Looking to volunteer in Greater Palm Springs?
Is your nonprofit looking for volunteers? Email giving@desertsun.com. 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 jpoutre@aapfoodsamaritans.org.
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
Volunteers with a heart for serving those with Alzheimers and dementia and their care partners are needed for our weekly social interactive programs. Other positions include assisting at professional education and public outreach programs and special events. Special training is provided for those interested in becoming support group facilitators. Contact (760) 776-3100 for an application. 42600 Cook St., Ste. 134, Palm Desert.
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.
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 membership@alcoachellavalley.org or call (949) 848-0084.
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 chris@cvcatclub.org or call (760) 578-8700.
Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep)
Seeking volunteers 18 or older to usher, concessions, guest services, administrative, marketing, set construction, technical crew, costumes, development and community ambassador. Contact Alexandria Rosales (760) 296-2966, ext. 119 or email arosales@cvrep.org.
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 mica.mendez@cvvim.org. 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 ajohnson@ombirs.org. 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 lnaishtut@daphealth.org and Marice Lerner at mlerner@daphealth.org 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 janderson@bfcloset.org.
Desert Rose Society
Seeking volunteers for the Desert Rose Society's annual show on Saturday, Nov. 13, to set up, take down rose show tables, containers, signage and to assist judges and help place entries on the show floor. Please call (760) 340-3802.
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 shannon@elderloveusa.org.
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 puppyraisers@gddca.org or contact Annika Collister (760) 329-6257.
Jewish Family Service of the Desert
Seeking volunteers high school age or older for senior medical transportation assistance (five-plus openings), office assistance (five openings), tech project assistance (three-plus openings). Contact Julie Hirsh (760) 325-4088 ext. 103, jhhirsh@jfsdesert.org.
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 judys@joslyncenter.org.
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 hamerba@lstream.org.
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 Justin Carmichael at (760) 346-5694 ext. 2503 or via jcarmichael@livingdesert.org.
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 ectors@mizell.org or (760) 323-5689, ext. 110. Volunteers must provide proof of vaccination.
Old Town Artisan Studios
Seeking volunteers aged 16-plus to assist at our annual holiday event, Gingerbread Lane! Event includes ornament painting, cookie decorating, performances and more. Please contact Ivanna at ivanna@oldtownartisanstudios.org or call our front desk at (760) 777-1444. Old Town Artisan Studios is located at 78-046 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta.
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 pmengel@jfkfoundation.org.
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 volunteer@psanimalshelter.org.
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 info@pegasusridingacademy.org to learn more.
Read With Me Volunteer Programs
Read With Me is 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 new and returning part-time and full-time volunteers to help tutor these children, either via Zoom or on campus if fully vaccinated. For more information or to obtain an application about this rewarding volunteer opportunity please 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 aceroni@rmhcsc.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 info@trans.health.
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 volunteers@29palmshistorical.org.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Looking to volunteer in Greater Palm Springs?
