Volunteer Opportunities

Project Shepherd

562-925-7512

Volunteers are needed to sort donations, pack boxes, assist with home deliveries and help with paperwork.

In August, Project Shepherd’s Backpack Program collects donations of new backpacks and school supplies for children of registered Lakewood families in need.

In November, families can register for the Project Shepherd holiday program, which provides toys for children and the fixings for a holiday meal.

Learn more about Project Shepherd

Lakewood Volunteer Day

562-925-7512

Each April, volunteers assist with yard cleanup and minor exterior home repairs for eligible residents.

Teams from service groups, businesses, scouts, faith-based organizations and residents of all ages participate in projects across the city.

Learn more about Lakewood Volunteer Day

Thank a Servicemember card-writing campaign

562-866-9771, ext. 2123

Each year at the Patriot Day commemoration, the City of Lakewood launches the Thank a Servicemember card-writing campaign to collect letters and handmade cards for troops stationed overseas during the holidays.

Businesses, charitable organizations, scouts and schools can sign up to receive free postcards to write messages of appreciation. Completed cards are returned to City Hall and sent to troops through Operation Gratitude.

Learn more about the Thank a Servicemember campaign

Here are some of the ways you can get involved to help your city:

Community Center volunteers

Burns Community Center volunteers
562-925-7512

Volunteers are needed to teach recreation classes for active seniors. Teen volunteers are also needed every other Thursday for the year-round Tech Talk Program.

Weingart Senior Center volunteers
562-630-6141

Volunteers assist staff in a variety of areas, including the information desk, special events and facility support.

Tax assistance
562-630-6141

This program provides free assistance with preparing state and federal income tax returns. Volunteers are trained in late January and serve through April 15.

Parks, Activities & Events

Junior Lifeguard
562-866-9771, ext. 2408

Participants may be selected to assist with swim lesson instruction and special events at Mayfair and McCormick pools. A Live Scan and background check are required.

Maintenance aide and special projects
562-866-9771, ext. 2426

Volunteers assist staff with general facility and ball diamond maintenance, as well as a variety of special projects.

Recreation volunteer
562-866-9771, ext. 2408

Volunteers assist recreation staff with arts, crafts, sports, special events and general supervision.

Teen volunteers
562-429-7472

Teens assist with a variety of programs and special events throughout the year.

Special events
562-866-9771, ext. 2408

Volunteers help with a variety of special events held throughout Lakewood.

Halloween carnivals
Contact your local park

Volunteers staff game booths and haunted houses.

Public Safety programs

Block captains and Neighborhood Watch
562-866-9771, ext. 2114

Volunteers connect their neighborhood to crime prevention programs and serve as liaisons with the City and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.

Sheriff’s Department
562-623-3500 (ask for the Community Relations Deputy)

Volunteers assist station personnel in areas such as the detective bureau, traffic division and front counter.

Sports & Recreation programs

Adaptive recreation programs
562-865-1717

Adaptive recreation provides equal recreation and leisure opportunities for people with special needs. Volunteers assist staff with supervision.

Lakewood youth sports
562-866-9771, ext. 2408

Volunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball, flag football, volleytennis and basketball programs.

Special Olympics
562-865-1717

Volunteers help with coaching and general supervision.

Local districts use volunteers to assist in the office, in the classrooms, and for special events:

ABC Unified School District
562-926-5566

Bellflower Unified School District
562-866-9011

Long Beach Unified School District
562-997-8000

Paramount Unified School District
562-602-6000

Lakewood's service clubs have deep roots in the community, with many opportunities to get involved.

Contact each organization directly to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Friends of the Lakewood Library
Margene Stevens, 562-714-2815

This organization supports Lakewood’s libraries. Volunteers assist in the bookstore, help with twice-yearly book sales and support special events such as the Civic Center Block Party.

Learn more at lakewoodlibraryfriends.org or call the Iacoboni Library at 562-866-1777, ext. 320.

Pan American Association
562-423-9419

This service organization provides cultural and educational opportunities for the Lakewood community, awards scholarships and supports community events.

Learn more at lakewoodpanam.org.

Lakewood Jaycees
Caren Spilsbury, 562-822-4985 or csglines@aol.com

The United States Junior Chamber, also known as the Jaycees, is a leadership training and civic organization for young adults ages 18–40.

Lakewood Lions Club

Members serve the community through volunteer efforts that support local programs and events. Learn more at lionsclubs.org or contact the Lakewood chapter.

Rotary Club of Lakewood

Rotary is an international service organization focused on community service, leadership and fellowship. Learn more at rotaryoflakewood.org.

Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization focused on improving the lives of women and girls through programs that support education and economic empowerment.

The local club hosts the annual Lakewood Run in partnership with the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.

Learn more about Soroptimist projects and how to join.

You can make a difference in someone's life.

Human Services Association
562-925-9829 or 562-630-6210

Volunteers in the senior nutrition programs at the Weingart Senior Center help set up tables, greet lunch guests, serve food and clear tables.

UCI Health Lakewood
562-531-2550 

Volunteers assist the hospital in roles with or without patient interaction. Assignments vary based on the medical center’s current needs. Volunteers must be 16 or older.

Meals on Wheels of Long Beach
562-439-5000

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to homebound Lakewood clients as drivers or friendly visitors. Food packers are also needed at the kitchen in Long Beach. Learn more about Meals on Wheels or visit mowlb.org.

Olive Crest
562-866-8956
olivecrest.org

Volunteers are needed year-round to help children in grades K-5 with homework, organize donations, restock the food pantry and assist with light administrative duties. Additional volunteers are needed in December to help organize gifts for the holiday program.

Pathways Volunteer Hospice
562-531-3031

Pathways Volunteer Hospice trains volunteers to serve as hospice companions, volunteer caregivers for frail older adults and grief support group facilitators.

Su Casa
562-421-6537

Volunteers complete 40 hours of training and then work with women who are victims of domestic violence.

Wise and Healthy Aging
562-925-2346

Volunteers are trained to protect the rights of residents in nursing homes and other facilities that serve seniors. They investigate complaints, explore issues and help create solutions.

Volunteer at your neighborhood park and assist recreation leaders with activities such as crafts, sports field preparation, office support, Special Olympics programs and more.

Teens must be at least 12 years old, willing to follow through on a volunteer commitment and interested in helping the community.

Teens in Lakewood Care (TLC)

The award-winning Teens in Lakewood Care (TLC) program provides free home maintenance services to Lakewood residents who are physically unable to complete the work themselves.

TLC volunteers partner with the Lakewood Jaycees on selected Saturday mornings to wash windows, clean up yards, paint and assist with other home-related projects.

To volunteer or learn more, call 562-429-7472.

Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs) is a community volunteer program that allows residents to support local public safety efforts in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Volunteers serve as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping improve safety and quality of life throughout Lakewood.

VOPs are trained volunteers who patrol in marked vehicles and wear a volunteer uniform. While they do not perform law enforcement duties, their presence helps increase visibility, deter crime and report concerns to deputies when needed.

Volunteer activities may include:

• Conducting residential vacation checks
• Patrolling neighborhoods and retail areas
• Monitoring locations affected by graffiti
• Assisting with traffic control
• Supporting city-sponsored events
• Performing security checks at parks and schools

Information shared by volunteers supports timely responses to community concerns and enhances overall public safety efforts.

The VOP program is made up of residents who care deeply about Lakewood and are committed to serving their community. In return, volunteers gain valuable insight into public safety operations while making a meaningful impact.

Interested in learning more or applying? Visit the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department volunteer page.

Little League, ASA Girls Fastpitch, AYSO Soccer, Pop Warner
Call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 for contact information.

Youth sports organizations rely on volunteers to serve as coaches and board members. Volunteers also assist with fundraising and program operations.

YMCA
562-425-7431

Volunteers serve on policy boards, coach youth sports and assist with special events.

Boy Scouts
562-427-0911

Volunteers are trained to assist in the office and serve as troop leaders.

Girl Scouts
562-421-8456, ext. 200

Volunteers lead troops, organize activities and support programs that empower girls. Opportunities include troop leaders, council volunteers, trainers and board members.