Join the MiraCosta College Community and Discover the Power of Service!
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 service database. By entering their hours into the service database, students can be provided with a Service History Report that can be used for applying to scholarships, transfer applications, etc. To request a Service History Report, email servicelearning@miracosta.edu and include your name and SURF ID.
One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
Operation HOPE-North County is looking for volunteers to host a Dry goods food drive: This can be done as a group or individually. Date and times can be flexible, you will work within your community, friends and family to collect pasta, rice, beans, etc. to make a one-time drop off at Operation HOPE-North County. These opportunities are flexible and help us provide our community members with staple food items. We serve about 120 families every Wednesday. For questions, contact Kiana Sanchez at ksanchez@operationhopeshelter.org or 760.206.3470. To learn more about our organization, visit operationhopeshelter.org.
STAAR After School Program is looking for onsite volunteers this summer! They need volunteers to help with arts n crafts, sports activities, cooking club activities, and to assist with being chaperones during field trips and other outings. They are looking for volunteers from June 3, 2024, through August 2, 2024. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, contact Mark Henry at mark.henry@oside.us or 760.652.9904 or 760.529.7014. Click here to learn more.
MainStreet Oceanside is looking for volunteers for their 2024 Oceanside Independence Parade. Join us on Saturday, June 29, 2024, for the 28th ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE PARADE as it makes its way north on Coast Highway from Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive (just past City Hall). Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars, and more. Our theme this year is "CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE." The parade starts in front of the 101 Cafe (Coast Highway at Wisconsin Avenue) at 10:00 a.m. and works its way north with the first unit of the parade reaching City Hall around 10:15 a.m. The running time from beginning to end is about two hours. To stage this massive community event, we rely on the help of nearly 100 volunteers to make this event happen. Would you be interested in helping us as a street marshal, barricade monitor, or check-in assistant? Each volunteer role is crucial in making everything run smoothly. Apply to volunteer through our website www.mainstreetoceanside.com. For more information, contact Sharon Elwood at sharon@mainstreetoceanside.com or 760.754.4512.
Helen Woodward Animal Center is looking for a dedicated volunteer(s) to assist our Education team in the areas of photography, social media, or marketing. In this role, your primary responsibilities will involve: capturing compelling photos and videos of campers and camp activities, showcasing kids interacting with animals, participating in crafts, playing games, and more. These visual assets will be utilized in upcoming marketing campaigns. In addition to photography, there may be opportunities to engage in video editing and contribute to our social media presence. This volunteer position offers an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills, gain hands-on experience working with both animals and children as subjects, and strengthen your resume. You will receive personalized guidance from our seasoned photographer expert, and there is a possibility that your photos may be featured in real marketing campaigns. Join us in making a positive impact through your creative talents while advancing your professional development. Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old. No upper age limits. If over 18 years old, fingerprinting required – HR would provide you the paperwork and process, which includes paying a one-time fee to a live scan facility that isn’t reimbursed; Must be available for 5 weeks minimum, 2+ days a week minimum, and 3 hours a day minimum; Highly recommended to bring your own camera. Must be a DSLR type camera, not older than 10 years, cannot be a cell phone camera; Highly recommended to have some photography experience but mainly be willing to learn. For questions and to sign up, contact Julie Pennell at JulieP@animalcenter.org or (858) 756-4117 x370. Visit our website for more information: https://animalcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/special-event-volunteering/.
Seacrest Village Retirement Communities is looking for volunteers on flexible days between 9:30 am - 11:30 am and 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm! Volunteers are needed to assist staff with organizational projects, such as supply closets, activity supplies, etc. Volunteers will be working under the direction of staff. For more information and to sign-up, contact Sheryl Seltser (Volunteer Liaison) at sseltser@seacrestvillage.org or 760.632.3718. To learn about the organization, visit seacrestvillage.org.
Children’s Paradise is looking for volunteers to engage in activities and active supervision with children (infants, toddlers, preschool, or school-age) any time between Monday and Fridays within are hours of operation 6a-6p. Play all day! Required volunteer documents: application, tb test, and immunizations. Must also meet with Community & Workforce Development Manager for placement arrangement. To sign up, contact Jasmine Reaves at jreaves@childrensparadise.com or 619.399.9317. To learn more about the organization, visit childrensparadise.com.
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.
- 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.
Resources to seek service opportunities
- VolunteerMatch
- Idealist
- San Diego Food Bank is accepting volunteers on-site and in the community.
- Botanical Community Development Initiatives
- American Red Cross: Find out ways you can support or donate blood.
- MiraCosta College English Language Institute: College students are needed to interact with international students. College students must be willing to carry conversations in English and encourage international students to practice their English. This is a perfect service opportunity for students wanting to learn about other cultures. For questions, contact Zakia Farouq at zfarouq@miracosta.edu or 760-622-8770.