The kick off to summer is just around the corner and what better way to gear up than by rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the community. From festivals on the beach to quiet time in the library there are plenty of opportunities to give back this month. Check out these upcoming volunteer opportunities and community events in the South Bay.

Looking for fun ideas on family-friendly things to do in the South Bay? Sign up for our newsletter and get it all delivered to your inbox, or check out our events calendar.

May Volunteer Opportunities

Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Saturday Sweeps

Date: May 2, 2026, 9am – 10am
Location: Esplanade at Avenue I

This monthly beach clean-up is held on the first Saturday of the month. Meet on Esplanade at Avenue I at 9:00 am and they will provide trash bags, gloves, clipboards, and a grabber for you. After the clean-up, you’re invited to enjoy a snack or meal in Riviera Village.
More info

Culture Club South Bay

Dates: May 2, 9, and 16
Location: Manhattan Beach

Volunteering with Culture Club South Bay offers a meaningful opportunity to create access, build confidence, and help young people feel a true sense of belonging at the beach. Many of the participants are experiencing the ocean for the first time, and volunteers play a direct role in making those moments safe, welcoming, and unforgettable. From supporting surf and beach volleyball activities to assisting with set up, admissions, lunch, and overall camp operations, each role helps create a strong, supportive environment rooted in community, culture, and connection. Volunteers also have the chance to serve as mentors and positive role models, offering encouragement and consistency throughout the day. With a variety of shifts available, including early morning setup, hands on activity support, and end of day cleanup, there are multiple ways to get involved and make a lasting impact.
Sign Up

Surfrider x BeachLife Festival Beach Cleanup – Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon

Date: May 9, 2026, 10am – 12pm
Location: Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach

There’s always cleaning to be done after a party! After rocking out at the BeachLife Festival, joinSurfrider us for a cleanup of the Seaside Lagoon. Bring your family and friends out to help keep our community clean.
Sign up here

Community Events Supporting Local Causes

12th Annual Glow Ride Hermosa Beach | Sunset Bike Ride + Family Festival

Date: May 9, 2026, 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach

Join in the fun for the 12th Annual Glow Ride Hermosa Beach , a one-of-a-kind family-friendly beach bike ride supporting families affected by cystic fibrosis. Ride, skate, or stroll between Hermosa and Manhattan Beach alongside hundreds of participants lighting up the night.
More info

Mychal’s Place 24th Annual Luncheon

Date: May 16, 2026, 11:30am – 3pm
Location: Westdrift Hotel 1400 Parkview Ave. Manhattan Beach,CA

This wonderful afternoon will feature live and silent auctions, awards, student performances and much more. Tables are on sale and sponsorships are still available.
More info

Family Promise: Empty Bowls

Date May 16, 2026, 5pm
Location: First Christian Church of Torrance, 2930 El Dorado St, Torrance, CA

Join in the fun for a friendly chili and soup cook-off to support Family Promise of LA. Bring your best dish to compete for the top prize, or just come to enjoy homemade food, cast your vote, and support families experiencing homelessness. Each ticket includes a handmade bowl from a local artist.
More info

YOU ARE ENOUGH 5K RUN/WALK

Date: May 30, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Schumacher Plaza – Tim Kelly Memorial Surf Statue

The YOU ARE ENOUGH 5K is a mental wellness event that invites community members to come together to remind ourselves that we are all worthy and not alone when we do not feel enough. The event takes place along the Hermosa Beach/Manhattan Beach Strand. Participants will start at the Hermosa Beach Pier and make their way to the Manhattan Beach Pier before ending their journey back at the Hermosa Beach Pier.
More info

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities in the South Bay

Join South Bay Parkland Conservancy for Volunteer days at multiple locations nearly every day of the week:

Hopkins Wilderness Park – Tuesday mornings and Sundays
Esplanade Bluffs – Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings
Madrona Marsh Nursery – Thursday mornings
Alondra Park – once a month Fridays
Hermosa Greenbelt – Saturday mornings
Seaside Heroes Park – 2nd Saturday of the month
Henrietta Basin – 3rd Saturday of the month

Redondo Beach Main Library

The Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library offer lots of ways to get involved and volunteer. They are currently seeking new board members and they are always looking for volunteers to help in the store. Must age 16 or older to volunteer.
Learn more

Family Promise Los Angeles Food Distribution Volunteers

Volunteers are wanted at Torrance Table, a community food distribution program in partnership with First Christian Church of Torrance. The program provides monthly grocery distributions to families in the community, along with a hot meal served quarterly. Opportunities include setting up and breaking down, sorting and distributing food, serving meals, welcoming families, and helping with general logistics.
Sign up here

Project: NEEDS Food Pantry

Volunteers are always needed at the food pantry. Please contact Donna at the church office if you would like to donate your time. Donna Barr, Project: NEEDS Executive Director projectneedsrb@gmail.com Phone number: 310-370-4319.
More info

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

Outdoor volunteer days are scheduled several days each month for areas across the peninsula. Volunteers help to restore habitats and increase host plants all while enjoying beautiful views. Students can receive community service hours. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full calendar of ongoing events

Richstone Family Centers

Richstone Family Centers provides critical support services to children and families across the South Bay. Volunteers help with food distribution programs and youth enrichment activities.

Food Distribution:
Thursdays 10 AM to 11:30 AM

Kids Club After School Program:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:45 PM to 5:45 PM
Monday 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Learn more

Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center Volunteer Program

The Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center offers a hands-on opportunity for volunteers who are passionate about marine life and environmental education.

Interpretive volunteers engage with visitors, teach guests about Southern California marine ecosystems, and help create an interactive learning experience for people of all ages. Minimum Volunteer Age: 13
Learn more

Beach Cities Health District Errand Volunteer Program

Beach Cities Health District offers an ongoing volunteer opportunity focused on helping older adults and individuals with disabilities maintain independence.

Volunteers assist with errands and transportation to essential appointments and services.

Details:
• Ongoing volunteer opportunity
• 1 year commitment required
• BCHD orientation required

Apply here: Beach Cities Health District Volunteer Program

Friends of Madrona Marsh Habitat Restoration

Volunteers support habitat restoration by removing non-native plants, clearing vegetation, and planting native species to improve conditions for local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Events take place on select Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. All tools are provided, but volunteers should come prepared to work outdoors. Activities may be canceled due to bad weather. Open to ages 10 and up.
More info and sign up here

ICAN California Abilities Network

As an ICAN volunteer, you’ll spnd time as a companion and an advocate for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Volunteer opportunities include supporting clients with engaging day clubs, job prep, and joining recreational outings and overnight camps. You can also assist with decor, setup and running events. Join on your own or as a group on weekdays, evenings, or weekends at one of their sites in Redondo Beach, Torrance or Long Beach. Volunteering at ICAN is completely free to you, and no experience is required. They will provide you with comprehensive training.
Apply here

NAMI HelpLine Volunteer

Volunteers on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine become a vital part of a person’s mental health journey. Volunteers serving on the NAMI HelpLine are well-trained, equipped with tools, and supported by NAMI HelpLine Staff. Volunteering from home, using your computer, you will answer calls and texts from people reaching out for help and provide them with mental health information, resources, and emotional support.
Apply here

Food Forward Farmers Market Recovery Volunteer

Help reduce food waste by collecting leftover food from local farmers markets, like the Torrance Saturday and Tuesday markets. Glean Team Leaders (GTLs) are trained volunteers who collect fresh, surplus produce at farmers market “gleaning” events across Los Angeles. Volunteers distribute empty boxes to participating vendors, collect the food donations at the end of the market, weigh and record the donations, and prepare the boxes for pick-up by one of Food Forward’s partner hunger relief organizations.
More info here

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Outdoors Distribution

Volunteers are needed to help maintain crowd control and distribute food boxes to older adults in need at monthly food distribution events held at the Carson Senior Center. Volunteers must be at least 18 and be able to bend and lift up to 30 pounds
Sign up here

Looking for More Ways to Volunteer in the South Bay?

Volunteerism plays a vital role in strengthening the South Bay community. Whether helping local families, protecting the environment, mentoring youth, or supporting nonprofit organizations, every act of service helps create a stronger and more connected community.

For even more opportunities to give back, explore South Bay Volunteers, a growing hub connecting residents with local nonprofits and meaningful ways to get involved.

Local Anchor will continue highlighting volunteer opportunities and community initiatives throughout the year to help connect the South Bay community with ways to make a positive impact.

Stay in the know by signing up for our newsletter, joining our Facebook group, and following us on Instagram.

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May Volunteer Opportunities in the South Bay