Volunteer With Us

Your Time Can Change Lives in South County

At South County Community Services, volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Whether you're sorting groceries, reaching out to our unhoused neighbors, helping with events, or offering professional expertise—your time and energy directly impact lives in our community.

Volunteering with us isn’t just about giving back. It’s about belonging—to a network of caring people who are building a stronger South County together.

Ways to Get Involved

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities that fit different schedules, interests, and skill sets:

  • Food Distribution & Pantry Support
    Sort, pack, and distribute groceries to local families and seniors.

  • Outreach to the Unhoused
    Assemble care kits, support street outreach, or help coordinate supplies.

  • Administrative Support
    Assist with front desk duties, data entry, and behind-the-scenes operations.

  • Special Events & Fundraisers
    Help us plan, promote, and staff community events throughout the year.

  • Skilled Volunteers
    Have a professional skill like graphic design, translation, tech support, or legal expertise? We’d love your help.

Why Volunteer with SCCS?

  • Flexible shifts and family-friendly opportunities

  • Serve your neighbors and see your impact up close

  • Join a supportive, mission-driven team

  • Learn more about local needs and solutions

Last year, over 300 volunteers donated more than 6,000 hours of their time—and we’re growing. There’s a place for you here.

Ready to Join Us?

Review the current “Volunteer Opportunities” below. If you see one you want, then complete the form below and type the title of the volunteer opportunity for which you’re interested and submit. A staff member will connect with you in the coming days. Thank you for serving our community!

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Shower & Laundry Monitors

    Our twice weekly “Shower and Laundry Service" offers on-site laundry and showers at The Salvation Army Gilroy as part of a collaborative program.

    These service days will be held from 8am to 11:30am on Mondays and Wednesdays.

    We need volunteers who are able to assist weekly on at least one of these days to assist clients with these services and monitor shower times.

    If interested, please fill out the form below and indicate your desire in the comment section to be a "Shower & Laundry Monitor.”

  • Meal Preparation & Service

    Nothing says you care like preparing and serving a hot meal for those who rarely enjoy such a privilege.

    We’re looking for a volunteer group, or a few individuals, who can prepare a home-cooked meal and serve it to our Popup participants on any given Tuesday, from 10am - noon, at our St. Mary’s Parish Popup. Ideally, we’d like to offer this once per month from interested volunteer groups.

    If interested, please fill out the form below and indicate your desire in the comment section to be a "Meal Prep Volunteer”

  • Clothing Closet Organizer

    All the gently used clothing donated by folks like you helps keep our clients dry and warm. We are looking for a dedicated volunteer to work with our Clothing Resource Volunteer to inventory and organized used clothing items, and to fulfill clothing orders for our clients. We need someone who can consistently serve on Wednesdays from 9-11am and also on the last Saturday of the month for the Free Store, which runs from 9-12 at Gilroy High School.

    If interested, please fill out the form below and indicate your desire in the comment section to be a “Clothing Closet Organizer.”

  • Food Service Volunteer

    1. Fresh Produce/Grocery Prep

    Assist with the preparation of food items for distribution into family size bags. This is conducted in our warehouse.

    Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8:00am-1:00pm.

    Requirements: Volunteers must be 16 years of age unless participating with a supervised group or accompanied by a parent or guardian. It requires standing for the entire shift, the ability to lift about 15-20 lbs repeatedly.

    2. Drive-Thru Grocery Attendant

    Assist with the assembling of grocery baskets, loading boxes/bags into vehicles. This is a completely outside volunteer experience and we distribute rain or shine.

    Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:45am - 2:30pm.

    Requirements: Volunteers must be 16 years of age. It requires the ability to stand the entire shift, bending, lifting 25-35 lbs repeatedly, and loading food into vehicles as they come up for service. This is a fast paced/physical environment.