Painting of the Volunteer Center
Volunteer Center Children
Volunteer Center Building

Welcome to the Volunteer Center
South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach

Mobilizing People and Resources to Deliver Creative Solutions to Community Needs


Volunteer Center Building

The Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach was founded in 1963 by the Junior League of Long Beach in response to the needs of the community. For almost 50 years, we have referred almost a million volunteers to thousands of nonprofit agencies who maintain critical programs for those in need. The Volunteer Center’s seven locations act as the clearinghouses for programs that continue to make a real difference in our community and promote personal involvement as a part of the solution.

Button Blue Blue Martini Ball


Our Programs


Volunteer Recruitment


The Volunteer Center recognizes the invaluable role volunteers play in our society. This is why the promotion of volunteerism serves as a major function of the Volunteer Center. Volunteers are recruited and referred to over 650 nonprofit organizations in our service area of 43 cities. More information…


Training is knowledgeNonprofit Training


We have paired the best trainers with topics of greatest concern for nonprofits. Every 2 to 3 hour training session will have plenty of time to answer your questions. We hope you can join us for the most valuable seminars in the South Bay! More Information…


Operation Teddy Bear


Operation Teddy Bear® provides 5,600 disadvantaged first-grade children in South Bay with backpacks filled with literacy items and, of course, a teddy bear. More Information…


Court ReferralCourt Referral Community Service


This program allows misdemeanants the opportunity to volunteer in lieu of a fine/jail sentence. More Information…


Youth Programs


The Volunteer Center’s youth programs focus on empowering South Bay youth to promote positive social change through active citizenship and service learning. More Information…


Food For Kids Team 100 LogoFood For Kids

Food-For-Kids provides underprivileged elementary schoolchildren, who receive meals at school during the week, with food for the weekends. More Information…


Adopt a family logoAdopt-a-Family


Adopt-A-Family provides disadvantaged families with holiday gifts and food donated by members of the community. More Information…


ART TO GO LogoArt to Go


Art to Go is an after-school art program for elementary schoolchildren taught by creative, enthusiastic community volunteers. More Information…


CVC MottoCorporate Volunteer Council


The CVC is an association of South Bay companies that meet bi-monthly to discuss employee volunteer programs and community projects. More Information…


Disaster Preparedness

Our Disaster Preparedness program prepares and coordinates nonprofits and spontaneous volunteers through planned Emergency Volunteer Centers (EVCs). More Information…