Community Service
Community ServiceAt Pacific Collegiate School, community service is more than just a requirement – it's an incredible opportunity for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world. Through volunteering, students develop responsibility, empathy, and a deeper understanding of social justice and civic responsibility. We believe in fostering lifelong commitment to public participation and encourage partnerships with individuals, organizations, and schools. At PCS, we want students to find volunteer opportunities that excite them, shaping their future decisions and creating a culture of community support. Join us in making a difference and let's inspire change together!
Step into Service
Community Service Expectation:
We expect each student to engage in community service. Middle school students (7th and 8th grade) must complete a minimum of 10 hours per year, while high school students (9th-12th grade) must complete a minimum of 20 hours per year.
Completing Service Hours:
Students have various options to fulfill their service hours:
- Volunteering at local non-profits or community organizations
- Participating in PCS activities and leadership opportunities
- Tutoring, or teaching music or art lessons
- Design your own service opportunities with PCS guidance
The following are no longer acceptable ways to satisfy Community Service requirements, since non-profit organizations are once again accepting student volunteers (post-COVID):
- Assisting family or community members in need
- Corresponding with isolated individuals
- Advocating for causes by contacting government officials
Documentation and Deadlines:
Email community service logs, signed by a parent/guardian, to get credit for completed community service hours. Annual community service hours are due on May 1st.
Email Community Service Coordinator, Gabe Kittle-Cervine
Community Service Opportunities
New Community Service Activity Request Community Service Log
Finding Good Volunteer Opportunities That Fit Your Interests
Here are a few of our favorites, linked for your convenience:
Boys & Girls Club
Come share your skills at the Club: we have needs that fit a huge variety of interests, including Academic Tutoring, Sports and Recreation, Arts, Music and Dance, Programming and Robotics, Chess, and Woodworking, as well as needs for help in Administration, Events, and Facilities. Visit www.boysandgirlsclub.info/volunteer/ for more information on how to sign up.
Camp Kesem
Are you interested in coordinating a donation drive for Camp Kesem at UCSC? Camp Kesem is an organization for children affected by a parent's cancer. They are in need of art supplies and are looking for students to make posters welcoming the students to camp too. If you are interested in helping with this, please email ucsc.volunteer@campkesem.org.
Coastal Watershed Council
Volunteers and interns are needed for various water-quality monitoring programs. Visit www.coastal-watershed.org or call 464-9200.
Environteers
Our mission is to provide easy access to the many rewarding environmental volunteer opportunities in our community and to promote the diverse and dedicated environmental organizations serving Santa Cruz County. Visit environteers.org to find a volunteer opportunity in climate, education, energy, farm & garden, forests, oceans, parks, recycling, transportation, water and wildlife.
Grey Bears
Contact Volunteer and Event Coordinator at (831) 479-1055 ext 226 or rosie@greybears.org
Habitat ReStore
It is a program of Habitat for Humanity and its primary mission is to provide additional funding to support our home building goals, provide quality materials at affordable prices, and to foster good stewardship of sustainable and reusable resources within the community of Santa Cruz. The Restore is open Wed 10am - 2pm, Thur, Fri and Sat from 9am to 5pm. We normally ask volunteers to work a shift i.e. 4 hrs, but we can make exceptions to accommodate student schedules. To volunteer or for more information email volunteer@habitatsc.org.
Homeless Garden Project
Volunteers needed on Saturday and Sunday (10am-4pm). Minors and a parent/guardian must sign a waiver, see below. Minors also must be accompanied by a chaperon the first time they visit the farm (although this does not have to be same person who signed the waiver). The farm is located on Shaffer Road at Delaware Ave. on the west side of Santa Cruz near Natural Bridges State Park and the Long Marine Lab. The 3 and 20 bus lines stop nearby. On Thursday and Friday, we are able to provide a hot lunch to volunteers. Rain cancels farm days. Students need to wear closed-toe shoes (required), as well as clothes they don't mind getting dirty, sun protection (hat + sunscreen), and layers, as the weather can often change quite a bit throughout the day.
KSQD Community Radio
Students are invited to write 240 words about a topic of their choosing. They then can come to the studio to record it and be involved in the editing process. The final product will be aired on KSQD 88.9FM twice on a date to be determined in the future.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - Teen Programs
High School and middle school students from the Central Coast area can explore the Monterey Bay - from both above and below the water - through our award-winning Teen Programs. See community service board for details or email Teen Programs at teenprograms@mbayaq.org
Native Plant Society
Volunteer as a part of the habitat restoration team or the plant propagation group. Other opportunities are also available. Visit www.cruzcnps.org.
PCS On Campus Opportunities
Help clean our campus during lunch for community service hours. Please see Mr. G in the library to sign up. 7th/8th students may complete all their hours on campus, high school students can do half. Campus work days count too!
Produce for Health
Looking for volunteers to help with Saturday food distribution and preparing for market. Provides families with members battling cancer free organic produce. Ongoing volunteer opportunities. Contact information: produceforhealth@gmail.com or call (831) 475-3327 produceforhealth.org
Reading Buddies Project
Reading tutors are paired with children in grades K- 2nd to help improve their reading skills and develop their love of reading. Each tutor will serve as a role model and have a positive influence on the lives of these early learners! The Reading Buddies Project is now recruiting volunteer tutors for Alianza Charter School in Watsonville. Contact ys@scvolunteercenter.org to learn about the next Reading Buddies training and how to get involved as a leader and/or tutor!
Red Cross Opportunities
For more information email wilson@redcross.org.
Ride A Wave
Ride a Wave's mission is to give children with special needs the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged. Click here for more information and to sign up to help: http://www.rideawave.org/volunteer.php
Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery
Do you have an interest in…working with children? Early childhood development? PR, marketing, and outreach? Exhibit design? Then spending some time volunteering at the Santa Cruz Museum of Discovery is the right fit for you! We are a new local non-profit organization geared toward the advancement of children 0 to 12 years old. We offer themed exhibits and classes that teach children about STEM, agriculture, marine environments, and more! We would love to have you on the team to expand ideas and coordinate with YOU! We are flexible and are willing to work around your schedule! Come spend some time with us today learn valuable employment-like experience and gain new skills to put on a resume or college applications! Go to http://www.sccmod.org/get-involved/volunteer/ for a link to the application.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
Do you enjoy working with animals? We are looking for committed, youth volunteers (at least 13 years old) who have a passion for animals to volunteer at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Get hands on experience and learn to care for animals while getting community service hours! There is currently no wait list! Orientation and trainings are required. If you're interested, contact ys@scvolunteercenter.org for more information.
Santa Cruz Outdoor School, Cabin Leader at Science Camp
Volunteer and earn community service hours and gain valuable leadership skills while taking care of elementary students. Contact Elizabeth Lewis at (831) 291-3997 or cabinleaderinfo@santacruzcoe.org for more information. Hope to see you there!
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Positions available at the museum include tidepool collectors, gardeners, and docents For museum tours and outdoor education programs. For information, visit www.santacruzmuseums.org or call 420-6115.
Santa Cruz State Parks
Volunteer as a campground host, trailworker, student intern, or docent at one of Santa Cruz's beautiful state parks including Big Basin, Henry Cowell, Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz Mission, Wilder Ranch, and more. Visit www.santacruzstateparks.org or call the park you are interested in directly.
Save Our Shores
For a list of upcoming events click here: http://saveourshores.org/calendar/list/
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
Food sorting, M-F, 8-1 for 15yrs of age and older, and on some Saturdays, 8-12, for 8 years and older (those below 15 need to be accompanied by an adult). If interested, please contact Rosario Valerio, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 722-7110 x205 / rosario@thefoodbank.org Additionally there are food distributions throughout Santa Cruz County through our Passion For Produce program. They consist of setting up the produce, farmers market style, nutrition education class, food distribution, and clean up. These are throughout the week and throughout Santa Cruz County, from Felton to Watsonville. The time of the distribution/class also varies from mornings to evenings—none on weekends. If interested, contact Crystal Cerda at 722-7110 x218 / crystal@thefoodbank.org
Senior Tech Days
RSVP to Desiree at ys@scvolunteercenter.org or 831-427-5066.
Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
Volunteer as a docent, gardener, aquarist, school programs instructor or apprentice guide. School Programs Instructor Training begins in September. For information, visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu or call 459-3854.
Surfrider Beach Clean Ups
For more information- see http://santacruz.surfrider.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Teen Peer Court
For more information contact Celeste Gutierrez at cgutierrez@santacruz.k12.ca.us.
UCSC Arboretum
Opportunities are available for interested volunteers in the many areas including events, education tours, propagation and nursery, and more. Visit arboretum.ucsc.edu or call 427-2998.
YMCA Camp Campbell
Interested in being a camp counselor at science camp in Boulder Creek? Volunteers need to be 16 years old, a sophomore in high school and in good academic standing. See Ms. Musal in the Library for more information.
Education Consortium Institute
The Education Consortium Institute (ECI) is a non-profit exchange student program that's been operating in the Santa Cruz area since 1996. Almost every year ECI invites Japanese, Spanish, Italian and German exchange students to attend PCS for either Fall Semester or a full year. During their say, ECI connects them with a host family for the duration of their stay, and they're always looking for welcoming and responsible host families! Interested in hosting?
For more information, you can contact Janice Coury [janice@eci-ca.org] or Yuko Knight [yuko@eci-ca.org] or visit their website at www.eci-ca.org
Santa Cruz Shakespeare at The Grove
We have a variety of projects that students can support, from front of the house ushering during performances in the summer, to helping physically set the theater up this spring (aka right now!) All projects qualify for community service hours, but right now the biggest need is for individuals who can help us get the outdoor venue and stage setup. We have regular volunteer sessions every Saturday from 10am-2pm until June, so there are lots of opportunities for end-of-year service credit!
Additionally, volunteers who join for two shifts (each shift is around 4 hours) can receive a free ticket to any of our shows this summer! Interested participants can read more and apply online at our website: https://santacruzshakespeare.
OCTOBER 2024
Día de los Muertos Celebration — Saturday, October 26th
Join us as we welcome and greet people attending Día de los Muertos at the MAH. During the event, you'll be helping set up, walking around the facility to check in with guests, providing any assistance if needed, and helping break down. No experience is necessary. Training is provided. Contact oscar@santacruzmah.org to RSVP!!!
Volunteer hours: 10-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm
Enjoy live performances by Senderos’ Centeotl Danza y Baile and Ensamble Musical de Senderos. Learn about Día de los Muertos from our community partners and leaders of Senderos. Hear the story of Día de los Muertos in our community and the importance of honoring this beautiful celebration, together.
Learn more at the MAH website.
Wetland Habitat Restoration — Saturday, October 26th
The volunteer work includes planting native plants, removing exotic invasive plants, or helping in our native plant greenhouse. The events take place from 9 am until 12 noon – and always make time for bird watching or a short hike around the wetlands.
In addition, during the school year our high school interns will bring educational activities to the events. Students and community members can receive credit for community service hours. We supply gloves, tools, and a snack. Each month we select a location for the event, largely taking place in Watsonville. Check our social media and events calendar on our website for information on where to meet each month.
To Join this project use the "Sign Up" button on the Volunteer Center website for the date you want to join - or Contact cara@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org
Shared Adventures Halloween Dance 2024 — Saturday, October 26th
All Hands Needed for Halloween Dance, taking place at Vintage Faith Church through the non-profit Shared Adventures. Lots of ways to help - decorate, set up, serve food, crafts, photography, face painting, registration, clean up and more!
Times start at 4:00 pm - 8:30pm (dance is from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
Evergreen Cemetery Work Party! — Friday, November 1st
Join us at Evergreen cemetery for a few hours of work maintaining and restoring this historical site. We meet every Friday from 9:30 to 12:30 so take advantage of this day off of school to attend this meaningful weekly service opportunity.
There are projects for all abilities. Wear clothes you can get dirty and bring a bottle of water. If you have work gloves please bring a pair (we have extras for people who need them).
NOVEMBER 2024
River Health Day — Saturday, November 9th
Volunteer and make a difference in the San Lorenzo River ecosystem! Join us for our River Health Day and plant and maintain native seedlings along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to increase biodiversity and revitalize the river ecosystem. We will meet on the east riverbank between the Soquel Ave and Laurel Street bridges. The closest parking garage is at 601 Front Street. The work day runs from 10:00am-12:00pm.
We recommend that all volunteers dress in comfortable gardening clothes, including long pants, socks and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Bring layers, sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. All ages and abilities welcome.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Call (831) 464 9200 x104, or email CWC River Ecologist Kaiya Giuliano-Monroy with any questions before the event.
RSVP for this and other River Health Day events website:
https://coastal-watershed.org/events/
Saturdays in the Soil — Saturday, November 16th
We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! The event runs from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Contact JShamoun@scvolunteercenter.org for permission waiver for youth attending without a parent or guardian. Space is limited so registration is required.
Family Volunteer Day Gift Bag Decoration — Saturday, November 23rd
Join us on Family Volunteer Day, Saturday, November 23rd from 10am to 12pm.
Get creative with your whole family and bring holiday cheer to local families. The Adopt A Family project provides food, clothing and toys to 400 of Santa Cruz County's neediest families during the holiday season. Every year approximately 25 families on our list go un-adopted, and we depend on donations from our Stars project to fill the need. We donate any extra gifts we receive to local organizations that are serving families in need.
OUR ADDRESS IS:
1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (near the intersection with Capitola Rd)
Spots are going fast so be sure to SIGN UP HERE!
DECEMBER 2024
Adopt a Family Workshop Elves — MULTI-DAY, December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th & more!
Are you looking for an easy way to get into the holiday spirit this year? Our Adopt a Family program helps over 500 local families have a wonderful Christmas season!
This project is powered by volunteers and we need your help at our donation center with intake of donations, sorting donations, and making sure that gifts make it into the hands of the agencies that will be delivering holiday packages to families this year. Please note that most of the donations come in pre-wrapped, so we typically don't wrap many gifts.
We recommend this project for kids over 10 - as it is sometimes difficult for younger kids to spend so much time in the warehouse.
Volunteer Tasks Include:
helping donors with curbside drop-off - unloading cars and bringing packages inside
greeting donors and checking in gifts - seated at a the check-in table and completing donation paperwork
taking inventory and making sure all gifts are sorted and labeled so they get the the right child
Sign up for the day and time slot that works for you on the Volunteer Center website, and if you have any questions, want to adjust your shift time, or the sign up doesn't work, please email adoptafamily@scvolunteercenter.org
Meal Service — MULTI-DAY, December 22nd, 24th and 26th
Join us in the giving spirit in the week of Christmas to serve a free meal and supplies to those in need on the streets of Santa Cruz. Location changes based on the current needs of the community, so please contact us first with interest so that you know where to arrive. Typically we serve on the bike path along the San Lorenzo levee near Trader Joe's in Santa Cruz, near Harvey West Park, or in Pogonip area.