Have some free time? Here are some Coachella Valley nonprofits that need your help.

Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV)

ACV is always looking for volunteers who have a heart for the people of the Coachella Valley. ACV is your local, hands-on, nonprofit that supports our valley's families struggling with dementia and other cognitive issues. If you are interested in assisting with social groups, hospitality, office help, support group facilitation, organizing special events or fundraising, please contact Priscilla at (760) 776-3100 or via [email protected].

American Documentary and Animation Film Festival

We are looking for volunteers for our ever-growing team! Your people skills can be used to enhance the film-going experience for our festival attendees, and you will get the chance to see an amazing array of documentary films. Students wanting to learn about the film industry, people with backgrounds in business and the arts or anyone willing to help in the theaters by ushering, introducing films, cashiering, volunteer driving or assisting in festival promotions are welcome. Another way to volunteer is to be Home Stay Host for a visiting filmmaker. Information: [email protected], amdocfilmfest.com

Animal Samaritans

Animal Samaritans is dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people. Volunteers engage with animals via play, grooming and conversation, providing care until they find permanent homes. There is a wide array of ways to help. Some areas include socializers, front desk, dog walkers, general shelter help, clinic and shelter laundry, fostering, events and Highway Heroes. We especially need volunteers for this year's Palm Springs Pride Parade. If you are interested in finding out more or volunteering, please fill out an application at animalsamaritans.org/volunteer or email [email protected].

Assistance League

We are always looking for new members to join us in providing services to children and seniors in need and to the military in our local community. Because of the impact of our programs, we were honored by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year. Last year we provided clothing packages to more than 5,000 underserved school children across the three area school districts. Our Senior Services program provides nursing home residents with live musical entertainment and companionship twice each month. We also organize a baby shower for first-time mothers from Twentynine Palms Marine Base and provide scholarships for performing arts high school students. For more information, or to join us, visit alcoachellavalley.org or call (760) 848-0084.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert

Make a difference in a youth's life by just mentoring 4-8 hours a month. It's that easy — by just doing simple daily activities with your Little. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been serving young people from ages 5 through young adulthood in one-to-one mentoring friendships since 1904. Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist, who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little's age. With a Big in their life, Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow and develop into adulthood. Make a difference in a youth's life today. We are located in Palm Desert and conveniently open from 9-5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Call (760) 568-3977 or visit bbbsdesert.org.

Cathedral City Senior Center

If you ask any one of our volunteers, they'll tell you that having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of seniors is why they do what they do. It's a great opportunity to make friends while also enhancing the lives of the people around you. The CCSC volunteer program is currently recruiting new volunteers in the following areas: the food bank, front desk/reception and program facilitators. For more information, contact Pat at (760) 321-1548 or [email protected].

Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network

Seeking adult volunteers who want to help educate and train fellow Coachella Valley residents on how to be prepared for all types of disasters to which we are vulnerable. Hours are flexible. We are looking for assistance for our community presentations, in-house training for critical skills, event set-up, bilingual help and more. Apply at cvdpn.org/volunteer.

Desert Best Friend's Closet

Seeking volunteers to act as wardrobe "stylists" who work with clients outfitting them for job interviews, sort incoming donations, sales assistants in our boutique and resume writers/employment mentors. Contact Johnny Anderson at (760) 776-9975 or [email protected].

Desert Hot Springs Police Dept. Citizens on Patrol

Together with the community, we are building a department that effectively fights crime, helps to eliminate neighborhood blight and provides exceptional service. In support of the police department, our volunteers are encouraged to spend time getting to know residents and merchants in an effort to develop relationships and to cooperatively build a safer community. Whether answering calls, greeting people at our station or completing duties in the field, we are committed to partnerships with the community and to collaborative problem solving for the benefit of all. For more information, email [email protected] or call (760) 329-2904 ext. 348.

Desert Paws Sanctuary

Desert Paws Sanctuary is in need of foster volunteers to help abandoned animals in the Coachella Valley. We are looking for individuals who can provide love to an animal. We provide food and other supplies while the animal is in your care. If you are interested in becoming a foster volunteer, please complete a foster application form at desertpawssanctuary.org. If you have questions, email [email protected].

Dezart Performs

Play a vital role in one of the Coachella Valley's premier theater companies. Dezart Performs has added performances this season and is looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers over 18 for front-of-house roles such as usher, greeter, ticket scanner, concessions worker or to handle box office duties. Volunteers are encouraged to stay and enjoy the play. Sign up to volunteer at dezartperforms.org/volunteer-opportunities. Questions? Email Eileen Breen, managing director, at [email protected].

Food Now

Food Now is a community food pantry located in Desert Hot Springs. Since 1989, we have been serving the needs of the residents of Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Springs and surrounding areas. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents in the western valley by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services that strengthen families and build healthy communities. We are looking for volunteers 18+ to help package and distribute to local families. Hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Visit thefamilyservicesofthedesert.org/volunteer.

Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum

We are the Gilman Ranch Hands, the support group for a historic ranch, house and wagon museum in Banning. We are seeking volunteers for a number of tasks, including helping with tours and/or school programs, putting on special events at the ranch, doing research/writing and general upkeep. Training is provided. Come be a part of one of Riverside County’s historic sites! Call the ranch at (951) 922-9200 or inquire at [email protected].

Guide Dogs of the Desert

Host a puppy that's been born to change lives! Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) provides custom-trained guide dogs to people who are blind. Currently, GDD is seeking individuals over the age of 18 and/or families to welcome our puppies into their home for about a year and a half. Puppy raisers are volunteers who help these dogs learn the fundamental skills needed to be successful in their jobs as service dogs when they are adults. These skills include basic obedience, understanding the world around them and behaving appropriately in public settings. At 18-24 months, puppies return to Guide Dogs of the Desert to undergo more training, to ultimately find their perfect career! GDD provides support in the training and exposure process as well as in providing the basic needs for each pup. If you are willing to open your heart and home to a puppy destined to make a lasting impact, this role may be for you. Want to be involved, but can't commit to a pup right now? We want to hear from you, too. There is something for anyone and everyone who wants to support this incredible journey. The gift of independence takes a community to nurture, and we invite you to be a part of ours. Learn how your skills, strengths and willingness can make a difference in the lives of people who are blind. Visit gddca.org, email [email protected] or contact Lisa Morand (760) 329-2378.

Hanson House

Hanson House is a home away from home for the loved ones of patients receiving care at Desert Regional Medical Center. Volunteers assist families during sudden and oftentimes unexpected health crises in four-hour shifts. Responsibilities include checking guests in or out of their casitas, receiving payments and providing a compassionate listening ear. Volunteers should be dependable, have basic computer and telephone skills, enjoy interacting with the public and have the flexibility to work some evenings or weekends. We welcome volunteers with skills in accounting, IT, office management, fundraising, social media or grant writing. Bilingual volunteers encouraged to volunteer. Call or email Susan Laird, assistant manager at (760) 416-5070 or [email protected]. hansonhouse.org.

Jewish Family Service of the Desert

JFS is a non-sectarian nonprofit, provider of social service programs and support to all residents of the Coachella Valley. We are seeking volunteers aged 21+ for the following assignments: JFS express medical appointment transportation coordinator, JFS express driver to help provide medical appointment transportation to seniors, office assistant, executive director administrative assistant and senior social activity program lead (Let's Do Lunch! program). Contact Julie Hirsh (760) 325-4088 ext. 103, [email protected].

Loving All Animals

This 501(c)(3) charity needs volunteers to help with homeless dogs at its shelter in Coachella. Volunteers transport animals to vet and grooming appointments, help in training classes and adoption events, etc. Also in need are volunteers to open their hearts and homes to foster kittens and all-size dogs. Loving All Animals pays for all veterinary costs, food, supplies and adoption assistance. Expert dog training assistance is available to shelter volunteers and foster parents. Call (760) 834-7000 for more information. To foster or volunteer at the shelter, complete and submit the volunteer application online at lovingallanimals.org. You'll be part of many happy endings for people and pets!

Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop in Center

The Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Drop in Center provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. It provides valuable resources, free mental health, homework assistance, job preparation, resume building and much more. This historic Coachella Valley center is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of committees to improve the lives for LGBTQ+ youth. Call (760) 464-0223 or email [email protected].

Palm Springs International Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Festival has a well-established reputation as one of the most prestigious and well-attended film festivals in the country, welcoming more than 136,000 enthusiastic filmgoers to Palm Springs every January. In June, moviegoers and volunteers enjoy ShortFest. In order to welcome the thousands of filmgoers and hundreds of filmmakers, we need hundreds of volunteers to staff theater venues, help in the office and assist with a myriad of other tasks. For each shift worked, you receive a volunteer voucher, which can be exchanged for a ticket to view a film during the festival. Complete the volunteer application at psfilmfest.org or contact the festival office at (760) 322-2930.

Parkinson's Resource Organization

If you are task-oriented, enjoy customer service and like working in a friendly, mission-driven office environment, volunteering in a clerical capacity with Parkinson’s Resource Organization may be a good fit for you. Volunteer duties can range from answering phones, helping with mailings and making follow-up calls to our constituents. Contact Wendy Garcia at (760) 773-5628 or email [email protected].

Partners Against Violence

This nonprofit provides free and confidential support services to survivors of sexual assault. Volunteers are needed for the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley. For more information, visit partnersagainstviolence.org or email [email protected].

Paws & Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy

Our organization takes trained therapy dogs, Canine Ambassadors as we refer to them, on visits to local hospitals, long-term care facilities, cancer centers and special education classes. We are looking for friendly, outgoing dogs who are full-time desert residents, as your commitment to visit is each and every week. Dogs must be a minimum of 1 year old, current on all of their shots and spayed or neutered. Information: pawsandhearts.org or (760) 836-1406.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center

Join our incredible team of volunteers, and together, let's positively impact the lives of our riders and the community. Together we can transform the lives of children and adults with special needs through equine-assisted therapy. Pegasus is seeking helpful volunteers who love to interact with children and horses. Each class is 30 minutes long, with arena time of 20 minutes. We ride on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday Mornings. Pegasus is now located at Willowbrook Riding Club just off Varner and Mountain View Rd. Address: 20-555 Mountain View Rd., Desert Hot Springs. Contact Erika Battke at (760) 636-3685 or via [email protected].

Rancho Mirage Citizens on Patrol Services (COPS)

This program was formed in 1994 by resolution of the city council to serve as the "eyes and ears" for the Sheriff's Department. While the program has evolved over the years, its mission remains unchanged. Duties associated with being a COPS member include: patrolling the streets of Rancho Mirage; observing and reporting suspicious activity; providing traffic control at traffic accidents and DUI checkpoints; assisting stranded motorists with emergency lighting, water and a phone call; patrolling public and private communities within Rancho Mirage; and reporting nuisances to Code Compliance, such as graffiti and illegal dumping. Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver's license. For additional information on how to join, call Capt. Alfonso Carpenter at (760) 567-4929 or visit ranchomirageca.gov/our_city/citizens_on_patrol_services_(cops).php.

Read With Me Volunteer Programs

For 20 years, local nonprofit Read with Me Volunteers has successfully elevated the reading, comprehension and speaking skills of thousands of children from low-income and limited English-speaking families. Volunteers are needed to provide in-person tutoring to the students, one or more hours, once a week for a minimum of eight weeks during the school year. One-on-one or group tutoring is a very rewarding experience for both the volunteers and the kids. Read With Me Volunteers provides volunteer training sessions prior to sending the volunteer to their assigned school. The teachers will provide the materials for use with students. For more information or to obtain an application about opportunity, call (760) 567-1830 or visit readwithmevolunteers.com.

SafeHouse of the Desert

SafeHouse of the Desert, a 21-day emergency shelter for youth ages 11-17, is seeking individual or group volunteers that can cook with the youth, do creative writing, provide financial literacy workshops, music groups (to teach them how to play an instrument), video production, ASL and any life skill activity that would be beneficial to a young teen. Health groups, which incorporate fitness, such as a workout group, sport activities, mediation and yoga would also be very helpful. In order to volunteer, you must be 21+, pass a background check (which is paid by the volunteer) and also have an up-to-date TB test. Contact Catalina Garcia at [email protected] or call (760) 343-3211.

SoCal Adaptive Sports

Seeking volunteers (18 or older) to assist with administrative and event-related tasks, e.g. coaching, attending hikes. Proficiency with websites and social media are helpful for admin tasks. Contact Mike Rosenkrantz at (760) 469-9207 or via [email protected].

Street Life Project

SLP is a volunteer organization that helps unhoused people throughout the Coachella Valley by providing food, clothing, identification, medical health, jobs and housing. SLP can use your help packing and distributing food and other necessities. We also need volunteers to assist the homeless with clothing, showers and lunches on the 3rd Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. of each month at the Desert HealthCare Medical Mobile Clinic, 66-753 Hacienda Ave., Desert Hot Springs. We have lots of opportunities for you to volunteer and can work around your schedule. Contact Sally Hedberg at [email protected]. streetlifeproject.com

Tools for Tomorrow

Volunteers are needed to assist teaching artists in TFT's free after-school Creative Clubs for children ages 7 to 11 throughout the Coachella Valley. Clubs meet one afternoon per week, integrating art, theater, music and creative writing. Volunteers interact with individual students as they create, assist teachers with the program and materials and help with setup and cleanup. Theater Troupe volunteers also help children learn lines, play theater games, move sets and communicate with parents. Your help in the classroom fosters a positive environment and encourages creativity. No experience required — just a love of children. Training will be provided. Volunteers also are needed to assemble students' art kits, photograph events or help with office work. Contact Program Director Emily Culhan at [email protected] or (760) 601-3954.

Transgender Health & Wellness Center

The Transgender Health & Wellness Center provides health care and social services to transgender, gender non-conforming and intersex persons in the Inland Empire. We also work with families to help them have a nurturing environment so LGBTQ+ youth can reach their highest potential. Volunteering for us directly impacts and changes lives for the better. Call (760) 202-4308, visit trans.health or email [email protected].

Voices for Children - Court Appointed Special Advocate Program

Voices for Children transforms the lives of abused, abandoned or neglected children by providing them with trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). A CASA gets to know a child’s situation, communicates with professionals on the case and makes sure the child’s needs are being met. Over time, a CASA often becomes the most consistent person in a child’s life. We invite you to attend an online information session to learn more about how by volunteering 10-15 hours a month you can change a child’s life. To view upcoming dates and to register, visit speakupnow.org/volunteer or email [email protected].

Is your nonprofit looking for volunteers? Email [email protected]. Entries may be edited for space.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Looking to volunteer in the Palm Springs area?