L.A. Community Action Network
8709 La Tijera Los Angeles, CA 90045
(818) 895-7380
They offer nationwide volunteer opportunities, including organizations offering relief from the terrorist attacks. For local opportunities, either call or go to their Website, click on the volunteer button and follow instructions. It’ll prompt you to enter your zip code. The search engine pulls up opportunities from a five to 60 mile radius from your home. If you call them, they send you a newsletter for free. The newsletter has ideas about places to volunteer.
L.A. Works
River Center and Gardens
570 W. Ave. 26, Ste. 400 Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 224-6510
From arts and crafts, walking dogs or singing to babies, this organization offers many opportunities in Los Angeles from one-day to long-term projects. Volunteers must first attend an orientation. Some activities are geared only to adults, so be sure to ask if it’s teen-friendly.
Volunteers of America
3600 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 389-1500
National nonprofit organization with volunteer opportunities in programs for children, the developmentally disabled, families, emergency services, the homeless and more.
HOSPITALS
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Volunteer Services Department
8700 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 423-3277 Ask to speak with the Volunteer Department.
Within the Volunteer Services Department, they have a Teen Volunteer program. It’s for youth aged 14-18. Shifts are set up in two to four hours of service once a week from early morning to early evening and weekends.
Centinela Hospital Medical Center
555 E. Hardy St. Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 673-4660. Ask for the Volunteer Services Department
Teens 14 and older must go through an application process, take a tuberculosis test and attend an orientation before they can start volunteering. A dress code is required for volunteers. Tattoos must be covered and no face, lip, nose or tongue jewelry allowed.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
4650 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA
(323) 669-2371
Teens 15 and older can volunteer here after completing a three-hour orientation. Only those 18 and older can have direct contact with the patients. Teens younger than 18 can still help out by greeting patients and their families at the front desk and doing clerical work. The hospital asks for a minimum of a six month commitment plus 100 hours of service. Teens work a minimum of two to four hours a week, depending on the department and can choose their schedule. After service is completed, the hospital will write a letter to give students either high school or college credit.
UCLA Medical Center Volunteer Office
10833 Le Conte Ave. Room 12-217CHS Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 794-4735. Ask to speak with Hannah Fairchild, student coordinator
Teens 15 and older can volunteer in a variety of ways such as escorting patients, helping with clerical work, in the gift shop, or in another department with an opening.The program requires four hours of volunteering a week for a total of 80 hours of service. Teens can divide their four weekly hours to fit their schedules if they need to.
HUNGER AND PEOPLE
American Red Cross
2770 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90057
(818) 376-1724. Ask for Monica Armstrong in the Dept. of Volunteering.
Teens 14 and older can join a youth group and get involved. They meet every other Monday from 6-9 p.m.
Food on Foot
1625 N. Schrader Hollywood, CA 90028
(310) 442-0088
This is a nonprofit organization that needs volunteers on Saturdays at 3:30 in Venice and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. in Hollywood. Volunteers will distribute clothing and food to the homeless and poor. Teens must be interviewed before volunteering.
Salvation Army of Southern California
(213) 896-9160, ask for Kari Rudd sarmyvol@aol.com or kari_rudd@usw.sarmy.org
(323) 221-5620 — phone number to call for volunteering on Thanksgiving
Call or send an e-mail and get on their mailing list to see what opportunities are available, since it’s always being updated. Hours and dates vary with each opportunity. There are many chances to volunteer here whether you’re assisting children with homework, sorting cans in a food pantry or teaching computer classes.
Union Rescue Mission
545 S. San Pedro St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 347-6300, ext. 1148
All ages are welcome to volunteer. You may help out seasonally or become a regular. The mission asks that regular volunteers help out at least eight hours a month. Volunteer activities vary with the season. Some work with children, guest services, sort clothes, help with activities, hand out and prepare food or clean. Job depends on when you can volunteer.
LITERACY AND BOOKS
County of Los Angeles Public Library
Library’s Volunteer Corp.
7400 E. Imperial Hwy. Downey, CA 90242
(562) 940-8559, ask for Carol Ross
carolr@lhqsmtp.cola.org
There’s no age limit and no experience required for teens interested in volunteering at the library. Volunteers are needed at all branches.All minors must submit written parental approval.Time commitments vary with each task. Teens can shelve books, create displays, tell stories, show films, write publicity and more.
Los Angeles Public Library
(213) 228-7598
The library has 67 different locations that need volunteers. You can help out with programs for the homebound, reading to young children or other literacy services.Call them for further information or apply online.
Reading to Kids
3540 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 424 Los Angeles, Ca 90010-2348
(213) 338-0008
info@readingtokids.org
Volunteers work to create enthusiasm with children and reading.Reading clubs meet the second Saturday each month from 9 a.m.-noon.
SPIRITUAL
Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles
6505 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 761-8800, ext. 1255
Volunteers are needed at their 12 different sites in the county.Volunteers can provide direct services like computer training, how to play the guitar or indirectly by doing clerical services and other paperwork.