Lend A Hand In Watsonville: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Near You

The holiday season is about more than lights and celebrations — it’s also a meaningful time to give back and make a difference right here at home. We’ve rounded up a few organizations in and around Watsonville that could use a helping hand this season. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but a starting point — be sure to contact each group directly to learn about their current needs, requirements and how you can best support their efforts.

Community Bridges

Community Bridges supports seniors, families and youth across Santa Cruz County through services like meal delivery, food distributions and after-school and youth mentorship programs. Volunteers 18 and older can deliver Meals on Wheels routes, help at senior dining sites, assist with food distributions or tutor and mentor local students.
Learn more: communitybridges.org/volunteer

Jacob’s Heart

This Watsonville-based organization provides compassionate, practical support to children with cancer and their families across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and South Santa Clara counties. Jacob’s Heart volunteers can pack and deliver groceries, decorate cards and grocery bags, assist with office projects or help at art days, family camps and holiday events.
Learn more: jacobsheart.org/volunteer

Monarch Services

Monarch Services in Watsonville supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking through crisis intervention, shelter services, legal advocacy and community education. Community volunteers can contribute in several key areas, ranging from direct support to community engagement and administrative or behind-the-scenes help. All direct-service roles require completion of a 65-hour state-certified peer counselor training, along with a background check and a one-year commitment.
Learn more: monarchscc.org/get-involved/volunteer

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter cares for dogs, cats, rabbits and wildlife while promoting humane treatment and responsible pet ownership. Volunteers can support animal care, join the Green Team to maintain the shelter grounds, prep enrichment activities, or open their homes as fosters. Orientation and species-specific training are required so volunteers can safely and confidently support the animals in their care.
Learn more: scanimalshelter.org/becoming-a-volunteer

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County distributes nutritious food to 70,000 neighbors each month through its warehouse operations and more than 100 community food distributions. Weekend and weekday shifts are available for volunteers to sort, pack and distribute food, assist at local food sites, help with clerical projects or pitch in at special events.
Learn more: thefoodbank.org/volunteer-trial

Watsonville Public Library

A community hub, Watsonville Public Library relies on volunteers to extend its services to residents of all ages. Adult volunteers can deliver materials to homebound community members, tutor adult learners or support fundraising activities. (Note: The teen volunteer program is currently on a waitlist.)
Learn more: watsonville.gov/1084/Volunteering-at-the-Library

Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Watsonville Wetlands Watch engages volunteers in restoring and protecting the Pajaro Valley’s wetlands through education, habitat work and community science. You can join weekly native-plant workdays, participate in monthly habitat restoration events or train to become an education docent.
Learn more: watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/volunteer

Whether you volunteer for an hour or all season long, your time can make a real difference right here in Watsonville.

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