VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY

As you choose to serve others try to do so as a Catholic Christian following the teachings of Christ and the Church; we are called to care for all of God’s creation with love; people, living creatures and the earth on which we live.
This list is meant to get you started – and the opportunities for service are endless.
HELPING PEOPLE

Torrance/Lomita Meals on Wheels:  
310 542 3434 
tlmow.org
Provides hot meals to shut-ins daily.  

School on Wheels: schoolonwheels.org
Provides tutoring for homeless children nationwide.  Choose our area; Redondo/San Pedro/Torrance.

Lomita Care Center: 1955 W. Lomita Blvd. 310 325 1970

Crisis Helpline:
310 793 1415
A call-in Lumber for help with crisis situations; training provided for those who would like to work the phone lines.  Other help needed:  drivers and runners for a fundraising project, delivering phone books.

 

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Mary and Joseph Retreat Center
Volunteer League:  
Jan Nowinski 310 377 4867 X225 or maryjoseph.org
Nov. 3 from 10 AM to 4PM – Mailing Program Guides.
Nov. 20, 21 & 22 – Help decorate for the Holidays.                                                     December 1 in the afternoon – Set UP for the 5th Annual Nativity Exhibit.
Be a docent for field trips visiting the Nativity Exhibit or Share your Nativity during the Exhibit.  Contact Sidney 310 377 4867 X 258 or maryjoseph.org

 

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Women of Substance and Men of Honor:
www.wosmohinc.com
An organization based in Ventura County which partners with many organizations to serve the Emancipated Foster Care Youth and the Incarcerated Youth.  People to write notes of encouragement:  “Helping to save one youth at a time!”

 

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2011 Long Beach Crop Walk:   562-433-3381
crophungerwalk
36th Annual Walk Sponsored by Church World Services and the South Coast Interfaith Council  - 5K walk to raise money and awareness for local food banks and programs.
Casa de los Angelitos:    
310 325 8208 casdelosangelitos.org
La Casa is a housing program for pregnant women in crisis and their infants who are in need of a friendly and protective environment.

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress: recongress.org
March 22 Youth Day and March 23-25, 2012 -   Volunteers needed for workshops, Eucharistic ministers, help with mobility People in wheelcahairs).  See website  for a list of volunteer ops or to contact the congress staff.

Locks of Love: 
locksoflove.org
A public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children under the age of 18 suffering from long term medical illness.  See the website for guidelines and donation forms, photos and information.  Amazing statistic – About 80% of the all donations come from children who wish to help other children!!

  

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Volunteer Match:
This site provides lists of service/volunteer opportunities.  Go to  volunteermatch.org and type LOMITA.  You’ll find over 1,000 entries within 20 miles.

American Towns:   americantowns.com/ca/Lomita-make-a-difference
This site also lists opportunities of all kinds;  long-term and short-term very specific.
Catholic Charities L.A.:
213 251 3495
A dynamic organization doing great work.  See how you can volunteer.

Catholic Relief Services:
crs.org
Catholic Relief Services is one of the highest rated and most effective service agencies in the world.  They are currently building houses in the New Orleans area where hurricane victims are still without homes.  
Catholic Volunteer Network:   catholicvolunteernetwork.org
This is a response directory which is a comprehensive guide to Catholic and Christian volunteer programs available.  You can search opportunities using several criteria.


LIVING CREATURES

Too Many Bunnies:
323 908 4696 TooManyBunnies.com
A nonprofit organization in Redondo Beach that rescues pet rabbits and finds good homes for them.  Welcomes volunteer help with hands-on care and socializing.  You can even borrow a ‘therapy ‘ bunny for home, office or classroom.  Call Linda.

PAWS/LA:
213 741 1950 X 116 pawsla.org/volunteer
A non-profit animal welfare agency that helps low-income seniors and persons living with life-threatening illness care for their companion animals.  They are looking for volunteers to include dog walking, fostering, providing transportation to vet/grooming, pet food delivery and working in the office or food bank.  Contact the number above to speak to Raymundo.

THE EARTH

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Save Our Beach:   
saveourbeach.org
This is a nonprofit organization sponsoring local beach cleanup projects and events.  OR you can find an area in your own neighborhood that needs to be cleaned up or beautified.  Just log your hours.

South Coast Botanic Garden:   southcoastbotanicgarden.org
310 544 1948
Many volunteer opportunities in the propagation department, as docents, etc.  Call and ask to speak to someone about volunteer opportunities.