In-Person Volunteer Opportunities

Spend time with our Day Center for Adults with Disabilities

Our Day Center participants need volunteers to lead exercise, do magic, do arts and crafts, sing/karaoke, play games such as corn hole or Jenga, play board games/checkers/UNO. Please note: there is no weekend availability with this opportunity.

Some other ways to interact and spend time with our participants include: 

Host a recreational activity or event for our adults with disabilities – some options include hosting group bingo, seasonal craft projects i.e. decorating pumpkins, ornament making/decorating, small-scale gardening activities like potting small plants, painting pots, or art projects such as painting stained glass items.

Be a guest speaker – educate our participants on exercise, money management skills, personal health, etc.

Sponsor an outing or Holiday Party – Sponsor an outing such as bowling and pizza and join in the fun!  You can also host a holiday party for either our Day Center participants or one of our group community homes for adults with disabilities.  Each group home houses 8 adults.  Group home activities are either on the weekend or evenings during the week.

Volunteer with the elderly:

Host a monthly birthday party or a bingo game for our residents – volunteers are responsible for bringing prizes and refreshments along with paper products – staff can guide on appropriate prizes and food options. 

Celebrate Mother’s/Father’s/Grandparent’s Day with our residents – make cards/crafts

Host a Holiday Party – purchase the supplies and host a party with our residents.

Donation/Collection Opportunities

Collect Paper Goods for Low-Income Seniors

The elderly residents living at our Oak Park Plaza Senior Community are on fixed incomes and have difficulty affording the basics towards the end of the month. Volunteers can purchase paper towels, facial tissue, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, spray cleaner, trash bags, light bulbs, bar soap, and full-size toiletries. Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Thursday. Contact development@voascla.org

Mobile Outreach Bag Collection

Volunteers of America operates a mobile outreach unit that is on the go each day offering assistance to those living on the streets. Through our outreach staff, we can do an intake with the consumer, schedule telehealth appointments, and start the process of helping them obtain affordable housing. The outreach bags are great for a corporate project where a collection can take place and staff could assemble the bags at their leisure. A large Gallon zip lock is best so that the items are protected from the rain. Items should be travel size and non-perishable food should be individually wrapped. Our team will hand these out as they travel to largely populated areas where the street homeless have set up encampments. Contact development@voascla.org to get involved.

Mobile Outreach Supplies Needed:

Everyday Supplies

• Soap
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hand Sanitizer
• Socks
• Water
• Power Aid or Sports Drinks
• Non-perishable food
  • Crackers
  • Chips
  • Vienna Sausages
  • Beef Jerky
• Backpacks (optional)

Fall and Winter Supplies

• Thermal Wear
• Blankets
• Gloves
• Hats
• Hand and feet warmers

Spring and Summer Supplies

• Ponchos
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellents