Focusing on helping others can set an important foundation for families —teaching kids empathy, the value of hard work and the power of giving. In Los Angeles, there are plenty of great opportunities for young people to volunteer — either on their own or with their parents — during the holidays and year-round.
Here are some great organizations to support and get your kids involved with right now.
L.A. Works’ FAVE Programs
A hub for action and altruism, L.A. Works uses a project calendar to connect nonprofits and people wishing to give their time and skills to good causes. Its curated database offers long- and short-term community-service opportunities. The organization also has kid-focused programs through its arm known as FAVE (Families Active in Volunteer Enrichment), which facilitates in-person events and at-home project kits to make for others (such as care packages for local fire fighters). laworks.com/fave
Take Care Club
This monthly volunteer group focuses on strengthening meaningful connections between kids and their communities, while helping young people learn about social issues in positive and productive ways. Participants come away with a sense of purpose and hope as they learn about the power of action, engagement and collaboration through themed activities. Meetings are held on the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon. Ages 5+ meet in Highland Park; ages 10+ meet in Sierra Madre. takecareclub.org
Heal the Bay Beach Cleanups
Ocean pollution isn’t going away anytime soon, and Heal the Bay continues to be an essential force in fighting the problem. Its volunteers have removed an astonishing amount of trash from our local beaches: more than 4 million pieces! Families can join the Adopt-a-Beach program or join its monthly Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanup meetups. healthebay.org/take-part
Best Buddies California
Kids ages 10 and up can connect with other peers living with Down syndrome, autism, Williams syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether via pen pal programs through email or online meetings, these connections help decrease feelings of isolation and foster belonging — with the ultimate goal of ending the social, physical and economic isolation that young people face now more than ever. bestbuddies.org/california
Locks of Love
A less active (but no less meaningful) way to help others, donating hair can show kids that small sacrifices yield huge rewards for those in need. The process is easier if you plan ahead and skip hair trims for a few months, but either way, getting a haircut for the holiday season could bring a beautiful gift for someone who lost their tresses due to cancer treatments or medical conditions. Locks of Love uses the donations to make realistic wigs, which can help restore self-esteem and emotional well-being. locksoflove.org
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
The local chapter for the well-known homebuilding nonprofit has been especially needed since the Southern California wildfires. Kids and adults can volunteer on build and repair projects, and you don’t have to be a builder or construction worker to help. Smaller jobs include painting, organizing, landscaping, office work and food prep for builders. sgvhabitat.org/volunteer
PAWS/LA
For the animal lovers in your family, nothing beats working directly with furry friends. PAWS/LA assists low-income and ailing pet owners with supplies, food, dog-walking support and even fostering. Kids can’t volunteer alone due to insurance liability issues, but they are allowed to join parents or assist other trusted adults after a brief orientation. pawsla.org/volunteer-opportunities
The Midnight Mission
Known for its massive Thanksgiving meal lines on Skid Row, the Midnight Mission’s work continues year-round. Founded in 1936, the nonprofit, faith-based organization supports unhoused families in a myriad of ways, including outreach, meals, toiletries and more. Volunteers must attend an orientation before serving. midnightmission.org/get-involved/volunteer
Baby2Baby
This nonprofit has distributed more than half a billion items (diapers, formula, clothing and other necessities) over the past 14 years to more than 1 million children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and school districts, as well to disaster survivors. Volunteer options for adults and kids (ages 7 and up) are plentiful, especially around the holidays. Sessions are held at Baby2Bay’s L.A. headquarters. baby2baby.org/volunteer-opportunities
Lina Lecaro is an award-winning editor and journalist born and based in L.A., where she covers entertainment and culture. Follow her on Substack and @linalecaro on Instagram.
