Although summer vacation has just ended, numerous opportunities still exist to become active within the community. Those searching for community service hours, or even just a fun time, can follow these tips to find and get involved in local organizations:

• Consider asking others who are involved within the community. This can be a best friend, the co-worker of a parent, or even a counselor. It never hurts to ask around!
• Use the internet. There are endless ways to search for local organizations that are accepting volunteers. I would recommend typing “local organizations near me” into Google and browse for organizations of interest. For those who dislike browsing, there are several sites dedicated to volunteering. One of the best is VolunteerMatch.org, where an individual can type in topics of interest and location, and VolunteerMatch will provide a list of possible options.
• Join an on-campus club. Many of the clubs on campus — Helping Hands, Around the World and others — work with organizations locally. This could be the best chance to get connected with local organizations, ask questions, and get involved.
• Organizations that you can help out in include: the Matt Garcia Foundation, Fairfield PAL Center, Food Bank Of Contra Costa & Solano, and the Leaven.

These resources can be one’s best friend when it comes to searching for local organizations that can benefit from volunteers. Students are encouraged to discover their interests and use this passion in order to enhance the community.