Sonoma County Needs You: 8 Ways to Volunteer Today

Sonoma County nonprofits are searching for helping hands, and the opportunities span from cuddling rescue animals to teaching third graders about nature.

Santa Rosa's Countryside Animal Rescue needs volunteers to feed, socialize, and care for animals in just two to three hour shifts. The organization asks for at least one weekly commitment, making it perfect for animal lovers with limited time.

Disabled American Veterans Sonoma County Chapter 48 seeks drivers to transport veterans to medical appointments at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Volunteers can work as little as one day per month using a vehicle based at the South Santa Rosa VA Clinic campus.

For those passionate about fighting hunger, Sonoma Food Runners needs people to pick up excess food from restaurants and farmers markets and deliver it to nonprofits feeding the community. Volunteers can choose either regular weekly runs or occasional pickups.

The Alzheimer's Association Northern California/Northern Nevada wants community educators to deliver about 12 presentations yearly to groups across the region. The organization provides all materials and training for volunteers aged 21 and older.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Sonoma County needs office advocates to answer phones, file documents, and support staff helping children in the foster care system. Training happens quarterly, making it easy to jump in.

The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation seeks docents to co-lead classroom visits and field trips for third graders learning about the watershed. It's a chance to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

The City of Sebastopol offers multiple volunteer options, including its Adopt a Landscape Program for those who love gardening and civic beautification. Meanwhile, Sonoma Community Center needs on-call emergency volunteers ready to help when disasters strike.

The Ripple Effect

Each volunteer opportunity addresses a critical community need while creating connections between neighbors. A few hours feeding rescue animals gives abandoned pets comfort while they await forever homes. Driving one veteran to medical care ensures they receive the healthcare they earned through service. Delivering surplus food prevents waste while feeding families facing hunger.

These organizations provide training, flexible schedules, and the support volunteers need to succeed. Background checks and health screenings for certain roles ensure everyone's safety while maintaining program quality.

Your time creates lasting change in Sonoma County.