If you live in the Los Angeles area and would like to volunteer in the local community, it can be difficult to find the right programs. Below are some quality organizations get involved with in the LA area.

Roy-Dekel-FoodbankGroceryships: The mission of this organization is to improve the long-term health and wellness of low-income areas by created a network of educational support groups and access to healthy food. If you have a group of 10 or more who would like to volunteer, you can simply reach out to Groceryships and they will send you a meeting format, curriculum, film series, healthy recipes, and weekly discussion topics. After you pick a start date, your team will be ready to educate the community on healthy eating.

Baby2Baby: This organization is designed to provide low-income families with children ages 0-12 with diapers, clothing, and basic necessities. Partnered with homeless and domestic violence shelters, Head Start programs, and children’s hospitals, Baby2Baby is able to serve nearly 100,000 children in the Los Angeles area.Baby2Baby hosts volunteer events every Monday and Wednesday at their mid-Wilshire warehouse where you can create personalized gift bags for specified children in need or help sort the hundreds of donation items they receive weekly. Additionally, donating items yourself is always welcomed.

L.A. Regional Food Bank: The L.A. Food Bank works with homeless shelters and daycare centers, fighting to end hunger. Over a period of 40 years, 1 billion pounds of food has been distributed. You can help by signing up for a physical or virtual food drive. The 400 pound pledge establishes the minimum food distribution quota. You can donate as an individual or group. If you work out of a large office, speak to your HR representative about a company sponsored virtual drive.

Roy-Dekel-StudyingThe Hollywood Education and Literacy Project: H.E.L.P. is a tutoring service for individuals ages 9 and up in reading, math, and phonics. The goal of the organization is to eliminate illiteracy and empower individuals to be competent, self-motivated learners. On-grade reading level has increasingly become an issue. The Hollywood Education and Literacy Project has recognized this issue and aims to correct it. The basic requirement for volunteering is the possession of at least a 9th grade reading level.

The Downtown Women’s Center: Established in 1978, the DWC is dedicated to helping women overcome poverty and homelessness in Skid Row. They provide supportive housing and a safe and healthy community where women can establish dignity, respect, and personal stability. Volunteers commit to 2-3 hours a week for 6 months in which they facilitate workshops demonstrating the “SET to Create” program. This program allows women to learn a craft skill and create items to be sold in the DWC store.