Looking to volunteer in the Coachella Valley?

These local nonprofits could use your help.

Is your nonprofit looking for volunteers? Email [email protected]. Entries may be edited for space.

The print version of this article may be truncated for space. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, visit desertsun.com/life/desert-scene.

AAP - Food Samaritans (AAP)

Seeking volunteers (18 or older) to assist with administrative and event-related tasks. We need greeters, auction helpers and more. Proficiency with computers helpful but not essential for all tasks. Contact Jim Poutre at (760) 325-8481 or email [email protected].

Alzheimer's Association, Coachella Valley

The Alzheimer's Association is a volunteer-empowered organization. It is always looking for new individuals to onboard and train and has opportunities that will match an individual's particular area of interest or expertise, including: community education, office administration, marketing and communications, Walk and Gala committees and Advisory Council. Volunteers are also needed to help with social engagement programs for caregivers and their loved ones. Call (760) 996-0006 for more information.

Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV)

ACV is always looking for volunteers who have a heart for the people of the Coachella Valley. ACV is a small, 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 [email protected].

American Red Cross – Prepare, Respond & Recover

Seeking volunteers to help your neighbors prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies like home fires, wildfires, floods, earthquakes and more. Volunteer opportunities can match a wide range of interests and time commitments. Get started with an online application at redcross.org/volunteer.

Animal Samaritans

Animal Samaritans needs volunteers to help in our mission to improve the lives of animals and people. As we’re heading into kitten season, we need foster volunteers to help with the influx of kittens and puppies. Our Adoption Alliance Rescue Program also needs Highway Heroes to help transport rescue animals to other no-kill shelters in our effort to save more lives. If you are interested in volunteering with Animal Samaritans, please fill out an application at animalsamaritans.org/volunteer or email [email protected].

Assistance League Coachella Valley

Looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of school children, seniors and the military in our community. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit that has been serving the Coachella Valley since 1973. In 2020-2021, our dedicated members volunteered more than 9,000 hours during the pandemic and touched the lives of more than 10,000 local people through our philanthropic programs. We clothe 3,000-4,000 school children each year, provide entertainment to nursing home-bound seniors, grant scholarships in the performing arts to high school students and hold a baby shower for first-time mothers at 29 Palms Marine Base. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (949) 848-0084.

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, rummage sale committee and program facilitators. For more information, contact Pat at (760) 321-1548 or [email protected].

Citizens on Patrol in Palm Desert

Want to safely assist Palm Desert First Responders and give some very flexible time to keeping our city clean, safe and friendly for residents and visitors? Seeking men and women 18 years or older to be extra eyes and ears for City and Sheriff’s Dept. After training, your volunteer times and days are very flexible with uniforms, vehicles and communications all provided. We are 30 members strong and growing. No matter where you live, Palm Desert appreciates its volunteers. For more information, leave a message at (760) 862-9848.

Coachella Valley Cat Club

Dedicated to helping cats in need, we socialize rescued kittens and re-socialize abandoned and strays. We spay and neuter, vaccinate, provide medical care for sick and injured cats and give quality care until loving homes are found. We also provide food daily to feral cats. We are in need of volunteers to foster kittens (all supplies are provided), feed feral cats, assist with providing attention and care to the cats waiting for a forever home, help with the Trap Neuter Return feral program and assist in marketing and fundraising efforts. Contact [email protected] or call (760) 578-8700.

Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network (CVDPN) seeks volunteer board secretary

Join our fabulous team as a volunteer, part-time executive board administrator for our nonprofit. Do you have excellent administrative, communications and productivity skills using Microsoft Office? Join now by downloading the application at cvdpn.org/board-of-directors and e-mailing it to Carla Sullivan-Dilley at [email protected].

Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep)

Coachella Valley Repertory is seeking volunteers 18 or older to engage in the wide variety of roles and positions within a professional equity theater company. Interested in set construction or the technical side of theater? Interested in guest services, marketing, administration or event management? Want the chance to earn unique prizes? Each front-of-house shift worked enters you into a raffle to win prizes from local businesses, ranging from dinner for two to a spa day. Complimentary tickets, rideshare benefits and community engagement are all perks of volunteering with CVRep. All volunteers must show proof of full vaccination. For opportunities, visit cvrep.org/volunteer, contact Kudra Wagner (760) 296-2966, ext. 117 or email [email protected].

Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine

Seeking bilingual Spanish volunteers for medical office placement, providing patient care, medical translation, reception and data entry, depending on experience and training. Call today and join our team to provide care to uninsured residents of the Coachella Valley. Call Mica at (760) 342-4414 or email [email protected]. Online application at cvvim.org.

Council on Aging - Southern California

Change a senior's life. The Council on Aging is looking for qualified candidates to become long-term care ombudsmen. Our ombudsmen are advocates for the rights of residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities. We need ombudsmen who are fluent in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Farsi and English. Volunteers will be trained. To apply, contact Anita Johnson at (833) 772-6624 or via [email protected]. For more information, visit coasc.org.

DAP Health

Since the inception of DAP Health, volunteers have been the lifeblood of many of our programs; services; events; and especially, our Revivals Stores, located in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Volunteers are needed for the welcome desk, special events, for Client Wellness Services, assembling safer-sex kits and Revivals. Time commitment: at least four hours a week. Contact Larry Naishtut for information about volunteering at DAP Health at [email protected] and Marice Lerner at [email protected] for information about volunteering at Revivals Stores.

Desert Access and Mobility

Volunteer driver needed. Must have a valid California license with no moving violations or suspensions on your license in the last three years. Must be able to assist clients in and out of the vehicle, including pushing wheelchairs, providing support while transferring client from wheelchair or walker to the vehicle and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. Must be willing to submit to background check and drug test before volunteering. CPR and First Aid Certified. We may provide funding for these certificates. Call (760) 422-5504.

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 [email protected].

Dezart Performs

Volunteers needed for Dezart Performs, one of the premiere theater companies in the Coachella Valley. Positions include ushering, working box office and concessions. Please fill out the volunteer application form at dezartperforms.org/volunteer-opportunities.

Elder Love USA

Seeking volunteers to help in our Palm Desert thrift store. Volunteer an average of 10 hours per week and get 50% off everything in the store. Call (888) 336-8322 or email [email protected].

FIND Food Bank

Hunger remains at record levels in the desert due to the effects of COVID-19. FIND, the desert’s regional food bank, needs volunteers to help feed every family and person experiencing food insecurity. We welcome volunteers 18 and over to sort and package food in our warehouse or distribute food at our drive-thru distributions. You can coordinate a special youth volunteer day for a group of 14 to 17 year olds to help out in our warehouse. Contact Erin Lucas, volunteer programs manager, at (760) 775-3663 ext. 123.

Guide Dogs of the Desert

Volunteer puppy raisers needed. Seeking individuals over 18 and/or families to foster our puppies. As a puppy raiser, your job is to help the dog learn about the world and about interacting with humans in a variety of situations. The puppy will remain in your home until they are 18 to 24 months old. Guide Dogs of the Desert will be with you throughout the journey with in-person group training sessions, puppy raiser outings and constant support. And when the puppy is old enough to be matched with their human — that's when you change someone's life. Visit gddca.org, email [email protected] or contact Annika Collister (760) 329-6257.

Hanson House

Volunteers needed to run the front desk, checking families in and out and taking payments. We especially need volunteers in the evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends. Volunteers must be completely vaccinated for COVID-19, and will be subject to a background check. Good telephone skills and computer capability along with the desire to support people in difficult circumstances are the qualifications. Contact Michele at [email protected] or (562) 338-3798.

Indio California Highway Patrol

The CHP is looking for senior volunteers aged 55-plus to help with various tasks at the office in Indio. CHP Senior Volunteer Program (SVP) duties fall into four general categories: administration, public affairs, volunteer use of CHP vehicles and ride-alongs with uniformed officers. Volunteers must be able to work at least four hours a week during regular business hours, have a good driving record and pass a background check. Training is provided. Information: chp.ca.gov. To apply, go to Indio CHP Office, 79-650 Varner Road, Indio, and ask for an application.

Jewish Family Service of the Desert

Seeking volunteers high school age or older for the following assignments: senior medical transportation assistance (five-plus openings / 21-plus years of age), office assistance (five openings). Contact Julie Hirsh (760) 325-4088 ext. 103, [email protected].

The Joslyn Center

Receptionists, Meals on Wheels drivers, administrative support, special projects and much more! The Joslyn Center is looking for vital supporters to assist with daily operations in various departments to make a positive impact in the lives of local seniors. If this sounds like you, please contact Judy Sterling, volunteer coordinator at (760) 340-3220 ext. 103 or [email protected].

LifeStream Blood Bank

Seeks volunteers 18 or older to assist blood donors in the canteen following blood donation and drivers 21 or older to deliver life-saving blood products to local hospitals. LifeStream has two locations in the desert, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage. Contact Barbara at (760) 777-8844, ext. 265 or [email protected].

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Seeking volunteers to fulfill a variety of unique roles throughout the zoo. Volunteers are trained to interact with guests of all ages, to interpret the zoo’s animals and plants and inspire guests to take conservation action. Visit livingdesert.org/support/volunteer to learn more information or contact Billy Morrow at (760) 346-5694 or via [email protected].

Loving All Animals

Seeking volunteers (18 and older) who love working with rescue dogs and cats. Duties include cleaning kennels at our small dog shelter in Coachella, socializing and leash training dogs, transporting them to veterinary and grooming appointments and helping at events. Join our life-saving team of foster parents; homes needed for kittens and dogs of all sizes. Make a difference in a homeless animal’s life! Complete application on lovingallanimals.org or contact Mike at (760) 834-7000.

Mizell Center

The Mizell Center seeks dedicated, compassionate and resourceful volunteers with varied backgrounds, experiences and skills for Meals on Wheels, bingo, information and referral receptionists and resale shop cashiers. Mizell has been providing programs and services to older adults in the greater Palm Springs area for more than 45 years. Sign up to volunteer and join us in offering our diverse roster of life affirming programs and services. For more information please contact Ector at [email protected] or (760) 323-5689, ext. 110. Volunteers must provide proof of vaccination.

Old Town Artisan Studios

Nonprofit arts studio is seeking volunteers 18 or older for a variety of activities including but not limited to: Indian Wells Art Festival (booth with art activity), Eggstravaganza 2022 (gallery monitor), Art on Main booth (set up and break down), painting holiday characters on boards for Gingerbread Lane 2022, Summer Camp and more. Contact Ivanna Diaz Hansen at [email protected] or call (760) 777-1444.

The Ophelia Project

We are looking for women able to commit 6-8 hours per month during school hours, October through May, for mentoring 8th- through 12th-grade girls in schools across the Coachella Valley. We provide training. Mentors must provide proof of COVID vaccination. For more information, contact Peggy Mengel at [email protected].

Palm Springs Animal Shelter

Want to make a difference in an animal’s life? Becoming a volunteer with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. We need volunteers to fill the following assignments: pet fostering, Village Fest booth attendants, customer service concierge and administrative assistant, kitten and cat care, cat training, dog walkers and laundry and kitchen. If interested, please complete a volunteer application at psanimalshelter.org/support/volunteer or email [email protected].

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 Caryn Gates at (760) 773-5628 or [email protected].

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

Seeking volunteers to help with our horses and children with special needs. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Pegasus, located in Palm Desert off Cook Street and I-10, provides animal therapy to kids with disabilities. We need and would love your help! Call Erika (760) 772-3057 or email [email protected] to learn more.

Read With Me Volunteer Programs

A 16-year-old nonprofit that has successfully assisted local children from low-income, limited English-speaking families in their development to improve their skills to read, comprehend and speak the English language. 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.

Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire

Volunteers needed for 18th annual charity golf tournament at Morongo Golf Club, Friday, Nov. 5. Several volunteer shifts are available. Contact Allie Ceroni, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 747-1275 or via [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Soldiers Organized Services (SOS)

SOS is seeking dedicated volunteers to provide airport transportation for active-duty Marines, their immediate families and sweethearts between the USMC base in Twentynine Palms and area transportation hubs, such as Palm Springs and Ontario international airports. Qualified volunteers can be Military Veterans, retired, housewives or anyone else who respects our enlisted men and women. You must have a reliable vehicle that can accommodate two or more passengers and luggage, have a good driving record and be flexible with days and hours of service. Fuel expenses are reimbursed. We are also seeking volunteer dispatchers to help assign drivers to Marines. For information, call Founding Director Erica Stone at (760) 799-5488 or visit sosride.org.

Transgender Health and Wellness Center

The Transgender Health and Wellness Center provides healthcare 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 [email protected].

Twentynine Palms Historical Society

Volunteers needed at the society’s Old Schoolhouse Museum to welcome visitors, give exhibit tours upon request and assist in gift shop purchases. Volunteering one afternoon a month would be of great help. Volunteers work in pairs, and you don’t need to be a member to help out. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Volunteer assistance is also needed for behind-the-scenes activities, such as office assistance, checking in visitors at events and grounds-keeping. Most behind-the-scenes activities take place Wednesday mornings. 6760 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms. If you love history, love the area or are simply looking to get out of the house, stop by, call (760) 367-2366 or email [email protected].

Waring International Piano Competition

The Waring International Piano Competition is looking for volunteers to help with the April competition. Duties include hosting young adult contestants (all must have proof of vaccination), practice pianos, transportation, contestant services, ushers, box office and clerical. It's a great opportunity to practice that foreign language, too. (760) 773-2575, [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Looking to volunteer in the Coachella Valley?