Opportunities From: MEND

Description of Duties: Help MEND during our onsite Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with fresh produce and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s food distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling food kits, sorting through donated food items, distributing food bags to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist in handing out of food/produce to client. Assist in sorting, preparing, and organizing food donations. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 30 lbs.

Volunteer Impact: Help MEND feed 30-50 participants during our First Step and Living Wise and Well programs. Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Your time and impact can make a big impact on our Homeless and senior population.

 

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Volunteers assist with the preparation and distribution of meals for community members in need. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to assembling to-go dinner bags with a hot meal/cold meals; preparing items such as soups, sandwiches, dessert trays, and other food items; and cutting or prepping produce and meats for upcoming meals. Volunteers may also help with organizing and packaging donated foods for future service.

During meal service, volunteers will help with setting up the service area, including drink stations, and menus, and serve hot or cold meals. After service, volunteers assist with kitchen cleanup, including washing dishes, tidying prep areas, and collecting trash to ensure a clean and organized environment.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working as part of a team, are detail-oriented, and want to make a direct impact by helping provide nutritious meals in a welcoming setting.

 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Good communication skills; ability to interact with volunteers and participants. Volunteers must be patient while working with the MEND community. Must be able to move up to 25 pounds. Ability to work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to prepare and serve meals efficiently. Following hygiene, handling, and sanitation guidelines when preparing or serving food. Maintaining a positive and respectful attitude toward all guests to create a welcoming environment.

 

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical kitchen work. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Wear closed-toe with non-slip soles to protect your feet. No Crocs. Shorts may be worn under the following conditions: All shorts must fall at the knee, all shorts must be worn at waist level (no ‘sagging’), made of cotton, jean, or ‘Dickies’ type material (no nylon type or running shorts, bicycle type shorts, yoga shorts). 

 

Covid-19 and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact.  While at MEND masks are optional.

Description of Duties: Volunteers will assist with invitation assembly and mailing preparation for MEND’s Gala. Tasks include folding letters, matching inserts, inserting materials into envelopes, sealing, applying address labels and postage.

 

Impact: Preparation of Gala invitation mailers that support donor outreach and event attendance. This work directly strengthens fundraising for MEND’s programs in food, wellness, and community support.

 

Specific Responsibilities: Folding letters; matching inserts; inserting materials into envelopes; sealing; applying address labels and postage; light quality check (names/addresses); bundling finished mailers for drop-off.

 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed:

·         No prior experience required; brief on-site training provided.

·         Attention to detail and accuracy with names/addresses.

·         Comfortable with repetitive, seated tasks (1–3 hours).

·         Ability to lift/lightly move stacks of envelopes (up to ~10 lbs).

·         Commitment to confidentiality of guest information.

·         All supplies provided by MEND (bring reading glasses if helpful).

 

Dress Code: Casual, comfortable attire suitable for an office setting; closed-toe shoes recommended.

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: Regardless of vaccination status, masking is optional MEND will continue to provide masks for volunteers.

Impact:Be part of MEND’s Career Fair and make a lasting impact as a volunteer. You’ll be the essential first point of contact—welcoming participants, simplifying the registration process, and providing the steady guidance that helps job seekers navigate the day with confidence. For many of our participants re-entering the workforce, your friendly face and clear directions are the key to turning a high-pressure day into a successful new chapter. Volunteers will be assisting at off-site location.

 

Description of Duties & Responsibilities:Registration & Welcome: Greeting attendees, checking in pre-registered guests, distributing badges, and providing event materials.  Exhibitor Assistance: Assisting employers with setting up booths, directing them to their assigned locations, and helping with equipment. Information Support: Staffing information desks, answering attendee questions, and providing directions.Logistics & Setup: Setting up and tearing down tables, chairs, signage, and display areas.Crowd Management: Monitoring attendee flow, managing queues, and ensuring safe access to areas.General Support: Serving as "floaters" to help with miscellaneous tasks, providing breaks for other volunteers, and keeping the space tidy. 

 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers should have a compassionate, friendly, and patient demeanor when interacting with participants. They must be comfortable standing, walking, and able to move up to 15 lbs. as part of their duties. Volunteers should have a teamwork approach, work cooperatively as part of a team, follow directions, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the event. Volunteers should be reliable and arrive on time.

 

Dress Code: Business casual attire. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for all volunteers, per safety guidelines for set-up and clean-up activity.

 

Age: This volunteer opportunity is open exclusively to individuals aged 18 and older.

 

Work Environment: Volunteers will assist at off-site community location – Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center/AJCC -LA Mission College 13356 Eldridge Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342

 

Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from these survey locations. The organization is not responsible for transportation costs, vehicle maintenance, or any liability related to the use of a personal vehicle. Milage will not be reimbursed.

 

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact.  While at MEND masks are optional.

Description of Duties: Join us for our First Step Program! Every Thursday, we provide participants experiencing homelessness curated food bags, fresh fruit, clothing items (dependent on availability), and hygiene kits. We need your support in distributing these items to our participants. Your participation will add warmth to our welcoming environment, creating a moment of community care and support.

Specific Responsibilities:  

·       Set up tables and chairs for the distribution

·       Greet and chat with participants during distribution

·       Help organize food items on distribution tables

·       Distribute food items, clothing, and/or hygiene kits

·       Keep the area clean

·       Breakdown tables after program and help throw out any trash

 

Time Commitment: Thursdays, 8:15 AM to 11:15 AM (3 hours)

 

Qualification: Qualifications:

o   Ability to bend, reach, and grasp food items

o   Ability to lift 10-15 pounds

o   Kind/Friendly attitude

o   Customer Service Skills or Trauma-informed care knowledge

o   Bilingual Spanish/English is a great plus!

 

Dress Code: Volunteers should wear comfortable, clean, and professional attire suitable for a community event. Closed-toe shoes are required. Be prepared to stand and move throughout your shift. 

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: Regardless of vaccination status, masking is optional MEND will continue to provide masks for volunteers.  

Volunteer Impact: Assist MEND in providing 300-500 participants within surrounding communities with a food kit filled with healthy and quality produce, and other non-perishable foods.

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Help feed the community by supporting daily operations to ensure an efficient and organized food distribution process. Responsibilities include cleaning and light housekeeping, palletizing items, assisting with loading and unloading food, and supporting small-scale distribution. Volunteers also help with sorting and packaging donated food items, preparing food kits, and composting materials as needed. This position is vital to maintaining a safe, clean, and productive warehouse environment while helping serve the community. Other general warehouse duties as assigned.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Good communication skills; ability to interact with volunteers and participants. Volunteers must be patient while working with the MEND community. Must be able to move up to 35 pounds. Attention to detail and basic organizational skills. Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to help wherever needed

Dress Code: Wear school assigned uniform (scrubs). Wear closed-toed shoes with non-slip soles to protect your feet.

Impact:Be part of Homeless Connect Day and make a lasting impact as a volunteer. This resource fair consolidates essential services into a single location to help the unhoused. You’ll be the essential first point of contact—welcoming participants, simplifying the registration process, and providing the steady guidance that helps participants navigate the day with confidence. Your volunteer service will help create a compassionate, welcoming environment where participants are accessing resources with dignity.

 

Description of Duties & Responsibilities:Volunteer roles vary and will be assigned to various needs and tasks throughout the event depending on real time event needs.  Registration & Welcome: Greeting participants, checking in participants, distributing material and providing event materials.  Resource Partner Assistance: Assisting partners with setting up booths, directing them to their assigned locations, and helping with equipment. Information Support: Staffing information desks, answering participants questions, and providing directions.Logistics & Setup: Setting up and tearing down tables, chairs, signage, and display areas.Crowd Management: Monitoring participant flow, managing queues, and ensuring safe access to areas.General Support: Serving as "floaters" to help with miscellaneous tasks, providing breaks for other volunteers, and keeping the space tidy. 

 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers should have a compassionate, friendly, and patient demeanor when interacting with participants. They must be comfortable standing, walking, and able to move up to 15 lbs. as part of their duties. Volunteers should have a teamwork approach, work cooperatively as part of a team, follow directions, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the event. Volunteers should be reliable and arrive on time.

 

Dress Code: Plain polo or casual crewneck shirts. Comfortable jeans, dress pants, khakis. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for all volunteers, per safety guidelines for set-up and clean-up activity.

 

Age: This volunteer opportunity is open exclusively to individuals aged 18 and older.

 

Parking: Be advised only street parking is available for this event.

 

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact.  While masking at MEND is currently optional, all onsite safety protocols are subject to change based on active health orders or elevated community risk.

Description of Duties: Help MEND during the Hope Wellness Care event to serve hundreds of families who can select fresh fruits and vegetables. Assist MEND’s Buen Provecho – Farmers Market including set up of produce, bread, and packaged goods for distribution to participants, or line control. Sort donated food items and support in building food kits. Needs will be determined on the day of the event.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution and check-in/ check-out process by weighing bags of food. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist in handing out of food/produce to client. Assist in sorting, preparing, and organizing food donations. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary. 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 35 lbs.

 

** Street parking ONLY no onsite parking **

8:15am-12:15pm

Description of Duties:

Help MEND during our monthly onsite Diaper and Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with essential baby products, fresh produce, and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling essential baby resources for distribution, sorting through donated food items, distributing food to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Support families by providing them with essential baby products as well as resources to ensure families have the necessities for their children. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist with handing out diapers and wipes to qualifying families. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 35 lbs.

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical work. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Must wear secure closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.

** Street parking ONLY no onsite parking **

8:30am-12:30pm

Description of Duties:

Help MEND during our monthly onsite Diaper and Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with essential baby products, fresh produce, and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling essential baby resources for distribution, sorting through donated food items, distributing food to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Support families by providing them with essential baby products as well as resources to ensure families have the necessities for their children. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist with handing out diapers and wipes to qualifying families. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 35 lbs.

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical work. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Must wear secure closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.

** Street parking ONLY no onsite parking **