Isn’t it time you started volunteering?
These Coachella Valley-based nonprofits need your help.
Is your nonprofit looking for volunteers? Email giving@desertsun.com. Entries may be edited for space.
Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV)
ACV is always looking for volunteers who have a heart for the people of the Coachella Valley. ACV is a small, local, hands-on nonprofit that supports our valley’s families struggling with dementia and other cognitive issues. If you are interested in assisting with social groups, hospitality, office help, support group facilitation, organizing special events or fundraising, please contact Priscilla at (760) 776-3100 or via priscilla@cvalzheimers.org.
Cathedral City Senior Center
If you ask any one of our volunteers, they’ll tell you that having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of seniors is why they do what they do. It’s a great opportunity to make friends while also enhancing the lives of the people around you. The CCSC volunteer program is currently recruiting new volunteers in the following areas: the food bank, front desk/reception and program facilitators. For more information, contact Pat at (760) 321-1548 or pat@cathedralcenter.org.
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 Hot Springs Police Dept. Citizens on Patrol
Together with the community, we are building a department that effectively fights crime, helps to eliminate neighborhood blight and provides exceptional service. In support of the police department, our volunteers are encouraged to spend time getting to know residents and merchants in an effort to develop relationships and to cooperatively build a safer community. Whether answering calls, greeting people at our station or completing duties in the field, we are committed to partnerships with the community and to collaborative problem solving for the benefit of all. For more information, email citizensonpatrol@dhspd.com or call (760) 329-2904 ext. 348.
Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum
We are the Gilman Ranch Hands, the support group for a historic ranch, house and wagon museum in Banning. We are seeking volunteers for a number of tasks, including helping with tours and/or school programs, putting on special events at the ranch, doing research/ writing and general upkeep. Training is provided. Come be a part of one of Riverside County’s historic sites! Call the ranch at (951) 922-9200 or inquire at gilmanranchhands@gmail.com.
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Host a puppy that’s been born to change lives! Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) provides custom-trained guide dogs to people who are blind. Currently, GDD is seeking individuals over the age of 18 and/or families to welcome our puppies into their home for about a year and a half. Puppy raisers are volunteers who help these dogs learn the fundamental skills needed to be successful in their jobs as service dogs when they are adults. These skills include basic obedience, understanding the world around them and behaving appropriately in public settings. At 18-24 months, puppies return to Guide Dogs of the Desert to undergo more training, to ultimately find their perfect career! GDD provides support in the training and exposure process as well as in providing the basic needs for each pup. If you are willing to open your heart and home to a puppy destined to make a lasting impact, this role may be for you. Want to be involved, but can’t commit to a pup right now? We want to hear from you, too. There is something for anyone and everyone who wants to support this incredible journey. The gift of independence takes a community to nurture, and we invite you to be a part of ours. Learn how your skills, strengths and willingness can make a difference in the lives of people who are blind. Visit gddca.org, email puppyraisers@gddca.org or contact Lisa Morand (760) 329-2378.
Hanson House
Hanson House is a home away from home for the loved ones of patients receiving care at Desert Regional Medical Center. Volunteers assist families during sudden and oftentimes unexpected health crises in four-hour shifts. Responsibilities include checking guests in or out of their casitas, receiving payments and providing a compassionate listening ear. Volunteers should be dependable, have basic computer and telephone skills, enjoy interacting with the public and have the flexibility to work some evenings or weekends. We welcome volunteers with skills in accounting, IT, office management, fundraising, social media or grant writing. Bilingual volunteers encouraged to volunteer. Call or email Susan Laird, assistant manager at (760) 416-5070 or susan.laird@hansonhouse.org. hansonhouse.org.
Loving All Animals
This 501(c)(3) charity needs volunteers to help with homeless dogs at its shelter in Coachella. Volunteers transport animals to vet and grooming appointments, help in training classes and adoption events, etc. Also in need are volunteers to open their hearts and homes to foster kittens and all-size dogs. Loving All Animals pays for all veterinary costs, food, supplies and adoption assistance. Expert dog training assistance is available to shelter volunteers and foster parents. Call (760) 834-7000 for more information. To foster or volunteer at the shelter, complete and submit the volunteer application online at lovingallanimals.org. You’ll be part of many happy endings for people and pets!
Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop in Center
The Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Drop in Center provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. It provides valuable resources, free mental health, homework assistance, job preparation, resume building and much more. This historic Coachella Valley center is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of committees to improve the lives for LGBTQ+ youth. Call (760) 4640223 or email info@trans.health.
Parkinson’s Resource Organization
If you are task-oriented, enjoy customer service and like working in a friendly, mission-driven office environment, volunteering in a clerical capacity with Parkinson’s Resource Organization may be a good fit for you. Volunteer duties can range from answering phones, helping with mailings and making follow-up calls to our constituents. Contact Wendy Garcia at (760) 773-5628 or email info@parkinsonsresource.org.
Partners Against Violence
This nonprofit provides free and confidential support services to survivors of sexual assault. Volunteers are needed for the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley. For more information, visit partnersagainstviolence.org or email volunteer@partnersav.org.
Paws & Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy
Our organization takes trained therapy dogs, Canine Ambassadors as we refer to them, on visits to local hospitals, long-term care facilities, cancer centers and special education classes. We are looking for friendly, outgoing dogs who are full-time desert residents, as your commitment to visit is each and every week. Dogs must be a minimum of 1 year old, current on all of their shots and spayed or neutered. Information: pawsandhearts.org or (760) 836-1406.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center
Join our incredible team of volunteers. Whether you have experience with horses or not, your passion, empathy and commitment are what matter most. Together, let’s make a positive impact in the lives of children and adults with special needs through equine assisted therapy. Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pegasus, located in Palm Desert
off Cook Street and I-10, provides therapeutic riding to kids with disabilities. Contact Erika Battke (760) 6363685 or info@pegasusridingacademy.org to learn more.
Read With Me Volunteers
Help a 19-year-old nonprofit that has successfully helped local children from low-income and limited-Englishspeaking families improve their English reading, comprehension and speaking skills. We are accepting fully vaccinated volunteers to commit two to three hours once or twice a week to help tutor these children in person on campus. For more information or to obtain an application about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, call (760) 567-1830 or visit readwithmevolunteers.com.
SafeHouse of the Desert
SafeHouse of the Desert, a 21-day emergency shelter for youth ages 11-17, is seeking individual or group volunteers that can cook with the youth, do creative writing, provide financial literacy workshops, music groups (to teach them how to play an instrument), video production, ASL and any life skill activity that would be beneficial to a young teen. Health groups, which incorporate fitness, such as a workout group, sport activities, mediation and yoga would also be very helpful. In order to volunteer, you must be 21+, pass a background check (which is paid by the volunteer) and also have an up-to-date TB test. Contact Catalina Garcia at cgarcia@operationsafehouse.org or call (760) 343-3211.
SoCal Adaptive Sports
Seeking volunteers (18 or older) to assist with administrative and event-related tasks, e.g. coaching, attending hikes. Proficiency with websites and social media are helpful for admin tasks. Contact Mike Rosenkrantz at (760) 4699207 or via mike@socaladaptivesports.org.