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.
Upcoming Service Opportunities:
- July 29-August 2, 2024 (Various shifts available): Down Syndrome Association of Orange County Summer OC Bike Camp at Soka University, Irvine- Help a child or young adult with a disability learn to ride a two-wheel bike without training wheels. Become part cheerleader, part spotter, and also their buddy! CLICK HERE for more information and requirements. CLICK HERE to sign up. Email: [email protected] with any questions.
Summer Opportunities (see Dates in Red) from the Organizations that were present at the May 9th Service Fair on Campus:
- Down for Dance (Various Classes) Multiple Times & Dates
- Holy Family Catholic Church (Vacation Bible School) July 22-26, 2024
- St. Thomas Moore Church (Vacation Bible School) July 8-12, 2024
- DSAOC: Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (Summer Bike Camp) July 29-Aug. 2, 2024
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Vacation Bible School) June 17-21, 2024
- Easter Seals of Southern California (Summer Camp) July 27-Aug 3, 2024
- SPIN: Serving People in Need Various Opportunities
- Environmental Nature Center (Various Activities & Camps) June 17-Aug 9, 2024 (1 week camps)
- UP: Unlimited Possibilities (Summer Bike Camp) Aug 5-9, 2024
- LightHouse Group Various Opportunities
- Thomas House Family Shelter Various Opportunities
- Catholic Charities Various Opportunities
- Cantlay Food Distribution Tues./Wed./Thurs.
- Someone Cares Kitchen and Tutoring Program Everyday Opportunities No advance sign-up required
- H.I.V.E. After-School Program Various Opportunities
Ongoing Service Opportunities in the Community:
- Someone Cares Kitchen for Direct Service Hours every day without signing up in advance (including Saturday & Sunday Mornings.) CLICK HERE for more information.
- Dwell Food Pantry in Anaheim, CLICK HERE for more information. The Dwelling Place Food Pantry is designed like a grocery store, where guests can participate in a shopping experience within an environment filled with hope, dignity, and beauty. Volunteer Shifts are 2-3 Direct Service Hours and there is some evening availability. CLICK HERE to sign up for a shift.
- Second Harvest Food Bank to help in the warehouse, distribute food and more for Direct Service Hours CLICK HERE
- H.I.V.E. After school Program at St. Peter Lutheran Church; 1510 N. Parton Street., Santa Ana 92706 is looking for volunteers Monday-Thursday 3:00p.m.-5:30p.m. Come for any part or all of the afternoon. Help students with homework, read with and to children, serve snacks and play for Direct Service Hours CLICK HERE for more information or Contact Laura Caraccio @ 916-832-1546 / [email protected] if interested.
- Casa Teresa, CLICK HERE to learn more about how they serve mothers & babies in need in the city of Orange, can use volunteers on-site by
- providing a meal, could be lunch or dinner
- sorting through clothing that goes into our thrift store, The Collection by Casa Teresa
- Volunteer babysitting (because we are building trust with the residents, we ask that volunteers who would like to be babysitters commit to a consistent slot for at least 2 months and be fingerprinted. Volunteers that are 14-16 years old must have a signed release form and can only babysit with a parent or guardian who has been through our Livescan process. Volunteers that are 17 may volunteer without a parent or guardian if they have a signed release form.
- organizing an urgent needs or clothing drive, and then dropping off the donations collected
- Beach Clean-Ups w/ Orange County Coast Keeper. CLICK HERE to learn more and volunteer.
- Oui Tutor CLICK HERE for more information
- Saint Simon and Jude StayCare Afterschool Program in Huntington Beach. They have opportunities for volunteers to provide homework help, play organized outdoor and indoor games, make crafts and more. Contact the SSJ StayCare Director Christine Birkner @ 714-803-8778 or [email protected]
- Thomas House Family Shelter offers a variety of ways to volunteer with their Family Shelter. CLICK HERE for more or contact Martha, Operations Manager, at [email protected]
- Working Wardrobes has a variety of ways for you to volunteer and help clients succeed as they interview for jobs. CLICK HERE to get involved.
- Down for Dance needs help with weekly afternoon classes in the Irvine/Costa Mesa area. CLICK HERE and/or email [email protected]
- Heart of Jesus Retreat Center is looking for volunteers to help most Saturdays and Sundays to serve children and families alongside the Sacred Heart Sisters. For questions or to sign up, call or text Sister Rachael at 714-743-4027.
- Sacred Heart Kids' Club, which is hosted by the Sacred Heart Sisters also needs volunteers, Thursdays 3-6pm. Text/call RSVP to 714-743-4027 or email [email protected] for more information on how to be part of this awesome club!
Additional Links for Local Organizations that offer opportunities to serve:
- Skip the Plastic Straw
- RAD Camp (Rising Above Disabilities)
- BC Adaptive Fitness
- SPIN Serving People in Need
- Forever Footprints
- MD Peer Tutoring
- Heart of Jesus Retreat Center (after-school tutoring, weekend family opportunities and more)
- Campus Clean-Ups rm 507 every Wednesday after school