Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Sacramento to support with your time. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 38 ways to get involved in Sacramento.
Food access
Alchemist CDC | Join the local nonprofit at farmers’ markets throughout Sacramento to help process SNAP transactions, distribute EBT funds, and grant vouchers for use at vendor stands.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services | Volunteer at food distributions events or help sort, bag, and box fresh produce for the community.
River City Food Bank | Assist with food prep and food distribution for low-income families, the elderly, refugees, and all people experiencing food insecurity.
Sac Loaves & Fishes | Help cook meals for those experiencing homelessness at the long-standing organization that grew out of a simple act: sharing a midday meal in 1983.
Serving your neighbors in need
Midtown HART | Check in and be an ear for guests at the nonprofit’s respite center for those experiencing homelessness as you serve coffee and light snacks and facilitate the receipt of clothing donations.
Sacramento Senior Safety Collaborative | Be an escort for residents 62 and older as they enjoy walks and complete errands.
International Rescue Committee — Sacramento | Provide critical assistance to refugees in our area by offering legal services, translation work, and career mentorship.
For the animal lover
Sacramento SPCA | Provide exercise for cats and dogs, help distribute toys to shelter animals, serve as a vaccine assistant, and more at the award-winning organization. Note: The mandatory volunteer orientation is currently booked — check back in mid-November for availability.
Front Street Animal Shelter | Submit an application with the city to assist Front Street how you want to, whether that’s fulfilling front-of-house needs, helping with off-site adoption events, or serving as a foster parent for cats and dogs.
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary | The no-kill, no-cage animal shelter needs volunteers who can help process adoptions, clean its facilities, and offer homes as a foster caregiver to fuzzy friends.
RedRover | Become a vital member of the organization that provides emergency shelter to animals and education for the prevention of animal abuse.
Sacramento Zoo | Love animals as much as you love talking about them? Consider signing up as a zoo docent who conducts educational content for visitors. Note: The zoo is not currently accepting applications for 2022.
The writerly and artsy types
916 Ink | Bring your own curiosity as you lead workshops and serve as a mentor to kids penning creative writing projects.
The Creation District | With music experimentation labs, art studios, and stage sessions, there’s room for everyone at this organization benefiting youths who are experiencing economic instability.
The Library of Musiclandria | Be party to the music hub’s mission of breaking down barriers for artistic exploration by volunteering as a library assistant, where you will lend out a wide selection of musical instruments.
If you’re interested in health care
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento | Visit with patients and provide administrative support at the Midtown hospital.
Blossom Ridge Hospice | Interested in health care administration? Help the Sacramento office for the Northern California health agency by serving as a front-of-house support.
SPIRIT Project | Active or retired medical practitioners can volunteer their services at clinics in Sacramento County.
Clara’s House | The no-cost clinic needs help from certified medical professionals offer care to community members to assist with clerical work like making appointments and helping patients fill out applications.
Interim Lifecare Hospice | Aid in someone’s end-of-life care, from supporting family members to acting as a caregiver, at the hospice’s Sacramento and Carmichael locations.
For the teacher at heart
Sacramento Public Library | Help adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills for everyday life.
Elk Grove Teen Center USA | Serve as a drop-in mentor or tutor to teens.
United Way — California Capital Region | Teach vocabulary and proctor a literacy curriculum to students in the Sacramento region over the internet.
Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center | Tutor first to third grade students in early readings skills, both in and out of schools.
For the eco conscious
Sacramento Tree Foundation | Want to be a community scientist or lead a greening project in your neighborhood? Look no further.
American River Parkway Foundation | Remove invasive plants, join a group in river cleanups, or help maintain trails at monthly meet-up events.
350 Sacramento | Service regional climate change events or help out with the organization’s marketing and communication teams.
For the green thumb
California Native Plant Society — Sacramento Valley Chapter | Lend a hand at Elderberry Farms Native Plant Nursery on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Three Sisters Gardens | Spread roots in the community by empowering youth through organic gardening.
Soil Born Farms | Get your hands dirty as you tend to gardens and support greenhouse activities, all while learning about medicinal herbs, native plants, and more.
Community build-ing
Rebuilding Together Sacramento | Volunteer to help repair and rebuild houses one day out the year — with sign-ups opening in December for 2023 — or help install safety features in older adults’ homes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Habitat for Humanity | Build and restore homes for low-income families, seniors, and veterans in the community.
Sierra Service Community | Days of service include building a community garden and fence repair and replacement in North Sacramento.
For the museum maven
Sacramento History Museum | Bring history to life as a docent presenting educational programs to students, assist with special events, and help out with the museum’s annual History Camp.
Crocker Art Museum | Join the waiting list for volunteers as needs arise at Sacramento’s “Best Landmark.”
California Museum | Facilitate guest’s engagement with the museum’s exhibits, and even serve as an ambassador at community events.
California State Railroad Museum | Go all aboard with train operations on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, provide hands-on educational activities, and more.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity | Passionate about science communications? Volunteer at Sac’s newest museum to help support its offerings like the planetarium.
