. hansonhouse.org.
Jewish Family Service of the Desert
JFS is a non-sectarian nonprofit, provider of social service programs and support to all residents of the Coachella Valley. We are seeking volunteers aged 21+ for the following assignments: JFS express medical appointment transportation coordinator, JFS express driver to help provide medical appointment transportation to seniors, office assistant, executive director administrative assistant and senior social activity program lead (Let's Do Lunch! program). Contact Julie Hirsh (760) 325-4088 ext. 103, jhhirsh@jfsdesert.org.
Loving All Animals
This 501(c)(3) charity needs volunteers to help with homeless dogs at its shelter in Coachella. Volunteers transport animals to vet and grooming appointments, help in training classes and adoption events, etc. Also in need are volunteers to open their hearts and homes to foster kittens and all-size dogs. Loving All Animals pays for all veterinary costs, food, supplies and adoption assistance. Expert dog training assistance is available to shelter volunteers and foster parents. Call (760) 834-7000 for more information. To foster or volunteer at the shelter, complete and submit the volunteer application online at lovingallanimals.org. You'll be part of many happy endings for people and pets!
Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop in Center
The Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Drop in Center provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. It provides valuable resources, free mental health, homework assistance, job preparation, resume building and much more. This historic Coachella Valley center is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of committees to improve the lives for LGBTQ+ youth. Call (760) 464-0223 or email info@trans.health.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival has a well-established reputation as one of the most prestigious and well-attended film festivals in the country, welcoming more than 136,000 enthusiastic filmgoers to Palm Springs every January. In June, moviegoers and volunteers enjoy ShortFest. In order to welcome the thousands of filmgoers and hundreds of filmmakers, we need hundreds of volunteers to staff theater venues, help in the office and assist with a myriad of other tasks. For each shift worked, you receive a volunteer voucher, which can be exchanged for a ticket to view a film during the festival. Complete the volunteer application at psfilmfest.org or contact the festival office at (760) 322-2930.
Parkinson's Resource Organization
If you are task-oriented, enjoy customer service and like working in a friendly, mission-driven office environment, volunteering in a clerical capacity with Parkinson’s Resource Organization may be a good fit for you. Volunteer duties can range from answering phones, helping with mailings and making follow-up calls to our constituents. Contact Wendy Garcia at (760) 773-5628 or email info@parkinsonsresource.org.
Partners Against Violence
This nonprofit provides free and confidential support services to survivors of sexual assault. Volunteers are needed for the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley. For more information, visit partnersagainstviolence.org or email volunteer@partnersav.org.
Paws & Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy
Our organization takes trained therapy dogs, Canine Ambassadors as we refer to them, on visits to local hospitals, long-term care facilities, cancer centers and special education classes. We are looking for friendly, outgoing dogs who are full-time desert residents, as your commitment to visit is each and every week. Dogs must be a minimum of 1 year old, current on all of their shots and spayed or neutered. Information: pawsandhearts.org or (760) 836-1406.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center
Join our incredible team of volunteers. Whether you have experience with horses or not, your passion, empathy and commitment are what matter most. Together, let's make a positive impact in the lives of children and adults with special needs through equine assisted therapy. Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pegasus, located in Palm Desert off Cook Street and I-10, provides therapeutic riding to kids with disabilities. Contact Erika Battke (760) 636-3685 or info@pegasusridingacademy.org to learn more.
Read With Me Volunteer Programs
Help a 19-year-old nonprofit that has successfully helped local children from low-income and limited-English-speaking families improve their English reading, comprehension and speaking skills. We are accepting fully vaccinated volunteers to commit two to three hours once or twice a week to help tutor these children in person on campus. For more information or to obtain an application about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, call (760) 567-1830 or visit readwithmevolunteers.com.
SafeHouse of the Desert
SafeHouse of the Desert, a 21-day emergency shelter for youth ages 11-17, is seeking individual or group volunteers that can cook with the youth, do creative writing, provide financial literacy workshops, music groups (to teach them how to play an instrument), video production, ASL and any life skill activity that would be beneficial to a young teen. Health groups, which incorporate fitness, such as a workout group, sport activities, mediation and yoga would also be very helpful. In order to volunteer, you must be 21+, pass a background check (which is paid by the volunteer) and also have an up-to-date TB test. Contact Catalina Garcia at cgarcia@operationsafehouse.org or call (760) 343-3211.
SoCal Adaptive Sports
Seeking volunteers (18 or older) to assist with administrative and event-related tasks, e.g. coaching, attending hikes. Proficiency with websites and social media are helpful for admin tasks. Contact Mike Rosenkrantz at (760) 469-9207 or via mike@socaladaptivesports.org.
Transgender Health & Wellness Center
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center provides health care and social services to transgender, gender non-conforming and intersex persons in the Inland Empire. We also work with families to help them have a nurturing environment so LGBTQ+ youth can reach their highest potential. Volunteering for us directly impacts and changes lives for the better. Call (760) 202-4308, visit trans.health or email info@trans.health.
Voices for Children - Court Appointed Special Advocate Program
Voices for Children transforms the lives of abused, abandoned or neglected children by providing them with trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). A CASA gets to know a child’s situation, communicates with professionals on the case and makes sure the child’s needs are being met. Over time, a CASA often becomes the most consistent person in a child’s life. We invite you to attend an online information session to learn more about how by volunteering 10-15 hours a month you can change a child’s life. To view upcoming dates and to register, visit speakupnow.org/volunteer or email rcvolunteer@speakupnow.org.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Looking to volunteer in the Palm Springs area?
