Get Involved: 6 Awesome Volunteer Opportunities in the Crescenta Valley

If you've been thinking about volunteering, why wait? There's no time like the present to jump in and lend a helping hand. It may be hard to think about fitting time in to our busy schedules, but the rewards of working as a volunteer far outweigh any negatives.

Volunteers not only work to the benefit of their communities, but also make friends, get exercise, gain experience and garner skills in the process! Studies have shown that volunteering can also work against depression by upping social interaction and establishing a sense of purpose!

Everyone has something to offer and there are plenty of opportunities to suit your talents, interests, and abilities. Patch found a few great organizations in the community that welcome volunteers. For more opportunities, you can also peruse the offerings and suggestions at VolunteerMatch, a website that will take tailors your desires to other's needs.

Volunteer Service Department, established over 35 years ago, consists of over 200 volunteers of all ages who work throughout the hospital. While most volunteers are retired professionals and business people, anyone with a commitment to service and a heart filled with compassion can find a place as a hospital volunteer. According to the hospital, last year their volunteers logged 34,000 hours and raised $60,000 through the program’s gift shop.

Getting started with the hospital requires an application. Student volunteers can earn service hours for their time. See the Verdugo Hills Hospital website for more information or contact the Volunteer Service Department at 818-952-2215.

2. The Firehouse teen center, located in the former Fire Station 19 building on the grounds of , provides a place for teens to hang out away from the temptations of drugs and alcohol.

Overseen by the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Coalition, funded by a grant, and run by volunteers, the center provides a welcoming environment for teens that keeps them off the street sand busy with activities and entertainment including foosball, pool, and a rocking drum machine.

In , CVHS student Aimee Yeghiayan, who acts as a spokesperson for the Firehouse, noted that “it’s the only teen center in the community and it’s something we’ve needed, so we all need to band together to keep it alive."

The Firehouse is open Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Tutoring and a buffet dinner are included in the nighttime session. The center is also open 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. Thursday mornings to provide for students who start classes late. Art shows, poetry slams, and other events are also part of the Firehouse’s outreach. 

Volunteers are needed to tutor as well as provide operational support. For more information and to learn how you can become involved, check out the CV Drug and Alcohol Coalition’s website or contact volunteer Mary O’Keefe at mary@cvweekly.com

3. Both the La Crescenta and  Libraries have volunteer opportunities through their Friends of the Library programs. Friends help raise money to support libraries through book sales, events, author signings, and other activities focused on connecting the community with the library’s many services and offerings. In La Crescenta, the Friends recently organized and participated in . To learn more and to start volunteering, stop by the and talk to a librarian or call 818-248-5313. Friends of the Glendale Public Library have a website and Facebook page.

4. The Crescenta Valley Arts Council can always use help planning and helping run performances and other special events, including Shakespeare in the Park and the popular Brass and Jazz Bash. Established in 2007, the CV Arts Council works to encourage artistic and creative awareness and expression through programs, educational, and exhibits. Contact the council through their webpage.

5. Like being out in fresh air and don’t care about getting dirty? There are plenty of local opportunities for volunteers with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, TreePeople and the West Fork San Gabriel River Conservancy. Litter clean up, tree planting, trail maintenance, and brush clearance are just some of the activities that can help you get in shape and get outside while volunteering for Mother Nature. 

6. If you love animals, the Glendale Humane Society loves you. Volunteers can participate in a number of programs including fostering dogs and cats, helping out at the shelter, organizing and working events, providing administrative support, and even taking shelter pups out for stroll around town. There are always plenty of shelter animals in need of love and care. Stop by the society’s website for more information and a volunteer application, or call 818-242-1128.