Team bonding is an important part of any group meeting. Make it even more special by volunteering together for a cause. Part of what keeps Pasadena's community so strong are the efforts made by volunteers to help better and improve the lives of those in need. Your group will feel fulfilled knowing they have made a difference in the world while also lifting spirits and boosting camaraderie. Below is a list of local philanthropic team-building activities and volunteer organizations you and your team can assist with.

Union Station Homeless Services

Welcome Home Kits Program

Union Station Homeless Services’ Welcome Home Kits Program helps provide people moving in or out of one of their permanent housing facilities with a “Welcome Home Kit” of necessary items. Individuals or volunteer groups can provide basic household items from the Welcome Kits List. If you, your family, corporation, faith-based, civic or social group would like to commit to purchase and deliver a Welcome Kits, please call at 626-240-4550 x124 or email volunteer@unionstationhs.org.

Hygiene Kits Program

Union Station Homeless Services’ Hygiene Kits Program helps provide people with a “Hygiene Kit” of necessary items. Individuals or volunteer groups can provide basic hygiene items using the Hygiene Kit List as a guideline. If you, your family, corporation, faith-based, civic or social group have any questions regarding the programs, please email inkinddonations@unionstationhs.org.

Hillsides Organization

Hillsides has five core programs that offer a depth and breadth of innovative services for at-risk children and their families. Approximately 50% of Hillsides’ volunteer service hours are performed by clubs and companies. Organizations support Hillsides’ mission by sponsoring outings for the children, organizing gift collection drives, painting and landscaping, and lending a hand at special events. Service clubs, professional societies, corporate volunteer teams, alumni associations, church groups, or any group wishing to make a positive impact in the community may contact Hillsides to request a tour of the campus and learn about volunteer opportunities.

Hillsides Community Resource Office Phone: (323) 254-2274, ext. 1251 or 1258.

Friends in Deed

Food Pantry Program

The Food Pantry provides food assistance to low-income and no-income families in the greater Pasadena/Altadena area. If you are interested in volunteering in the Food Pantry or have questions about the program and how to help, please contact the Food Pantry Director, Tim Nistler, at (626) 797-6072 or by email at pantry@friendsindeedpas.org, or Food Pantry Manager, Stacey McCarroll Cutshaw, at (626) 797-6072 or by email at staceyc@friendsindeedpas.org.

Women's Room Program

The Women’s Room (TWR) is the only organization in the San Gabriel Valley dedicated to serving women who are alone and homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program includes supportive services and basic needs: a shower, laundry and healthy food. In addition, women enjoy access to computers and telephones, a place to nap, arts and crafts, nature and cultural field trips, games and fresh clothing. If you are interested in The Women’s Room program, please contact The Women’s Room Director, Marlene Martinez, at (626) 797-2402 or by email at twr@friendsindeedpas.org, or The Women’s Room Program Assistant, Jane Armbruster, at (626) 797-2402 or by email at twrassociate@friendsindeedpas.org.

Pasadena Senior Center

The Pasadena Senior Center Food Distribution Program's free food kit is prepared with specific nutritional needs such as cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, dry milk and related dairy products, cereals and other grain products, plus much more. Their senior food program continues to be an ongoing urgent need.

Door of Hope

The Door of Hope offers multiple volunteering opportunities ranging from grocery donations, providing care baskets, to creating arts and crafts kits and STEM and education kits for children. Professional skills and expertise in specific areas are also needed including building owners, career counselors, medical professionals, attorneys, and interpreters. For details and a full list of opportunities, visit the volunteer page.

Foothill Family

Projects and Events

Join other community volunteers to gather school supplies and stuff backpacks; collect gifts and wrap presents during the holidays, or staff donor events like the annual black-tie gala. If you are a photographer, musician, or have a talent in entertainment that could add an extra value to an event. For more info, visit the website or contact Foothill Family at (626) 993-3000.

Early Head Start Volunteer

Organize and plan community and family events, develop and implement strategies to increase volunteerism in the Early Head Start Program, participate in group socializations, collect and analyze data, participate in meetings, trainings, and events, and shadow various early childhood education/prenatal service providers. For more info, visit the website or contact Foothill Family at (626) 993-3000.

Foothill Unity

Food Program and Drivers

The Monrovia and Pasadena locations distribute food to those in need several times per week, your help would be greatly appreciated. Volunteer monthly, weekly or several times a week. Tasks include: food sorting, packing boxes, distributing food, guest registration, grocery unloading and more

Special Events

During various times of the year, Foothill Unity also hosts specific events including: Letter Carrier Food Drive, Back to School; Thanksgiving; and Holiday Distributions. Tasks include: food sorting, packing, distributing food, guest registration, grocery unloading and more.

Talent

The Foothill Unity is always looking for volunteers who possess computer, marketing, logistical, medical, fundraising or business experience.

For more details, visit the website.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Through construction, retail, home repair and more, you can impact families all over San Gabriel Valley families. Areas of opportunity include general construction, hospitality, serving as a crew leader, and more. Full details or to register for a build, can be found online.

Additional Organizations