Calendar of Volunteer Events Background Image

Calendar of Volunteer Events

CONTACT, HOURS & APPOINTMENTS

 

Join the MiraCosta College Community and Discover the Power of Service!

"Let's come together to create a wave or generosity, citizen engagement, action from business and philanthropy, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world." - GivingTuesday Website

Download a digital volunteer booklet to record your hours of service. Students are encouraged to submit their volunteer hours to servicelearning@miracosta.edu so they can be entered into the database. By entering their hours into the volunteer database, students can be provided with a Service History Report that can be used for applying to scholarships, transfer applications, etc.

Volunteer Opportunities During COVID-19 Pandemic

We recognize that during COVID-19 shelter-in-place period our community is limiting the number of volunteers who can physically assist them. Here are a few ideas to help you stay connected through virtual and physical acts of service to your local community.

Looking for ways to serve where you are without leaving your home? Here are a few ideas and opportunities to connect with your community, share your passion for service and show your appreciation for our essential workers. Express your gratitude through words, videos or images and send them to us. Here's the criteria:

  • 1. Mention that you are a MiraCosta Student and how this situation has affected your service experience.
  • 2. Express your gratitude to one of the following groups:
    • Farm Workers
    • Retail Workers
    • Nurses/Doctors (Medical Professionals)
    • Truck Drivers, Delivery Personnel and Warehouse Workers
    • Custodial and Sanitary Staff
    • Education Professionals
    • City and Government Officials
    • Military Community Write, record, or draw your reflection of gratitude
  • 3. Write, record, or draw your reflection of gratitude
  • 4. If you send us the content at servicelearning@miracosta.edu we'll post it for you, or feel free to post and tag us on our social media (@mcc_servicelearning)!
  • Each submission will enter you in an opportunity drawing for one of 5 grocery or restaurant gift cards.

Additional Ways To Serve Your Community

Here are other ideas and ways to promote a culture of service. You can still be socially connected while staying physically distant from our community partners--be an advocate or speak up on behalf of your favorite non-profit during this difficult season we are all experiencing.

  • Share with us how you're giving back. Tag us at @mcc_servicelearning and use the hashtag #MiraCostaSpartansGiveback
  • Create a supply drive for one of the many MiraCosta Community Partners, take a look at the list of approved sites for ideas, or feel free to reach out to any of the Service Learning & Volunteer Center Staff.
  • We realize that as college students you might not be in a position to give financially, but your voice is just as important. Highlight your favorite organization on your social media pages, and share their fundraising opportunities and remember that - no amount is too little and nonprofits need our support.
  • Write a positive online review to a local restaurant that is still open for curb side services or deliveries.
  • Combat loneliness by reaching out to a classmate, peer, neighbor, relative, seniors, or veterans.

Resources to seek service opportunities:

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

 **MiraCosta College Service Learning has aired on the side of caution and thus has temporarily suspended all face-to-face service opportunities. We anticipate resuming once the county has successfully cleared Stage 4 of California Stay at Home Order or the District gives the approval. (No driving is approved during COVID restrictions) All service learning must be done at pre-approved organizations. All persons participating in the service learning and volunteer site shall be deemed to have waived all claims against the District or the State of California for injury, accident, illness, death or other virtual liabilities occurring during participation. Any on-site service I participate in will be done at my own discretion. I agree that any accidents or infractions (moving violations) incurred while driving my own vehicle are the sole responsibility of myself. I will not hold MiraCosta College District, its employees and agents responsible for any such damage, injury or liabilities. Further, injuries and or illnesses occurring during or as the result of my participation in the service learning class should be covered in accordance with the premiums of the student insurance program as the secondary health insurance carrier.**

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is seeking volunteers with graphic design experience to help update their flyers, creating new virtual opportunities, etc. They also need volunteers to work on trails and in the garden. For more information, email samantha@aguahedionda.org or go to https://www.aguahedionda.org/volunteer.

Brother Benno's Foundation welcomes students to volunteer with their thrift shop located at 3955 Mission Avenue in Oceanside. Volunteers are needed to assist with multiple projects at the shop, including sorting donations, receiving donations, assisting customers, and cashiering. They also need assistance gathering donations and conducting fundraisers for necessary items. Please contact servicelearning@miracosta.edu for support on conducting a  fundraiser or contact Helen Pasons at parsonsdavidt@outlook.com learn about other ways you can support Brother Benno's.

Casa de Amistad is seeking student volunteers to assist with weekly online tutoring with Casa de Amistad students in 1st-12th grade. They require a commitment of volunteering once a week for one hour (Monday - Thursday between 4:00 - 7:00pm). For more information, or to sign-up, contact Corey Form at volunteer@casadeamistad.org or call (858) 356-4297.

Community HousingWorks is looking for volunteers to support the Math and Reading skills development of student residents at the Learning Center in Community HousingWorks. Volunteers are needed to provide homework, reading assistance and teach students various arts and enrichment activities to K- 5th grade kids. The volunteer is required to complete a background screen and online application. Hours available are Monday- Friday between 3pm-6pm. Volunteers must be able to get to one of our locations in Carlsbad, Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, or Fallbrook. For more information, or to sign-upplease contact Tannia Montesinos at 6197951188or volunteer@chworks.org

EcoLIFE Conservation is looking for volunteers to help plant and harvest produce for people in need at their solar powered ECO-Ranch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm. For more information, contact Chris Goering at cgoering@ecolifeconservation.org.

Fallbrook Food Pantry welcomes volunteers on Monday - Fridays from 8:30-12:30pm & 10:00-1:00pm, and Saturdays from 9:00-12:00pm to help sort and distribute. The last Wednesday of each month, FFP offers a special off-site produce distribution in the community. Volunteers are needed to assist at the distribution from 8:00-10:00am & 10:30-12:30pm at the pantry. FFP also needs volunteers during Senior Distribution days, the first is held the Wednesday of the third full week each month from 1:00-3:00pm and the fourth Monday of each month from 1:00-2:00pm. For more information, contact Jennifer Vetch at info@fallbrookfoodpantry.org or call (760) 728-7608.

Lived Experiences is seeking on-site volunteers each Monday of the month from 8am-10am/4pm-7pm to help. We need help picking fruit to helping us unload and distribute food. For more information, contact Oscar Ortega at oscarin@livedexperiences.org or 619-368-3790.

MiraCosta College CARE Program…has been operating a Farmer's Market on the main Oceanside campus for 3 years. This has been a wonderful addition to support our students that are in need of free, fresh and nutritious food. The Farmer's Market is operated by volunteers and is now happening as a no-touch, drive-thru model to ensure the safety of all volunteers and students accessing. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to volunteer their time assisting at our farmer’s market events. This is a great way to come together and serve our campus community in bimonthly Drive-thru Farmer's Market events occurring on both the Oceanside Campus (1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056) and the San Elijo Campus (3333 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff, CA 92007). Volunteers are needed to set-up, sort produce, bag produce, organize food items, and provide food to students. Fall 2020 Dates (11:30-3:30pm with event time running from 1:30-2:30pm): 10/13 (San Elijo Campus), 10/27 (Oceanside Campus), 11/9 (San Elijo Campus), 11/24 (Oceanside Campus) 12/14 (San Elijo Campus). Student Volunteers will be able to access the Farmer's Market food (if desired) before the start of the event. No internet access is needed. If interested in volunteering, please complete our volunteer form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBi2XxsxsGOnMQsnFh8CVQOlXBUfP1FOKMOwqMNt0uZ2mEjA/viewform and/or contact us with any questions at care@miracosta.edu.

Operation HOPE-North County is currently seeking volunteers to assist with their children's programming. OHNC is a shelter for families with children and single women experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help kids with homework, play games, lead arts & crafts, help manage the Front Desk, assist with facility maintenance, landscaping, provide a meal for the 40-60 residents, read a story with the little ones, sort clothing, or just sit, listen and be kind to our residents. Weekday shifts are primarily from 3pm–6pm and 6pm–9pm. Weekend shifts are 8am-12pm, 12pm-4pm, and 4pm-9pm. These are just some of our set opportunities, but we offer several flexible volunteer opportunities that cater to your availability, and you can even schedule your own shifts! Sign Up Here(https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=1114627114&OR=1).

Solutions for Change...at Solutions for Change we know that you want to see the people in your San Diego Community healthy, happy, and contributing members of society. In order to do that, people need to build a new start where they can change their life in a safe environment. The problem is, unfortunate life circumstances come up making us feel exhausted, desperate, and leave us stuck in the cycle of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and an opportunity to succeed. We understand that life throws you curve balls which is why we have solved homelessness in San Diego County for 1150 families, which is over 2600 kids in the last 20 years. Kid Zone Volunteer: Do you like to work with kids? On the first Thursday of every month, we spend time with some of our newest kids in the Solutions for Change Program while their parents attend their monthly meeting. We play games, read books, work on learning goals, and have fun hanging out with these awesome kids! Be a part of their story by joining us onsite from 6-8PM. A background check is required for this opportunity (Location: 722 W California Ave, Vista, CA 92083). Students are encouraged to send us an email Emily Fauber at efauber@solutionsforchange.org or Emily Page at epage@solutionsforchange.org to inquire about this opportunity. It does cost $15 to complete the background check through Sterling Volunteers. If you have had a background check in the last 6 months and can provide proof of it you will not need to complete one.