"The Most Inspiring Event of the Year!"

Celebrate those who show up every day to be the difference for Santa Cruz County.
May 14, 2025

Featured Volunteer Opportunities

180+ ways to volunteer for mental health, connection, and community.

Take Action for AmeriCorps!

Federal actions are gutting AmeriCorps programs nationwide. Learn how this effects you and take action.

Pitch In All Santa Cruz County Clean Up Day!  

Join your neighbors and keep our county clean, healthy, and thriving.
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News and Events

We Need Your Help to Save AmeriCorps Now!

AmeriCorps, like our National Parks, is a system envied the world over. And here in Santa Cruz County, it’s a lifeline — in times of crisis and every day in between. But now, that lifeline is being cut. Federal actions are gutting AmeriCorps programs nationwide, ...
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Your support is Needed Now, more than Ever.

A message from Karen Delaney, Executive Director Friends and Community, Right now, the Volunteer Center is facing a $300,000 shortfall due to rising costs and unprecedented government funding cuts. This means we are at risk of losing vital programs that provide a lifeline for seniors, ...
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Upcoming Events

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Ellen: Volunteer with Americorps Seniors / Monterey Bay RSVP

February 4, 2024

Ellen, a retired real estate agent and now a proud member of AmeriCorps Seniors/Monterey Bay RSVP, has been with the Volunteer Center since the spring of 2023.

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Meet Ron and Jim: Friends in Service

December 2, 2023

Neighbors, workout partners, volunteers, and friends for over 15 years – Jim Kinney and Ron Marquez have a long history of community service.

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Meet Austin Lee, Second Harvest Food Bank Volunteer

November 1, 2023

Austin volunteers on Saturdays, helping pack produce bags that go out to over 65,000 community
members each month.

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Hopes Closet Levels the Playing Field for Kids

August 8, 2023

Hopes Closet provides clothing, shoes, books, and toys to families in need.

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Meet the Volunteers at Boulder Creek Fire Protection District

July 3, 2023

2023 Recipients of the Be the Difference Award for Rebuilding Community After Disaster for their tireless support and brave response efforts to emergencies throughout their district.

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Meet Dale Bieser: Volunteer Docent Extraordinaire!

July 3, 2023

2023 Recipient of the Be the Difference Award for Building a Green & Sustainable Community.

Read More about Meet Dale Bieser: Volunteer Docent Extraordinaire!