Volunteer Information
Volunteers are vital to the success of our community. City volunteer opportunities are available for individuals or groups such as schools, companies, and clubs.
Many of our recreation program and park volunteers consist of high school students looking to fulfill community service requirements. The Parks & Recreation team can help find the right program for you and to verify your service hours.
If you are considering serving on a City commission, visit the Boards and Commissions page for available opportunities.
To apply as a volunteer, please fill-out a volunteer application form.
| DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM | OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION | HOW TO GET INVOLVED |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Community Center (ACC) |
The ACC seeks volunteers to help with several activities, including:
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For more information and questions, contact Linda Scannell at (650) 802-4113 or lscannell@cityofsancarlos.org and fill out a volunteer application to get involved. |
| Boards and Commissions |
The City seeks volunteers to serve on its boards and commissions, which include:
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Check for current openings on the city website. For more information and questions, contact Crystal Mui at (650) 802-4219 or cmui@cityofsancarlos.org. |
| Community Events |
The City seeks volunteers to help with various events throughout the year. These events include:
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For more information and questions, contact Wendy Schettino at (650) 802-4129 or wschettino@cityofsancarlos.org or Lauren Schneider at (650) 802-4127 or lschneider@cityofsancarlos.org and fill out a volunteer application on Better Impact to get involved. |
| Fire Department | The Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills. The Fire Department also seeks volunteers for administrative/office projects involving single commitments of about 3-10 hours at Fire Station #9 in Redwood City. | Contact Jan Peterson at jpeterson@redwoodcity.org or at (650) 780-5790 for questions about CERT, or to get involved in data entry and administrative projects. For more information about CERT Academy and registration, go to the Redwood City CERT Academy website. |
| Parks and Recreation | Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Project are programs that engage individuals, groups, and organizations interested in maintaining and caring for public parks and sites, such as signs, trails, landscape areas, pedestrian spaces, and more. The City provides volunteers with training, supplies, and services that will help them maintain the site and learn about the value of safe, clean, and accessible public places. | For more information and questions, contact Amy Newby at anewby@cityofsancarlos.org or (650) 802-4131 and fill out a volunteer application to get involved. |
| Sheriff's Office |
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office offers a variety of volunteer positions, including those in:
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For more information visit the Volunteers page of the Sheriff's Office's website. |
| Youth Sports Program | The Parks and Recreation Department seeks enthusiastic volunteers to coach Kindergarten – 6th grade recreation basketball and 1st grade – 8th grade flag football. The program’s goal is to create a positive environment that promotes self-confidence while improving skills and knowledge of the game. The basketball league runs Saturdays January – February and the flag football league runs Friday evenings January – February. | For more information and questions, contact athletics@cityofsancarlos.org and fill out a volunteer application to get involved. |
| Youth Center | Volunteers can help out at the Youth Center by providing homework assistance at the after-school drop in program and by helping with instruction for special programs. | For more information and questions, contact Tyler Muela at tmuela@cityofsancarlos.org or (650) 802-4120 and fill out a volunteer application to get involved. |
Volunteers are vital to the success of our community. Listed below are opportunities that are available at organizations in San Carlos followed by organizations in San Mateo County. There are opportunities available for individuals, groups, and students.
The City of San Carlos provides this list to help community members find organizations seeking volunteers, but is not associated with nor responsible for the volunteer opportunities.
If you would like to update your organization's opportunity description, or if you would like to have your organization added to this list, please contact Brian Cary at BCary@cityofsancarlos.org.
| ORGANIZATION | OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION | HOW TO GET INVOLVED |
|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation of San Carlos | The Community Foundation of San Carlos serves as a connector for the community and local organizations by identifying community needs, disseminating information and sharing resources. They address identified community needs by bringing together local nonprofits, service organizations, community leaders and local philanthropists to contribute time, in-kind goods & services, and financial resources to create sustainable solutions. | For more information visit the Community Foundation of San Carlos. |
| Healthy Cities Tutoring | Community volunteers are paired with K-8 students in all San Carlos public schools who are struggling to succeed in school. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to improve academic performance, engagement in learning, and self-esteem. Scheduling is flexible and tutors volunteer one hour per week, helping students with reading, math, homework, organization, and study skills. | For more information and to access an online or mail-in volunteer application, visit the Healthy Cities Volunteer Page. For questions, contact (650) 508-7327 or info@healthycitiestutoring.org. |
| Museum of San Carlos History | Those who live or work in San Carlos can become "San Carlos Villagers" who volunteer as docents for the museum. There is a $15 fee to become a docent or $20 to be an associate member who does not docent. | To become a San Carlos Villager, visit the museum and fill out an application or access a mail-in application at the Museum’s San Carlos Villager page. |
| San Carlos Elms | San Carlos Elms seeks volunteers to work in the Memory Care Program, where they help residents and staff with activities, such as games, arts & crafts, reading, and puzzles. Volunteers who play music, dance, or bring in animals with up to date shots are welcome. Volunteers work up to 4 hours per day sometime between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and no more than 16 hours per week. | For more information, potential volunteers should visit the San Carlos Elms website. |
| San Carlos Library |
The library offers various types of volunteer role opportunities:
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To apply to volunteer and learn more, go to the San Carlos Library volunteer page. |
| San Carlos Lions Club | The San Carlos Lions Club seeks volunteers to help with service projects, such as work with Blue Star moms, Caring Cupboard, and eyeglasses collections. The Lions also welcome new members interested in ongoing service to the community. | For more information about these opportunities and how to get involved, visit the San Carlos Lions Club website. |
| San Carlos Together |
Volunteers support San Carlos Together’s focus on community-building activities under the banner "Enhancing the City of Good Living Initiative." They work on projects including:
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For more information and to get involved, visit the San Carlos Together website or contact sancarlostogether@gmail.com. |
| The Family Tree | Volunteers help with the operation of the Family Tree thrift store on Laurel Street. The store sells new and next to new merchandise and is supported by community donations. The Family Tree is an auxiliary to Peninsula Family Service, which is where 100% of its profits go. | Potential volunteers have two training shifts, including one 3-hour morning shift and one 3-hour afternoon shift which are completed on days convenient to the trainee. Volunteers are asked to work two 3-hour shifts per month. To get involved, contact the Family Tree at (650) 339-2401, or Trudy Somrak at (650) 740-5704 or trudy17@pacbell.net. |
Volunteers are vital to the success of our community. Listed below are opportunities that are available at organizations in San Carlos followed by organizations in San Mateo County. There are opportunities available for individuals, groups, and students.
The City of San Carlos provides this list to help community members find organizations seeking volunteers, but is not associated with nor responsible for the volunteer opportunities.
If you would like to update your organization's opportunity description, or if you would like to have your organization added to this list, please contact Brian Cary at BCary@cityofsancarlos.org.
| ORGANIZATION | OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION | HOW TO GET INVOLVED |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbors Helping Neighbors | Neighbors Helping Neighbors supports Bay Area community-based organizations in their efforts to help those in need and make our community a better place to live. They engage the community in Impact Projects like greeting cards for seniors / first responders and Connectivity for All. They primarily serve San Mateo County but anyone who wants to help or needs help is encouraged to reach out. | For more information visit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Facebook Page. |
| Build |
BUILD is a high school entrepreneurship program for students attending high school in Redwood City, Woodside, East Palo Alto, and in many underserved communities across the country. BUILD provides training and curriculum to volunteers who become mentors, who work 1-2 hours per week for the length of the academic year to teach small groups of young entrepreneurs skills and business fundamentals. |
For more information, visit the BUILD volunteer webpage. |
| CALL Primrose | CALL Primrose is a drop in food pantry that provides free, healthy groceries to low income people. They seek volunteers to work front desk shifts and to serve as pantry helpers who prepare grocery bags, store produce, and stock shelves. |
For more information, visit the CALL Primrose volunteer website and email contact@callprimrose.org to get involved. |
| Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (CID) |
CID is seeking a volunteer receptionist who will screen calls, conduct intake, greet visitors, provide agency information, monitor the reception area, and perform other clerical functions. Volunteers work on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours or the entire duration between 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
For more information or to get involved, contact the Office Manager at cidsanmateoorg@gmail.com. |
| CuriOdyssey | CuriOdyssey is a science and wildlife center that offers opportunities to volunteer as wildlife interpretive guides, summer camp volunteers, conservation project volunteers, and Wildlife Department assistants. | Visit the CuriOdyssey Volunteer website for more information about opportunities, commitment, and training, and to access the volunteer application. |
| Elder Wisdom Circle | The Elder Wisdom Circle virtually connects Elders to young readers to provide advice seekers with personalized and free advice. Adults who are 60 or older can volunteer to offer guidance to young people. |
For more information, visit the Elder Wisdom Circle website. Potential volunteers must complete an application and screening process, and can get started on the Offer Advice webpage. |
| Friends for Youth | Volunteers mentors spend 2-3 hours per week over the course of one year doing fun activities with underserved youth in their communities in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. | To get involved, register for and attend an information session. |
| HIP Housing | HIP Housing seeks volunteers to support the Home Sharing Program. HIP Housing's Home Sharing Program helps to match people who have a residence to share in San Mateo County with people seeking housing. Volunteers serve as Home Sharing Program Assistants and as Outreach Ambassadors. | To get involved, visit the HIP Housing volunteer page. |
| Life Moves |
Life Moves offers a range of volunteer opportunities:
Life Moves also offers a summer internship program for college students and camp counselor opportunities for high school students. |
For more information and to sign-up for the serving opportunities, visit the LifeMoves Meal Program website. To apply or learn more about the internship program, visit LifeMoves internship information page. For general volunteer information and questions, visit the LifeMoves volunteer website or send an email to volunteer@lifemoves.org. |
| Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District | Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District offers roles as Trail Patrol and Preserve Partner/Outdoor Service Projects in its volunteerism in stewardship program, and roles as Nature Center Hosts, Outdoor Education Leaders, and Outdoor Activity Docents in its docent program. | For more details about the opportunities and information about how to get involved, visit the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website. All programs require advanced training except for the Outdoor Service Projects, which allow for episodic involvement. |
| Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. (OSSMC) |
OSSMC is seeking passionate and committed volunteers who want to make a big difference in the lives of seniors and adults living in long term care. Volunteers are trained as CA certified Field Ombudsen who support, protect, and advocate for all residents living in licensed long term care facilities. Those looking for shorter term commitments can volunteer and participate in party planning, tabling, marketing, and music and memory activities. |
For more information and instructions for getting involved, visit the OSSMC volunteer website. |
| One Step Beyond | One Step Beyond provides services to people who have intellectual disabilities and are seeking volunteers for various programs and events. Volunteers can assist with the day programs (9-3 p.m.) and work with adults on activities such as art, cooking, and music classes. Volunteers also support fundraising events such as the tennis tournament in March, and quarterly “Clean Out” events where volunteers help with a deep clean of the program location in San Mateo. | To learn more about the opportunities and to apply to volunteer, visit the One Step Beyond Inc. Volunteer page. |
| Packard Children’s Hospital | Packard Children’s Hospital has five main areas of volunteer opportunities: mother and baby care; play and recreation; support services; education; and community work. Volunteers work with the hospital for at least six months, with one 2-3 hour shift per week. | The volunteer website provides information about how to get involved and register for volunteer orientation, as well as more detail about the volunteer opportunities available. |
| Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA |
Volunteer opportunities are available for adults and youth ages 13-17. There are many volunteer opportunities available, including in:
Adult volunteers commit two hours per week for one year and junior volunteers commit two hours per week for six months. |
For more information, visit the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA volunteer website. |
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Peninsula Volunteers |
Peninsula Volunteers seeks volunteers to help with programs that provide services and housing to support aging adults. At Little House, volunteers teach classes, provide administrative support, and coordinate transportation. At the Rosener House Adult Day Center for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, volunteers provide companionship and assist in leading classes and activities. Volunteers can also help with packing and delivering hot meals for Meals on Wheels for San Mateo County. | Interested potential volunteers can visit the Peninsula Volunteers website. |
| Rape Trauma Services | RTS supports and serves children and adults who have been directly or indirectly harmed by the trauma of sexual abuse/assault/harassment. Volunteers are needed to work in community outreach and fundraising . RTS provides training and opportunities for volunteer sexual assault counselors. | Volunteer applicants must complete a screening interview, training, and an evaluation. Trainings are held every Spring, Summer, and Fall. For more information and to apply, visit the Rape Trauma Services website. |
| Redwood Symphony Orchestra | The Redwood Symphony Orchestra seeks Lobby Volunteers to help with ushering, will call tables, and ticket or snack sales. Concerts are roughly every other month and volunteers get free entry. There are longer-term opportunities, including website development, grant writing, and fundraising, and leadership hour opportunities for High School students. | To get involved, check the dates of the concerts on the Redwood Symphony Orchestra website and contact Lobby Manager Lisa Pokorny at LPokorny@pacbell.net in advance to volunteer regularly or on any particular date. |
| Relay for Life |
Relay for Life has several one-time and short-term volunteer opportunities, including:
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For more information about these opportunities, contact Jennifer Highland at Jennifer.highland@cancer.org or at (408) 688-0129. |
| San Mateo County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program | The County’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention program seeks volunteers to help clean up litter for Coastal Cleanup Day on the third Saturday of September. | For more information and to sign up, visit the County’s Coastal Cleanup Day website. |
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San Mateo County Office of Sustainability |
The San Mateo County of Sustainability has ongoing opportunities for volunteers to do monthly neighborhood cleanups and participate in the Sustainability Academy, which provides classes, workshops and socials for volunteers. |
For more information, visit the volunteer page for the Office of Sustainability, and the Sustainability Academy webpage. |
| Second Harvest |
Second Harvest has volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups at its three facilities, and at some of its distribution sites. Volunteer activities include:
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For more information, and to sign up to volunteer, visit Second Harvest’s volunteer website. |