Empathy in Action for a Stronger Community
At the Volunteer Center, we build connection between community members by creating opportunities to understand and help one another. Our footprint ranges from group Empathy in Action volunteer events supporting our flagship Food for Kids program, to the Affinity Support Group behind Operation Teddy Bear, to efforts made by those who serve through one of our Nonprofit Network partners. Volunteerism is our method and, regardless of the specific program, the result is the same for participants: a greater sense of personal well-being and increased empathy for our neighbors.
Empathy in Action Event Calendar
In support of our Engaging Hearts and Minds (EH&M) Initiative, we host multiple events and drives where volunteers can help underserved and low-income families and children in our region. These activities include:
- Packing and/or delivering educational kits for the Operation Teddy Bear literacy program
- Assembling and/or dropping off non-perishable meal kits on behalf of Food for Kids
- Assisting with programs promoting youth mental health and wellness
We welcome individual and group participation, including corporate and service groups seeking team-building opportunities. Groups are required to bring 250 pounds of donated materials for each event. To arrange a hands-on volunteer experience, please send an email to Jon@volcenter.org. Please include the following information:
Group Name
Ages of Participants
Desired Day of the Week
Representative Name and Contact Information</>
Please note, during this time we only have the capacity to host 1-2 events a month, our calendar carousel shows upcoming closed and open events.
[Event Name] Highlights
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae turpis massa sed elementum tempus egestas sed sed. Pellentesque nec nam aliquam sem et. Morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat. Ullamcorper morbi tincidunt ornare massa eget egestas purus. Lacus sed viverra tellus in hac habitasse platea. Nisl condimentum id venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien. Posuere morbi leo urna molestie at. Lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget arcu. Egestas sed sed risus pretium quam. Nunc sed velit dignissim sodales ut eu sem integer. Scelerisque eu ultrices vitae auctor eu augue. Mattis vulputate enim nulla aliquet porttitor lacus luctus accumsan. Laoreet non curabitur gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim. Nibh tellus molestie nunc non blandit. Mi eget mauris pharetra et ultrices neque. Eget dolor morbi non arcu risus quis varius. Nunc non blandit massa enim nec.
Join the Cycle of Care
The Affinity Support Group
The Affinity Group is a long-standing example of the Volunteer Center’s committed volunteer force, and of the reciprocal power of volunteerism to benefit both those providing care and those receiving it. Established in 2005 to support the Volunteer Center’s Operation Teddy Bear program, the Affinity Group is a set of dedicated community participants who have a significant impact on underserved children and their families.
Affinity Group members meet six times a year, pay annual dues, participate in special events, and have the first chance to volunteer for Operation Teddy Bear – a popular program among our volunteer base.
JOIN THE AFFINITY GROUPVolunteer Roles
We have various open volunteer roles at the Volunteer Center on a rolling basis – something for every skill set. To assist with individual programs, serve on a committee, or participate in focus groups designed to understand our community better, please reach out.
CONTACT USPartner Volunteer Organizations
Throughout our history, the Volunteer Center has collaborated with a network of local and national volunteer organizations in order to have the greatest possible impact. We encourage potential volunteers to consider opportunities captured in these searchable databases.
Local Volunteer Opportunities
At home in the South Bay, Harbor, and Long Beach areas, a number of our local peer organizations need committed volunteers. Many allow the participation of children and teenagers, for formative experiences that open young minds.
LEARN MORE