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 gathers 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 that provides toys for children and the fixings for a holiday meal for the family. 

Learn more about Project Shepherd.

Lakewood Volunteer Day
562-925-7512

Each April, volunteers are needed to assist with yard and outside home maintenance repair at homes of eligible residents.

Teams of volunteers from service groups, businesses, scouts, faith-based organizations and residents of all ages fan out across the city to help with yard cleanup and minor painting projects. 

Learn more about Volunteer Day.

Thank a Servicemember card-writing campaign
562-866-9771, extension 2123

At the Patriot Day commemoration each year, the City of Lakewood kicks off the annual Thank a Servicemember card-writing campaign to collect letters and homemade cards to send to troops stationed overseas for the holidays. 

Businesses, charitable organizations, scouts and schools are welcome to sign up to receive free postcards for members to use to write a message of appreciation and turn in to City Hall, where they are packaged and sent to troops through Operation Gratitude. 

Learn more about Thank a Servicemember.

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; meal distribution for the brown bag program twice a month; and helping with facility maintenance. 

Tax Assistance
562-630-6141

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

Parks, Activities & Events

Junior Lifeguard
562-866-9771, extension 2408

Junior Lifeguard participants may be selected to assist with swim lesson instruction and special events at Mayfair and McCormick Pools. A Live Scan and Background check will be required if selected to assist. 

Maintenance Aid and Special Projects
562-866-9771, extension 2426

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

Recreation Volunteer
562-866-9771, extension 2408

Volunteers assist the 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, extension 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, Neighborhood Watch
562-866-9771, extension 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 and support station personnel in a variety of areas, including the detective bureau, traffic division, and front counter.

Sports & Recreation programs

Adaptive Recreation Programs
562-865-1717

Adaptive recreation is designed to provide equal recreation and leisure opportunities for people with special needs. Volunteers assist city staff with supervision.

Lakewood Youth Sports
562-866-9771, extension 2408

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

Special Olympics
562-865-1717

Volunteers help with team 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 and there are many ways you can help.

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

This organization benefits Lakewood’s libraries. Volunteers work in the bookstore, conduct twice-yearly book sales, and assist with other special events like the city Civic Center Block Party.

For more information about the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries, go to www.lakewoodlibraryfriends.org or call the Iacoboni Library at 562-866-1777, extension 320. 

Pan American Association

This service organization provides diverse cultural and educational opportunities for the Lakewood community. For more information about the Pan American Association, go to www.lakewoodpanam.org or call at 562-423-9419.

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

The United States Junior Chamber AKA "Jaycees" is a a leadership training and civic organization for young adults ages 18-40. 

Lakewood Lions Club

Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness. It’s 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives. Lakewood Lions help support many Lakewood activities. Learn more about Lions Club at lionsclubs.org or contact the Lakewood chapter.

Lakewood Pan American Association

 This service organization provides diverse cultural and educational opportunities for the Lakewood community, awards scholarships, and participates in many events including arranging for volunteers to support activities out of the history room associated with the Pan Am Fiesta. For more information about joining or volunteering, go to lakewoodpanam.org or call 562-423-9419.

Rotary Club of Lakewood

Rotary is the world’s premier service organization. We emphasize friendship, integrity and service to others. There are over 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide… all dedicated to “Service Above Self.” Learn more at rotaryoflakewood.org. 

Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach

 Soroptimist members belong to local clubs that primarily participate in the organization’s signature programs to help women and girls achieve social and economic empowerment. Each spring, the local club produces the Lakewood Run fundraiser with the Lakewood Sheriff's Station. Learn more about the 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 at the senior nutrition programs at the Weingart Senior Center set-up tables, greet lunch goers, dish out food, and clean tables.

Lakewood Regional Medical Center 
562-602-5014

Volunteers assist the hospital with or without patient interaction. Assignments vary according to immediate needs of the medical center. Must be 16 or older to volunteer. 

Meals on Wheels of Long Beach
562-439-5000

Volunteers are needed to assist as a driver or friendly visitor delivering meals to homebound Lakewood clients. Food packers are also needed at the kitchen in Long Beach. Learn more or visit mowlb.org.

Pathways Volunteer Hospice
562-531-3031

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

Su Casa
562-421-6537

Volunteers receive 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 resident complaints, explore issues, and assist in creating solutions.

Volunteer at your neighborhood park and help the recreation leaders with duties such as crafts, sports field preparation, office work, Special Olympics and more.

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

TLC

The award-winning "Teens in Lakewood Care" (TLC) program needs teens to help provide free home maintenance to Lakewood residents who are physically unable to do the work themselves.

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

If you'd like to help with this worthwhile program or with any other volunteer activity, please 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 volunteer 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

The observations and community interactions provided by Volunteers on Patrol help strengthen the work of Lakewood deputy sheriffs. 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 and positive impact.

Interested in learning more or applying to serve as a VOP? Visit the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station website for all the details.

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

Youth sports organizations need volunteers as coaches, and board members. Volunteers also assist with fundraising events and organization management.

YMCA
562-425-7431

Volunteers serve on the policy boards, as youth sports coaches, and at special events.

Boy Scouts
562-427-0911

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

Girl Scouts
562-421-8456, extension 200

Girl Scout volunteers lead troops, organize activities for girls, meet new friends, all while making a difference for today’s girls. Volunteer positions available include troop leaders, council volunteers, trainers, and board members.

Campfire
562-421-2725

Adult volunteers work with K-12 graders mentoring boys and girls who participate in activities, community service, camping, and home making.