Service Opportunities

As a reminder, all service must be performed through a charitable organization or agency. Any service opportunity outside of a charitable organization or agency MUST be pre-approved by the Director of Christian Service in order to qualify for Mater Dei.

Parents/guardians should refrain from "verifying" their own student's service hours. If a parent/guardian chaperones/oversees a particular service event that their child is participating in, please contact the Director of Christian Service in advance of the service event for information on how best to complete the verification process.

SAVE THE DATE - Service Fair (including summer opportunities) Thursday, April 28th during Upper & Lower Lunch

Upcoming Service Opportunities:

Down For Dance – Winter/Spring Dance & Arts Program

Jan.12 – June. 15, 2026 | Irvine, La Habra, Los Alamitos
Volunteer at dance & arts classes (hip hop, jazz, theater) for all abilities.
More info | Register here (new volunteer profile required) | Contact: [email protected]

Special Olympics Southern California – Orange County Floorball Championship

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Irvine

Where: The Rinks Irvine Inline, 3150 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606
Volunteer Roles: Event set-up, event break-down, opening ceremony assistants, photographers

Special Olympics Southern California – Young Athletes Program

Saturdays, Feb. 7 – March 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Santa Ana
Inclusive sport and play program for children ages 2–7, with and without intellectual disabilities. Volunteers assist with weekly activities that build basic skills such as running, kicking, and throwing.

Requirements: Age 16+, attendance at all 6 Saturday sessions, and volunteer training on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

More info | Sign Up Here

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School – Auction Gala

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 | 4:30–8:30 p.m. | Huntington Beach
Student volunteers are needed to assist with the St. Francis of Assisi Auction Gala. Volunteers will work in pairs using the AES ticketing system to help with guest check-in, sell raffle tickets, and showcase opportunity raffle items. Dinner and a break will be provided. Dressy attire required; parking will be validated.

Where: Pasea Hotel, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Volunteer Time: 4:30–8:30 p.m.

Questions? Contact RaeAnna Ashton at [email protected] or Danielle Hill at [email protected]

Salem Christian Homes – Neighborhood Family Fair Serving the Special Needs Community & Neighbors

Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Chino Fairgrounds
Student volunteers are needed to help manage games and attractions at the Neighborhood Family Fair. This is a great group volunteer opportunity supporting families and community engagement.

Volunteer Role: Assist with games and attractions
Contact to Volunteer:
- Cindy Behnke – [email protected] | (909) 342-4150
- Karen Haynes – [email protected] | (909) 536-4338

Event Info Here

Mater Dei Special Games Outreach

Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Mater Dei High School
A fun-filled day of track events, field games, and activities for athletes with special needs. Volunteers serve as buddies and support event stations throughout the day.

Service Hours: DIRECT Service Hours
Required Training: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 2:30–4:00 p.m. (mandatory)
Notes: First come/first served. Seniors still in need of service hours may sign up now; hours will count toward graduation requirements.

Ongoing Service Opportunities in the Community:

Hub Resource Center – Serving the Unhoused

Sat, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM–1:00 PM | Orange
Students can sign up for shifts here.
Questions? More Info Here or Email Alex at [email protected].

Someone Cares Kitchen – Soup Kitchen

Sat & Sun, 7:30 AM–Noon | Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–Noon & Noon–4:00 PM | Costa Mesa
Direct Service Hours daily — no advanced sign-up required.
Location: 720 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 | (949) 548-8861

Click here for more info

Farmers Market: 4th Saturday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Vocational Visions – Weekend Social Program for Adults with Disabilities

Fridays, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Saturdays, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | Mission Viejo

House of Champions Clubhouse serving adults with developmental disabilities.
More info | Clubhouse/Activities Manager, Melody Downey 949-837-7280 ext 327

Dwell Food Pantry

2–3 hour shifts, some evening availability | Anaheim
Designed like a grocery store to serve guests with dignity.
More info | Sign up here

Cantlay Food Distribution

Tuesday - Thursday 7:30 AM - Noon & Saturdays for Arranged Groups | Santa Ana
Food distribution volunteer opportunities (great for “No School” & FLEX Days).
More info | Sign up here

H.I.V.E. Afterschool Program – Santa Ana

Mon–Thurs, 3:00 PM–5:30 PM. | 1510 N. Parton St, Santa Ana 92706
Help with homework, read with kids, serve snacks, and play.
More info | Contact: Laura Caraccio 916-832-1546 | [email protected]

LightHouse

Mondays, 7:00 PM –8:30 PM | Aliso Viejo
Club Night serving adults with special needs.
More info | Sign up here

Second Harvest Food Bank

Various Times | Irvine

Direct Hours - Help in the warehouse, on the farm, distribute food, and more.
Click here for info

Saint Simon and Jude StayCare – Huntington Beach

Monday –Friday, Afternoons | Huntington Beach

Afterschool program offering homework help, games, crafts, and more.
Contact: Christine Birkner | 714-803-8778 | [email protected]

Casa Teresa – Orange

Various Times | Orange

Serving mothers & babies in need. Opportunities include:

Provide a meal (lunch or dinner)
Sort clothing for the thrift store
Babysitting (requires commitment & release forms)
Organize a clothing or urgent needs drive
Get started volunteering

Mary’s Kitchen

Various Times | Orange
Serving Meals and Preparing Food
More info | Sign up here

Beach Clean-Ups

Saturday Mornings | Various Beach Locations

Volunteer with:

Thomas House Family Shelter

Various Times | Garden Grove

Variety of volunteer roles serving families.
More info | Contact: [email protected]

Working Wardrobes

Various Opportunities | Various Location

Clothing Distribution & Job Interview Preparation
More info |Get involved here

Heart of Jesus Retreat Center

Most Saturdays & Sundays | Santa Ana
Volunteer with the Sacred Heart Sisters to serve children and families.
Contact: Sister Rachael | 714-743-4027

Location: 2927 South Greenville St, Santa Ana, CA 92704 | Website

Sacred Heart Kids’ Club

Thursdays, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM | Santa Ana
Volunteer with children at the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center.
Contact: 714-743-4027 | [email protected]
Location: 2927 South Greenville St, Santa Ana, CA 92704 | Website

Organizations present at the Service Fair on Thursday, September 25, 2025

*Representatives will be at tables during both upper & lower lunches

SPIN Serving People in Need
Heart of Jesus Retreat Center (after-school tutoring, weekend family opportunities and more)
Someone Cares Kitchen
RAD Camp (Rising Above Disabilities)
Special Olympics Southern California
H.I.V.E. After-School Program
Thomas House Family Shelter
Down for Dance
Catholic Charities/Cantlay Food Distribution
DSAOC: Down Syndrome Association of Orange County
Big Brother/Big Sisters
ENC (Environmental Nature Center)
The Lighthouse Group
City of Santa Ana Volunteen Program
Miracle League
Vocational Visions
Sts. Simon & Jude –Stay Care after school Program
St. Thomas Moore Church

Additional Links for Local Organizations that offer Opportunities to Serve: