Give Back
Volunteer & Community Service in SCV
Santa Clarita Valley is at its best when neighbors help neighbors. Whether you have an afternoon a month or a few hours a week, here is how to make a difference in your own community.
Curated by Sam Silver, Special Olympics coach and SCV community advocate · Updated August 10, 2026
"Santa Clarita is the kind of place where people show up for each other. I have coached Special Olympics athletes here, volunteered at veterans events, and watched this community rally around families in need. If you are new to town or just looking to get more involved, these organizations will welcome you with open arms."
City Programs
City of Santa Clarita Volunteer Portal
The City of Santa Clarita operates an official volunteer engagement portal at santaclaritavolunteers.com where residents can browse open opportunities, sign up for events, and track their volunteer hours. Opportunities include:
- Special events like Concerts in the Park, SENSES Block Party, and the Cowboy Festival
- Park beautification projects, trail cleanups, and tree planting
- Community center programs and front desk support
- Library volunteer opportunities across all SCV branches
- Youth sports coaching and recreation program assistance
Food & Shelter Assistance
These organizations are on the front lines of serving SCV residents facing food insecurity and housing challenges. They rely heavily on volunteer support.
SCV Food Pantry
Serving the Santa Clarita Valley since 1979
The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry is the valley's primary food assistance organization, distributing groceries to thousands of families each month. Volunteers help sort donations, pack food boxes, assist with drive-through distributions, and staff the pantry's retail-style shopping floor.
They especially need volunteers during the holiday season, when demand spikes. Weekly volunteer shifts are available for individuals and groups.
Bridge to Home SCV
Homeless shelter and support services
Bridge to Home operates emergency shelter services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the SCV. Volunteers prepare and serve meals, staff overnight shifts, organize donations, and assist with case management support. The Winter Shelter program runs November through March and has the highest volunteer need.
Bridge to Home also runs a year-round navigation center offering showers, laundry, mail services, and case management.
btohome.orgThe Salvation Army SCV
Santa Clarita Valley Corps
The Salvation Army's SCV Corps provides food assistance, utility bill help, youth programs, and senior services across the valley. Volunteers assist with food pantry operations, the annual Angel Tree program, holiday meal distributions, and after-school youth programs.
Holiday volunteers are especially needed for the Thanksgiving food drive and Christmas Angel Tree program.
santaclarita.salvationarmy.orgChildren's Hunger Fund
Food for kids and families in need
Children's Hunger Fund works to deliver food and hope to children and families in need across Los Angeles County, including the SCV. Volunteers pack food boxes at their warehouse, assist with distribution events, and support community outreach programs.
Warehouse volunteer sessions are available weekdays and select Saturdays, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
childrenshungerfund.orgYouth & Family Support Organizations
These organizations work directly with children, teens, and families in SCV. From mentorship to after-school programs, volunteers help shape the next generation.
Assistance League of Santa Clarita
Over 200 volunteer members supporting children and families through Operation School Bell (providing new clothing and shoes to students in need), birthday bags for homebound seniors, and backpack drives for foster youth. A hands-on way to make a difference for SCV kids.
Visit WebsiteFinally Family Homes
Supporting young adults aging out of the foster care system in the SCV. Programs include the Host Home program (housing and mentorship), Life Launch (life skills coaching), and the Oasis Resource Center (a drop-in center with computers, groceries, and support). Volunteers serve as mentors, host home providers, and resource center staff.
finallyfamilyhomes.orgSingle Mothers Outreach
Empowering single-parent families in the SCV through support programs, mentorship, financial literacy workshops, and community events. Volunteers assist with events, mentorship, administrative support, and the annual holiday toy drive.
Learn More on SCV LifeSpecial Olympics Southern California — SCV
Sam is a Special Olympics coach himself and can tell you firsthand how rewarding this is. Volunteers are always needed as coaches, event assistants, fundraisers, and unified partners. The SCV chapter serves athletes with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports training and competition. It is one of the most fulfilling volunteer experiences in the valley.
Boys & Girls Club of SCV
After-school programs, youth sports, homework help, and mentorship at clubhouses across the valley. Volunteers assist with tutoring, coaching, arts and crafts, and special events. A great way to invest in SCV's next generation.
bgcscv.orgCircle of Hope Inc.
Providing resources, education, and support to families affected by cancer in the SCV. Volunteers help with fundraising events, patient support programs, community education, and administrative tasks.
circleofhopeinc.org
Seniors & Veterans
Seniors & Veterans Volunteer Opportunities
As a U.S. Army veteran himself, Sam has a special connection to these organizations. The SCV has a strong tradition of honoring and supporting its veterans and senior community.
LA County Community & Senior Services
Santa Clarita Valley Service Center
The county's SCV service center connects seniors and adults with disabilities to nutrition programs, in-home care, transportation, and volunteer opportunities. Volunteer drivers, meal delivery assistants, and friendly visitor programs are especially needed.
Veterans Volunteer Opportunities
Multiple organizations serving veterans in SCV
SCV has a strong veterans community. Volunteer opportunities include the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 at Veterans Historical Plaza, the FireHogs Memorial Ride honoring fallen firefighters and veterans, and organizations like the SCV Veterans Collaborative. Sam participates in many of these personally.
SCV Veterans Resource PageEnvironmental & Trail Volunteer Opportunities
Love SCV's trails and open spaces? Help keep them beautiful. These organizations focus on environmental stewardship, trail maintenance, and conservation.
SCV Trail Users
A volunteer-led group that maintains and builds hiking, biking, and equestrian trails across Santa Clarita. They have been instrumental in the Crest to Coast Trail project through Newhall and regularly host trail maintenance days. Great for anyone who uses SCV's trail system and wants to give back.
City Park Beautification
Through the City of Santa Clarita volunteer portal, residents can sign up for park beautification projects across the valley. Activities include planting trees, removing invasive species, cleaning up trails, and maintaining community gardens. A great family-friendly volunteer option.
Santa Clara River Cleanups
Periodic volunteer cleanups along the Santa Clara River, one of Southern California's last free-flowing river systems. Volunteers remove trash, restore native habitat, and help protect this critical watershed. Check the City's volunteer portal for upcoming dates.
How to Get Started Volunteering in SCV
Not sure where to start? Here is Sam's advice for first-time volunteers in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Browse the Portal
Start at santaclaritavolunteers.com to see current opportunities across City programs and partner organizations.
Follow Your Passion
Love animals? Try the Gentle Barn. Outdoorsy? Join SCV Trail Users. Youth-focused? Boys & Girls Club or Special Olympics.
Start Small
Many organizations welcome one-time volunteers. Try a park cleanup or a single event shift before committing to a regular schedule.
Bring a Friend
Many SCV nonprofits welcome group volunteers. Volunteering with a neighbor or coworker is a great way to build community while serving it.
Want to Get More Involved?
Sam has volunteered across the SCV for over two decades. If you are looking for a cause that matches your passion, reach out and he will point you in the right direction.