5 Amazing Volunteer Organizations In Santa Cruz

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and get involved in your community. Fortunately for folks in the Santa Cruz area, there’s no shortage of organizations nearby that would love to have your help.

Here are five outstanding volunteer organizations in the Santa Cruz area.

1. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County: Second Harvest Food Bank works to end hunger in Santa Cruz County by distributing nutritious food to individuals and families in need. They rely on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as sorting and packing food, assisting with distributions and supporting special events. Learn more at https://www.thefoodbank.org/.

2. Save Our Shores: Save Our Shores is dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment in the Monterey Bay area. They organize beach cleanups, educational programs and advocacy efforts to protect the ocean and shoreline ecosystems. Volunteers participate in beach cleanups and other environmental projects. Learn more at https://saveourshores.org/.

3. Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center: The Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center provides support and services to women and families in need, with a focus on domestic violence prevention and intervention. Volunteers may help with events, workshops, childcare or administrative tasks. Learn more at https://www.wafwc.org/.

4. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is a nonprofit organization that supports the preservation and enhancement of state parks in the Santa Cruz area. They organize various projects and events, and volunteers play a crucial role in tasks such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration and educational programs. Learn more at https://thatsmypark.org/.

5. Santa Cruz Volunteer Center: The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County serves as a hub for connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations and community projects. They offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities in areas such as education, health, environment and more. If you’re unsure how to start, you can contact the Volunteer Matching Program to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you. Learn more at https://scvolunteercenter.org/.

Do you know of another volunteer organization in Santa Cruz that should be recognized? Let us know about it in the comments!

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