USC Alumni Day of SCervice

Our next Alumni Day of SCervice is set for Saturday, March 21, 2026!

During this annual day of impact, thousands of Trojans come together to make a difference in their local communities by participating in various alumni-led community service projects around the world.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2025 to make an impact and showcase the power our lifelong and worldwide Trojan Family! Check out photos from an amazing day in our Flickr album.

Impact Stories

2025 Projects


Clean Up Historic China Alley – Hanford, CA

  • Benefiting: China Alley Preservation Society
  • Hosted by: Stephen Takeda ’80

China Alley is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a testament to the resilience, heritage, and contributions of Chinese Americans in the San Joaquin Valley. Coming together to clean, restore, and care for this space, ensures that its stories are not lost to time but are instead honored and shared with future generations.

This project is especially meaningful to me because of my own ties to USC. My father and two of his brothers were USC alumni, and my mother also attended USC. Having the opportunity to work alongside their fellow Trojans to preserve China Alley, is a full-circle moment – connecting my family’s history, their alma mater, and my lifelong commitment to this community.

While we worked, we took a moment to inhale the history that surrounded us. The walls of these buildings have witnessed generations of families, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who shaped this community. The efforts put forth on Service Day are part of the ongoing story, one of the dedication, the service, and the belief that history is worth preserving.

— Arianne Wing


Mentor and Inspire High School Students – Chicago, IL

  • Benefiting: Future Ties
  • Hosted by: Dr. Airies Davis ’16 and Michelle Rizal

On March 22nd, the USC Alumni Day of SCervice in the Midwest Region, led by Dr. Airies Davis of EtiKID Academy LLC and co-hosted by Michelle Carl Rizal of Career Headspace, partnered with FutureTies to host an inspiring Mentor Youth Career Day.

Held at FutureTies’ facility, which serves low-income Chicagoland youth, the event brought together 13 USC alumni, over 40 young participants from FutureTies and IMPACT Lives (a boys’ group home), and four corporate vendors: Peoples Bank, Malcolm X College-City Colleges of Chicago Dental Hygiene Program, Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA), and City Year.

The day was filled with mentorship, skill-building, and career exploration. Attendees benefited from a powerful personal narrative by USC alumnus Gregory Thompson, a career readiness presentation by Dr. Airies Davis, and hands-on skill-building sessions focused on professional headshots, mock interviews, résumé writing, and career readiness. Participants also enjoyed a networking ‘lunch and learn’ provided by Marissa’s HERbachi, a woman-owned business.

This impactful event equipped youth with essential tools for navigating the professional world, reinforcing the power of mentorship and the strength of the Trojan Family.


Sort Food Donations for Los Angeles Residents – Los Angeles, CA

  • Benefiting: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
  • Hosted by: Keck School of Medicine of USC

On behalf of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the Salerni Collegium Alumni Association, and USC Alumni at Northrop Grumman, thank you for signing up for our Service Day at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank!

Whether you were able to attend or not, we appreciate your commitment to giving back. Thanks to your efforts, we bagged 21,987 lbs of cabbage for families and individuals in need. Alongside other volunteer groups that day, we collectively sorted an incredible 71,206 lbs of produce, helping to support the Food Bank’s 600+ agency partners and fight food insecurity in our community.

Thank you again for your time and generosity. We hope to see you at a future service event!


Crafts & Donations for Eaton Fire Families – Alhambra, CA

  • Benefiting: Alhambra Unified & Pasadena Unified School Districts
  • Hosted by: Sharon Woo ’79

After volunteering on USC Alumni Day of SCervice for many years, I finally decided to host an event. I’m the president of Mark Keppel High School Alliance, a non-profit organization that fundraises for Mark Keppel High, & wanted to give students, who aspire to attend USC, the opportunity to host an SC event with me. This led to 3 events that were selected by the 5 students who contacted me:

  • Crafts & Donations for Eaton Fire Families
  • Design & Create Health-Themed Posters for Schools
  • Donate & Organize Essentials for Eaton Fire Victims.

The Alliance annually has events that benefit Operation Gratitude. This resulted in our 4th event, Make Craft Items for Military Personnel.

Our 4 events were held in the school’s cafeteria. This allowed our volunteers to participate in the event they registered for, as well as, the other 3 events. In a post-event email to me, Michael Okamura (Marshall School of Business, 1983) wrote, “I enjoyed helping out a bit at each activity and met so many alumni along the way.”

— Sharon Woo


Assemble Easter Baskets & Sort and Organize Donations – Hollywood, Florida

  • Benefiting: Grace’s Closet
  • Hosted by: Lasana Smith

Serving with GRACE, Inc. extends our heartfelt gratitude to the University of Southern California (USC) alumni group of South Florida for their invaluable contribution during their Day of Service project. Their dedicated efforts in assisting with our annual Easter basket assembly were instrumental in launching this year’s initiative.

Last year, we successfully distributed over 230 Easter baskets to children in our community. This year, with the support of the USC alumni group, we are on track to exceed that number and anticipate distributing at least 300 baskets.

The USC volunteers played a crucial role in preparing and sorting toys, kicking off our process, and ultimately helped to assemble an initial 60 baskets as part of our overall goal. These baskets, filled with toys, treats, candy, and most importantly, love, will bring smiles to many children’s faces this Easter season. We deeply appreciate the time and effort put forth by the USC alumni, and the care they placed in assembling each basket that will make a significant difference in our community. Thank you, USC alumni, for your partnership and commitment to service.

Thanks!

— Evangeline Clarke


Clean and Organize Therapeutic Toys – Torrance, CA

  • Benefiting: Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network
  • Hosted by: Tamara Hatwan ’89

Thank you to the University of Southern California Alumni for including us in their Annual Alumni Day of Service! It was a success by all accounts as the Trojans took on a renewal project of our sensory tools and toys to support the development of children throughout our Pediatric Services. The children supported in our programs entered this week with a new range of renewed tools to strengthen their abilities and learning. Thanks to all of the amazing volunteers who took on the USC spirit to “Fight on” through every task handed to them to make this day and the inspiring result possible.

— Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network


Central Park Cleanup – New York, NY

  • Benefiting: Central Park – Grand Army Plaza
  • Hosted by: Jesse Wang & Amirta Srinivas

I hosted this project to create a space for connection. Moving from LA to NYC in 2022 was challenging—I didn’t live near close friends and often felt isolated. At this event, I realized many alumni felt the same. Even something as simple as picking up trash in a park became a way for us to come together and build community.

— Jesse Wang


Qianshuiwan Beach Cleanup – New Taipei, Taiwan

  • Benefiting: North Coast and Quanyinshan National Scenic Area
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni Club of Taiwan

A total of 23 partners, both young and old, enthusiastically participated in this event, with an attendance rate of up to 121%! Everyone showed their love and responsibility for the environment through their actions. They worked together to pick up 41.6 kilograms of garbage, making this beautiful beach fresh and clean again.

In the warm sunshine and facing the sea breeze, we not only did our part for nature, but also felt full of satisfaction and joy in our hearts. It is really touching to see so many alumni and partners passionately contributing! I hope this experience will become a fond memory for everyone, and I look forward to working together again in the future to continue working for environmental protection.

Thank you to everyone who participated, your contributions make this world a better place!

— Vicky Lee


Hermosa Valley Greenbelt Restoration – Hermosa Beach, CA

  • Benefiting: South Bay Parkland Conservancy
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni in South Bay

I take Day of SCervice fairly seriously. I think that USC shines on this day, and I really like the concept that all over the world, USC alumni are stepping up and serving in their local communities. I take pride in it. The projects I choose are those that will benefit the actual community of people who will use the facilities (area) that we work on. This year we worked on a very specific project which is reestablishing a once lost butterfly corridor for a butterfly that is unique and only found in our area, the El Segundo/Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly. The corridor is also an overwintering area for Monarch Butterflies; those that stay and do not winter in Mexico. This is one of only a few such areas. It was also once lost.

The volunteers manually weeded and removed non-native plants from the habitat, allowing plants that the Blue Butterfly requires to use on its journey to flourish and be visible and accessible for the butterflies. The alumni, their family and friends were visibly engaged in the project. They seemed to enjoy learning about the importance and delicate balance of the butterfly corridor. The results were like night and day. The Conservancy that is responsible for the restoration of this habitat stated that the 48 Trojans (plus others from other organizations) performed 128 hours of work in four hours. Everyone who walks this greenbelt will benefit from and enjoy the wonderful work that the Trojans performed this spring when the butterflies emerge and make use of this corridor.

— Paulette


Sort Food Donations – San Clemente, CA

  • Benefiting: Family Assistance Ministries Food Bank
  • Hosted by: USC Marshall Alumni Association – Orange County

It’s a great way to meet other alumni in a different manner than a social only event. And they can bring their children too. So it a good bonding opportunity on many levels. The FAM food bank is a good local charity in South OC but struggles with finding volunteers so any exposure is good for them. The social media exposure that FAM gets in the community by highlighting groups who volunteer helps a lot. The attendees seem to really enjoy it and a family of 4 want to come back and volunteer on a regular basis. 

— Desmond


Historic Japanese Cemetery Cleanup – Oxnard, CA

  • Benefiting: Ventura County JACL
  • Hosted by: Janice Tanaka ’77

We were only expecting around 20 people but 45 people showed up. A grant we had paid for Japanese bento plates so we had to go back into a store in Northridge to pick up extra bento. 

Volunteers worked hard to clear out all the weeds and in the time allotted they did an excellent job. We did post on the Nextdoor App and it turns out that many lcoal people saw the posting and were interested in the story behind our cemetery.

— Janice Tanaka ’77


Plant Bamboo for Pandas – San Francisco, CA

  • Benefiting: San Francisco Zoo
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni in San Francisco & USC APAA Bay Area

One completed task was the planting of 60 potted bamboos into a new browse garden. This browse garden will begin a series bamboo plantings that can tell a conservation story of what we are doing for the Pandas. Another task was infilling composted soils into a newly renovated area along our railroad tracks. This area will be a potential location of future planted bamboo gardens in the park. The teams were also able to assist in cleaning and restoring our Peccary exhibit in which volunteers removed branches and debris that filled a 30 yard green waste dumpster. It is my estimation that with 97 volunteers who worked 2 hours each allowed the zoo to capture 194 total hours of volunteer work. This stat is the equivalent of having 4 full time employees for an entire week.

The impact the volunteers will have is to allow my Horticulture staff to focus on grounds and garden maintenance, exhibit restoration and future zoo projects.

— San Francisco Zoo


Liberty Street Community Garden Project – Kingston, NY

  • Benefiting: Liberty Street Community Garden
  • Hosted by: Maisha Tyler ’20

The Day of SCervice helped to bring attention to the Community Garden that AME Zion Church of Kingston would like to create a space for children within an economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Currently, Midtown has no library  (closed for renovation for a year),  or much greenspace. As a Trustee, I organized a Garden Clean-Up corresponding to the Day of SCervice. Just the act of showing the presence of USC in the neighborhood garnered interest. 

The AME Zion Liberty Street Community Garden is the only greenspace for the Midtown neighborhood. The library is closed for rehabilitation and the neighborhood’s many children and families have no place to play or congregate. As a mission, the historic church which serves this community is trying to create a space for rejuvenation and respite. They desperately volunteers and I was proud to volunteer via the Day of SCervice. The garden now looks much better and we’re planning a re-design (benches and maybe an outdoor book nook) for Spring!

At the end of the day, we had cleaned up the garden–and gained interest in volunteering for the longer term!

— Maisha Tyler ’20


River Cleanup – Modesto, CA

  • Benefiting: Norcal Veterans Peer Support Network
  • Hosted by: Joel Montes ’16

This event was hosted by a newly formed organization that myself and other military Veterans recently created as a non-profit to promote the wellbeing of Veterans and their families. We were drawn to the USC Day of Service because we wanted to participate in an event that would represent the shared values of service to our community. In this regard, the Central Valley has a myriad of rivers, streams, and creeks. The local population enjoys the parks, rivers, and streams and recreational activities throughout the year. We wanted to “think globally, act locally” by this beautification project by doing our part in keeping our parks and rivers clean. It the first of hopefully many opportunities we can do to contribute in bettering our community and as military Veterans continue to serve others. Our organization said they really enjoyed this activity and felt like they did make a small difference in cleaning up one of parks in North Central Valley. Our organization, the Norcal Veterans Peer Support Network, thanks USCAA for giving us the motivation and means to participate in Day of Service. My name is Joel Montes, MSW ’16, and military Veteran thank USC for giving me a chance to study and learn about volunteer service while a social work student. This is one way of my saying, thank you USC. Fight On!

— Joel Montes ’16


Assemble Art Materials for Classroom Lessons – Redwood City, CA

  • Benefiting: Art in Action
  • Hosted by: Asmiti Sura ’16, Manasi Barath

To mark our 10th year of participating in the USC Alumni Day of SCervice, Manasi and I hosted a volunteering project at Art in Action. Art in Action brings comprehensive and engaging art education programs to underserved schools. They provide an art curriculum along with providing the art supplies and training for educators to bring the curriculum to life. Together, we prepared art materials to be distributed for classroom lessons and served 660 students through the cork and wire sub-assembly. Our group also made a significant impact by prepping for their annual fundraiser, Object Art, by wrapping153 bottles of wine. While it always feels good to give back to the local community, it is extra special to support a worthwhile cause while volunteering with fellow alumni! Fight On!

— Asmiti Sura’16


Assemble Fresh Produce and Food Boxes – Bell, CA

  • Benefiting: Labor Community Services
  • Hosted by: Ana Priscila Garcia ’22

I hosted this project with Labor Community Services because they play a critical role in supporting our community, including the union members and families we serve at Building Skills Partnership. Despite being a small team of just four people, they provide food boxes to thousands of families each month, making their need for volunteers essential.

Thanks to our dedicated team of 12 volunteers, we were able to assemble 19 pallets, totaling 1,140 boxes of food. This effort directly impacted over 1,000 families in need. Labor Community Services expressed immense gratitude for our help, and we were all deeply moved knowing our work made such a tangible difference in our community. It was a powerful reminder of how collective action can create real, lasting change.

— Ana Priscila Garcia ’22


Volunteer at Sacramento Children’s Home – Sacramento, CA

  • Benefiting: Sacramento Children’s Home
  • Hosted by: USC State Capital Center in Sacramento

For over ten years, Sacramento Trojans have been coming together to support the Sacramento Children’s Home and fellow Trojan/Executive Director David Baker. The Children’s Home is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping families and children through its crisis nursery program, family resource centers, mental health programs, and residential treatment programs. Volunteers worked on gardening and landscaping projects and had a great time getting to know each other. We got a lot done in a short amount of time, which really helps their facilities crew maintain the campus for families and foster youth.


Sort, Pack and Box Food for People in Need – Albuquerque, NM

  • Benefiting: Roadrunner Food Bank
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni in New Mexico

We have been hosting projects for years and will continue to do so to help our community.  New Mexico  is a very poor state and many families suffer from food insecurities.  We worked with Roadrunner Food Bank (RRFB) to package pinto beans,  a staple in NM.  We were able to package, weigh and label 2 pound packages of beans, a total of 372 pounds.  These packages are now ready for distribution.  RRFB is concerned that funding may be cut and distribution of food will become limited to very few families.  We need to continue to help RRFB with volunteering hours and money. 

— Diane


Play Bingo with Senior Citizens – Los Angeles, CA

  • Benefiting: Sakura Gardens Senior Living Facility
  • Hosted by: USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association

It was great to help host a project for the senior citizens.  They were so engaged and it was nice to see them interact with all of the volunteers and each other.  The ability to see all of their smiles during the couple of hours that we spent with them was priceless.  Our volunteers were able to spend time with them during the games, laugh, smile, and help where needed.  

I think it would be beneficial for the University to engage with the elderly in multiple ways with greater frequency.  I know that these assisted living facilities really appreciate it.

— Patrick Takahashi


2024 Projects


Prepare Meal Kits for Youth – Aloha, OR

  • Benefiting: Good SamariKidz
  • Hosted by: Amanda Choi ’08

Thank you so much for helping package 5 days worth of food for 120 unhoused Beaverton students in such a short time. The packages were delivered to a nearby church after the event for distribution. Due to our budget, I was limited in what items I could buy, but hopefully this will help the students.

I hope to plant small seeds for the kids that came to help out. We read the book Maddie’s Fridge and it’s one of my favorites in teaching empathy to young children about hunger, charity, friendship, trust and helping others. Good Samarikidz is my passion project and hopefully lets little ones know they can make an impact even at a young age.

— Amanda Choi

group photo

Sort and Pack Rescued Product – Atlanta, GA

  • Benefiting: Atlanta Food Bank
  • Hosted by: Jim Summers ’74

Regardless of USC Trojan victories over UCLA, Stanford and Notre Dame, I am most proud to be a USC alum every year on a Saturday in March–the annual USC Alumni Day of SCervice. Spanning the globe, more than 2,000 members of the Trojan Family gathered to volunteer at deserving charities and give back to their respective local communities. In Atlanta, twenty-five members of the USC ATL Trojan Family gathered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Action Center to fight food insecurity in our community. Our volunteers inspected, sorted and packed 8,460 pounds of food for distribution across the ACFB service area, translating to 7,050 meals for food-insecure families in north Georgia. We truly did meaningful and transformative work. Proud to be a USC ATL Trojan!

University of Southern California Trojan Family – Lifelong and Worldwide!

✌️FIGHT ON, Y’all!✌️

— Jim Summers

Day of Service volunteers in Atlanta

Professional Attire and Career Shop – Houston, TX

  • Benefiting: Institute for Careers and Leadership Development
  • Hosted by: Ashley Davis ’02

We hosted a project because we enjoy giving back and knew the ideal opportunity to do so. We’ve always had a passion for teens and college students as they prep for the job-ready market and this was perfect… to spring-clean closets as a pay-it-forward initiative. Our project benefits Prairie View A & M’s Career Closet to assist students in feeling and looking their best as they prepare for job interviews. We were also able to collect evening attire and summer attire for those students who attend galas, and oftentimes, summer internships. It is so valuable for the community to understand that not every student is equipped to know how to properly present themselves and how to actually dress for success. Our volunteers launched friendships and one in particular really enjoyed learning more about USC and Houston alums.

— Ashley Davis


Battleship USS Iowa Beautification – Los Angeles, CA

  • Benefiting: USS Iowa
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni Veterans Network & Marshall Alumni Association, LA Region

I hosted the project because I’m a veteran and the USS Iowa has much significance to the veteran community. The ship hosts numerous veteran events during the year and is the center of the annual U.S. Navy Fleet Week.

The USS Iowa is maintained by an almost entirely volunteer crew. So the project benefits everyone who visits the historic battleship.

With this project we were able to clean parts of the ship that the full- time volunteers could not get to. We left the ship looking a lot cleaner than when we started.

— Bertin Guillory

volunteers pose on the USS Iowa

Help Grow Healthy Food and Beautiful Flowers – Santa Cruz, CA

  • Benefiting: Common Roots Farm
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni in the Bay Area

I led a group at Common Roots Farm in Santa Cruz. The farm was built to be a place where people of all abilities can work and have a sense of purpose. In addition, they are using organic and restorative farming practices. Doing even a small part to make this possible is worth a few hours of weeding. 🙂

— Lesley Ruzon

Day of SCervice volunteers

Walk and Distribute Necessities – Hong Kong, HK

  • Benefiting: ImpactHK
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni Club of Hong Kong

USC alumni and Impact HK worked as a team to serve homeless people in Hong Kong. We are here to make our city a better place where everyone cares for their neighbor!✌️

— Garrick Tang

group photo on a Hong Kong street

Walking Path Litter Removal – Newport, OR

  • Benefiting: City of Newport
  • Hosted by: Helen Beaman ’13

I moved to a rural coastal community 4 years ago, and am now faraway from the Day of SCervice projects I used to participate in, but I didn’t want to miss out on this meaningful tradition. My community sees a lot of tourism–for the most part, year-round–so you add in coastal winds and you have a recipe for a lot of litter and debris in high-utilization areas. I enjoy jogging and walking my dogs along a particular pathway in South Newport and have often thought about picking up litter in the area. This project gave me an opportunity to represent USC as an ambassador for community service as well as for my profession (social work) that upholds volunteerism as a core value. I enjoyed a lovely morning in the sunshine, tidying up a beautiful recreational path in my community! FIGHT ON!

— Helen Beaman

trash pickup volunteers stnd by a truck

Prepare Food for Distribution to Low-Income Seniors – Garden Grove, CA

  • Benefiting: OC Food Bank
    Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC)
  • Hosted by: USC Gould Alumni Association of Orange County
    USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

I wanted to do more community service with my 12-year-old daughter. We did this same project last year and she really enjoyed it, which is what prompted me to help host the project this year. Community Action Partnership of Orange County had a very efficient system set up for volunteers and we packed 1,400 boxes of food for hungry seniors.

It was an early start and became a cold, rainy day, but our Trojan Family showed up and showed out! It was great to see volunteers of all ages come together to give back. Fight On!

— Fred Thiagarajah

Day of SCervice volunteers posing

Knit Hats for Premature Babies in Local Hospital NICUs – UPC, CA

  • Benefiting: Local hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)
  • Hosted by: USC Viterbi Emerging Leaders Board

We collaborated on this service project alongside USC Madhatter Knits, a local chapter of the main organization that specializes in knitting hats for premature babies in nearby hospital NICUs. While seemingly small, this act carries a profound impact. Maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial for the growth and well-being of premature babies. The hats crafted by Madhatter Knits play a vital role in helping these infants regulate their body temperature and stay warm. During the Day of SCervice, we collectively created over 20 hats that will be donated to local hospitals, ultimately aiding premature babies in their progress. It’s remarkable how something seemingly small can make a significant difference in the lives of these little ones.

— Angela Wilson

group photo

Guanyin Mountain Clean-Up – Taiwan

  • Benefiting: North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni Club of Taiwan

On Saturday, March 23, it was a great sunny day. We were doing volunteer work at Guanyin Mountain in Taipei to clean the mountain. There were 41 volunteers willing to come from many places, which really touched me. One alum took the bus to Taipei the day before. Another took the high-speed train at 5:30 that morning. Still another brought their whole family, a total of six people, including his three-year-old twins. One brought his mother who is eighty years old, but at least in super good shape. The special thing is that four non-Taiwanese alumni also signed up. One of them was a 2023 graduate and salutatorian, Carina, who came to Taiwan as a Fulbright student to teach English for one year. It took a long time for her and her friends from Hualien to get to the site.

USC is definitely a common topic for everyone. We all got to know each other in a short time, and with the same goal in mind, we rolled up our sleeves to clean up the mountain.

We were sweaty, but happy, and our work brought us spiritual satisfaction, since we all have respect for the beauty of nature.

Thank you to every volunteer who got up early and came from so many places to join us. Society is better because of you. Thanks to the Guanyin Mountain Visitor Center for giving us the opportunity to return nature to its original appearance. Thank you USC for allowing us to unite the power of alumni in this way.

Fight On!

— Yu-Chi Lee (Vicky)

group photo

Sakura Gardens Beautification – Los Angeles, CA

  • Benefiting: Sakura Gardens Senior Living Facility
  • Hosted by: USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association

When walking through the community gardens at Sakura Gardens, a senior care home in Boyle Heights, one can tell that at one point it was incredibly beautiful. A bed of roses, a pair of apple trees, even a namesake sakura cherry tree hidden way towards the back. However, in recent years, the community garden has seen a lack of care –grass and weeds have now overgrown the more delicate plants and now make it incredibly difficult to provide basic care for even the larger trees. However, it isn’t for lack of effort. Up until last year, two seniors –one in her 80s and the second in her 90s–had been the sole caretakers of the entire garden. A few months ago, one of them passed away. This is where USC Trojans stepped in–helping the remaining caretaker of the community garden clear the dense grass and remove invasive weeds. Slowly, as we cleared the grass and weeds away, we all started re-discovering the beauty of the community garden that had been hidden away for so many years.

— Martin Nguyen

group photo

Plant and Learn About Healthy Veggies, Pasadena, CA

  • Benefiting: Families Forward Learning Center
  • Hosted by: Cheryl Holcomb ’81

My USC alumni group–USC Trojan Affiliates–asked if I would chair a Day of SCervice project. I said yes because my friend and fellow TA member is the director of Families Forward preschool. It is an amazing program in Pasadena CA that also educates parents. As a retired teacher, it was a great opportunity to serve children and their families along with fellow alumni. What an amazing day with some of the kindest alumni ever!! Everyone gained through this fabulous event by planting and learning about veggies!

— Cheryl Holcomb


Help Pregnant Women in Need – Orange, CA

  • Benefiting: Casa Teresa
  • Hosted by: USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association

Casa Teresa offers housing and educational programs to pregnant homeless women, equipping them with the necessary skills to live independently.

Every month they receive new clothes donated by manufacturers. We sorted and prepared them to be sold at their thrift shop that provides funding for Casa Teresa which houses as many as 35 mothers and children. Some of the volunteers even bought clothes–it was a perfect day.

— Stephen Takeda ’80

group photo

Pack Humanitarian Aid Items for the Homeless – UPC Campus

  • Benefiting: Khalsa Peace Corps’ Share A Meal Program
  • Hosted by: Ravinder Singh ’91

The Share A Meal project of Khalsa Peace Corps hosted a project this year to confirm our hunch that USC alumni and others would like to give back to their local community, and would spend a couple hours packing humanitarian aid packages that would later be distributed to neighbors in need in the local USC community. The USC/URC location, the no experience required, and the short weekend time slot yielded an enthusiastic response. The ages spanned from middle school to retirement age. The volunteers were so motivated that they packed 200 full humanitarian aid packages and 150 feminine hygiene packages in the first hour. We could tell that next year, we can more than double our output!

A light meal was served to the volunteers. While enjoying the meal, volunteers had questions about how to get more involved with distributing the meals and humanitarian aid packages. We shared that USC has a Share A Meal Student Club on campus, and that they go out on Wednesday and Friday nights to serve hot meals, water and humanitarian aid items to the local community. We explained how grateful the recipients of these provisions are for easing their daily struggles a bit. They are heartened to learn that people they don’t even know have taken time from their lives to extend such kindness and concern for them.

The items we were packing were in part corporate donations, and in part purchased through donated funds from individuals, businesses and grants such as the USC Good Neighbors Grant Program. Everyone was thankful to have been part of the project, and some were motivated to follow through on nightly person-to-person distribution with the USC Share A Meal student club.

It was a rewarding project to sponsor and we look forward to expanding our output next year.

— Ravinder Singh


Collect Sports Gear and Equipment for Underprivileged Youth – Granada Hills, CA

  • Benefiting: A2Z Athletics
  • Hosted by: Lusine Lalabekyan ’98

This project was inspired by our son and his love for sports. We hosted this project with him. Sports is a big part of his life and this project was a means for us to give back to our community and benefit other kids and teens who love sports but may not be able to play because of the financial burden associated with the cost of gear and equipment. This was a drop-off event, but some of the volunteers collected and sorted the donations which will be distributed to various organizations benefiting underprivileged youth.

— Lusine Lalabekyan

group photo

Provide Basic Necessities to Migrants Living in Encampments – CDMX, Mexico

  • Benefiting: Fundación Humano y Libre AC
  • Hosted by: USC Mexico Office

SCervice is my favorite alumni engagement event of the year, and I love participating. It gets me to do some community service and learn about different parts of the city and to interact with people from different backgrounds. This year we collected donations for breakfast items, hygiene items, and clothes and shoes, and took them to migrants living in street encampments. We got to meet and speak with migrants from Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Honduras, Nicaragua and Haiti, many of whom are traveling with children, and who were all very appreciative of a little conversation and some help with basic necessities. We learned about some of the hardships the migrants are living with and we were able to bring some cheer to one of the city’s most vulnerable and overlooked populations.

— Angela McCracken

group photo

Ocean Front Street Clean-Up – Redondo Beach, CA

  • Benefiting: Keep the Esplanade Beautiful
  • Hosted by: Tiffany Aguirre ’91

I hosted this project because I am a lifelong community member, and the Esplanade is a short, unique ocean-front walk, and this organization’s mission is to maintain and enhance it.

— Tiffany Aguirre

sign on a table

Food Box Assembly and Distribution – Los Angeles, CA

  • Benefiting: AfricActive
  • Hosted by: USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association

I hosted a project this year after becoming involved in AfricActive at a previous Day of SCervice. Through its weekly food distribution, AfricActive addresses the pressing need for food security among vulnerable populations, exacerbated by economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosting the event for USC alumni is a great way to foster a sense of solidarity and support within our community.

By organizing the food distribution event, we not only address immediate hunger but also contribute to the long-term resilience of our community.

Volunteers set up the food distribution site, unloaded all of the donated food and supplies, and packed and distributed family boxes to everybody who came to the site.

— Stephanie Chow

group photo

Volunteer to Support Alzheimer’s Research – San Diego, CA

  • Benefiting: Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute & Sharp Mesa Vista
  • Hosted by: Keck School of Medicine of USC

I hosted this project as a proud San Diego alum, who is lucky enough to work for our alma mater in my hometown for a cause that means so much to me personally. My paternal grandfather died of Alzheimer’s and my maternal grandmother currently suffers from dementia. The Keck School of Medicine of USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute put on an amazing event with over 250 attending, with over 90 people participating in AlzMatch, and including all our local Alzheimer’s partners. We had over 30 Day of SCervice volunteers make the day possible. We also screened the film Remembering Gene Wilder and welcomed Karen B. Wilder at the event.

This work has helped us in our efforts to provide the most up-to-date Alzheimer’s research information to our community. Currently there are over 100,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in San Diego.

— Shelly Moore

group photo

Spend Time with Children with Intellectual Disabilities – Santiago, Chile

  • Benefiting: Fundación Abrazo Fraterno
  • Hosted by: USC Club in Chile

I hosted the project because it provided value for the people we spent time with and the USC community in Chile.

— Matías Sepúlveda

group photo

Ocean Beach Clean-Up – San Francisco, CA

  • Benefiting: TogetherSF
  • Hosted by: USC Marshall Alumni Bay Area

Partnering with TogetherSF to help clean up Ocean Beach, a popular sand beach adjacent to Golden Gate Park, was a wonderful opportunity to bring Trojans in the Bay Area together to beautify a gathering place we have all enjoyed. In a time when there are a lot of negative opinions about San Francisco, it was a joy to show up for our community and remove litter that could have been dangerous to wildlife and people. The manager of the Ocean Beach Cafe is a passionate resident, and he spoke on behalf of the community with words of appreciation for helping to keep their neighborhood clean. In 2 hours, our group filled dozens of trash bags with waste from across Ocean Beach, including plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, broken glass, and oddities like a rusted old power tool and a wine corkscrew! We are proud to say the area is clean, safe and beautiful now for all the people enjoying their time at the beach because of the work we did.

— Seth Novosel


Help People with Food Insecurities – Albuquerque, NM

  • Benefiting: Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni in New Mexico

I’ve hosted this project for several years. New Mexico has a small number of alumni who gather for game watches and the SCervice project. It has grown slightly in the past few years, with hope of a better football team.

The project usually helps the food banks around town. People in NM are poor and need the food bank to help feed families.

Volunteers get to know each and feel good helping others.

— Diane DeReyes


Sort and Organize Donated Clothes – Irvine, CA

  • Benefiting: Working Wardrobes
  • Hosted by: USC Marshall Alumni Association of Orange County

USC Alumni Day of SCervice is such a wonderful tradition and one of my very favorite annual USC events! While it always feels good to give back to the local community, it is extra special to support a worthwhile cause while volunteering with my fellow alumni!

For the past 8 years, I have participated in the USC Marshall Alumni of Orange County’s SCervice project in partnership with the Working Wardrobes Donation Center located in Irvine. I have enjoyed serving as the Day of SCervice Event Co-Lead for the past two years.

I continue to be involved with Alumni Day of SCervice and truly enjoy hosting this event because of the sense of community and the opportunity for alumni engagement that this event naturally provides as we all work together to better our community. I love seeing Trojans of all ages working side by side while getting to know each other in such a casual, organic way.

USC Alumni Day of Service is often an alum’s first time getting re-engaged with their alma mater since graduation. As a result, this event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to share more about USC Marshall Alumni of Orange County and to encourage them to attend one of our upcoming alumni engagement events and to bring their Trojan friends, as our events are open to all alumni. We also share the many ways for our project’s volunteers to stay engaged and involved with the Marshall School of Business, the university, and the Trojan Family.

Working Wardrobes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to help people overcome barriers to gainful employment. Through their Rebuilding Careers program, clients gain access to a wide range of career readiness services at no cost to their clients, all completely individualized and delivered with the utmost dignity and respect. No matter what stands between a client and gainful employment, their Rebuilding Careers program will help their clients achieve The Power of a Paycheck™.

Working Wardrobes was so appreciative that our entire group showed up on time, excited to volunteer, and ready to get to work! We handled a variety of responsibilities from the intake of clothing donations being dropped off at the front to sorting, hanging, steaming and organizing clothes by type to then be sent off to either the Working Wardrobes Career Center or to one of their three stores located in Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa and Garden Grove. Sales from their three stores directly support the clients of Working Wardrobes.

Participating in USC Alumni Day of SCervice always makes me feel extra proud to be a Trojan and serves as a reminder that the power and strength of the Trojan Family is lifelong and worldwide as more than 2,000 Trojan alumni worldwide were volunteering and doing amazing things to better their communities on the same day!

— Victoria Graveline Waiss


Learn about the Needs of People with Visual Impairments – Shanghai, China

  • Benefiting: beYoureyeS
  • Hosted by: USC Alumni Club of Shanghai

We had our Shanghai Alumni Club Day of Scervice this past Saturday, and I would love to share with you that we had a wonderful event and a great turnout.

We had over 30 alumni show up, some with their families. We collaborated with an NGO organization called “Be Your Eyes,” which helps and serves vision-impaired individuals. During the event we cared for and helped these individuals, while at the same time, our alumni really had a deep experience and gained an authentic understanding of the world that vision-impaired individuals live in every day.

What made this Day of SCervice most meaningful is that all participants are able to take what they have learned while volunteering in order to continue to help vision-impaired people in the future.

The USC Shanghai Alumni Club leadership team really helped put this together. I would love to recognize Blessing, Caroline and Gu Tian for helping organizing this event. And thanks to Miao Ling from our USC Shanghai Office for her continual support.

— Phil Li

group photo

CSU/Expo Mini Urban Farm Beautification – Los Angeles, CA

  • Benefiting: Community Services Unlimited Inc
  • Hosted by: Community Services Unlimited Inc.

CSU has been a wonderful Good Neighbors partner and a good neighbor to our community residents for as long as I can remember. The garden is an amazing space of organic joy. The beds are filled with healthy greens and an abundance of hope and loam. The garden gives our neighbors an opportunity to learn and connect with the earth. The produce from the garden is taken to the Village Marketplace to provide truly fresh, healthy vegetables at affordable prices to our neighbors.

The garden truly takes a village to grow. That “many hands” saying? Yes, and yes. Though the rain made things a little challenging, it was still fun for every one, but made us work a little harder and faster to get out of the rain! We were able to work two beds and get them planted with cabbages and bok choy and radishes, spread compost around the banana trees, create starter pots for the next round of plantings, and whatever else that Cris pointed us at. Cris did a great job of keeping everyone occupied and feeling useful. Several individuals were interested in volunteering on a more regular basis, and most people wore USC gear!

— Dawn Kita

group photo

Play at Boys and Girls Club – San Pedro, CA

  • Benefiting: Boys and Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor
  • Hosted by: Trojan League of South Bay

Our local Boys and Girls Club are deserving kids in the San Pedro/Wilmington area who benefited from a “Saturday of fun.” We hosted 68 kids and had 30 volunteers PLUS 5 USC Trojan athletes (3 basketball and 2 track and field) come to play. We did several arts and crafts projects, had a healthy Smoothie station (manned by USC students) and basketball play. Due to the rain, we were not able to utilize the John Colich field for outdoor games. Hopefully next year!

It was wonderful for the kids to see student athletes giving back and having fun playing!

— Franci Agajanian

Search by project name, location or host

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Cleanup

Agua Hedionda Discovery Campus

Carlsbad, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help with native planting, habitat restoration, building and installing oyster wattles, invasive species removal, brushing and trail maintenance, importing and hauling erosion control structure material, graffiti and trash removal and trail sinkhole repairs.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
Location:
1580 Cannon Road
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
40
Host(s):
USC Alumni in San Diego
Contact:
marialisariley@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteer must be 16 years or older to participate. Participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
Wear long pants, comfortable shoes, clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Please bring sunscreen, a hat and your own water bottle/water.
Parking:
Ample free parking is available at the Agua Hedionda Discovery Campus. Enter at driveway, make a right with parking towards the north side of the campus.
Supplies:
Although tools are provided, please feel free to bring your own gardening equipment such as shovels.
Weather:
Project will happen rain or shine. Dress weather appropriate.
Other:
Please sign this waiver prior to attending (if under the age of 18, a parent/guardian must sign the waiver on your behalf)

Assemble Art Materials for Classroom Lessons

Art in Action (Warehouse)

Redwood City, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Prepare art materials to be distributed for classroom lessons. Tasks include counting art materials, measuring yarn and raffia, cutting sponge to assemble and organizing art supplies.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Art in Action
Location:
1757 E. Bayshore Road, Unit 16
Redwood City, CA 94063
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
12
Host(s):
Asmiti Sura '13
Manasi Barath
Contact:
uscdayofscervice@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Must be 18 years old or older.
Attire:
Please wear closed-toe shoes.
Waiver:
Volunteer waivers required on-site.

Assemble Birthday Boxes for Patients

Keck Hospital of USC

Los Angeles, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Help create birthday presents for patients who are admitted into our care and spend their birthday in the hospital.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Keck Medical Center of USC
Location:
1450 San Pablo Street - Third Floor Multi-Purpose Room
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Keck Medical Center of USC - Patient and Family Experience
Half Century Trojans
Contact:
lapa@usc.edu
KaylaM.Nagel@med.usc.edu
323-394-4477

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Comfortable clothing and shoes. Seating will be available.
Food & Beverage:
Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Assemble Book Kits

JEP House

Los Angeles, CA

Mentorship | Education

Description:
Spend the morning assembling book kits and writing encouraging cards for the many elementary students who participate in JEP's programming.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Joint Educational Project (JEP) House
Location:
801 W 34th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
40
Host(s):
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Contact:
chapmanm@usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers of all ages and physical abilities are welcome!

Assemble Easter Baskets & Sort and Organize Donations

Grace's Closet

Hollywood, FL

Other

Description:
Help assemble beautiful Easter baskets filled with love and treats. Other tasks include sorting donations, organizing clothing items and checking appliances in the Family Resource Store.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Grace's Closet
Location:
2035 Harding Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
Time:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Lasana Smith
Grace DeWitt
Vanessa Martucci
Contact:
lasanasmith@yahoo.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Kindly wear closed-toe shoes to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Assemble Fresh Produce and Food Boxes

Labor Community Services Warehouse

Bell, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Assemble fresh produce and food boxes for unemployed union members and their families.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Labor Community Services
Location:
5600 Rickenbacker Road, Building 1
Bell, CA 90201
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
17
Host(s):
Ana Priscila Garcia '22
Labor Community Services
Building Skills Partnership
Contact:
agarcia@buildingskills.org 323-391-3179

Volunteer Instructions

Food & Beverage:
Lunch will be provided for volunteers.
Parking:
Ample parking is available.

Battleship Beautification

USS Iowa

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help clean this historic battleship. As an added bonus, you might get a chance to see sections of the USS Iowa that are not normally accessible to visitors.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
USS Iowa
Location:
250 South Harbor Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90731
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
USC Marshall Alumni Association
USC Alumni Veterans Network
Contact:
626-372-5314

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Attire:
Appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes are required.
Parking:
Provided on site. Parking for the event is free on the public street but if volunteers decide to park in the parking lot, it will be two dollars per hour
Physical Ability/Activity:
Volunteers must be able to clean areas containing hard surfaces.
Supplies:
Cleaning supplies will be provided by the museum staff.
Waiver:
Waivers will be provided by the museum staff.

Build Food Packages for Food Insecure Angelenos

LA Regional Food Bank

City of Industry, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Assemble non-perishable food packages for needy families, individuals, seniors and children in Los Angeles County.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Location:
2300 Pellissier Place
City of Industry, CA 90601
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
USC Gould Alumni Association
Contact:
cromero@law.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Closed-toe shoes are required.

Build Relief Boxes for Those Impacted by LA Fires

USC Park Campus

Los Angeles, CA

Other

Description:
Build and deliver relief boxes for people impacted by the LA wildfires. Also, please bring items to donate as well; a donation list will be shared prior to the event.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Persevering Minds
Location:
3607 Trousdale Parkway - TCC 302
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
60
Host(s):
USC Black Alumni Association
Contact:
aria.aaron@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Other:
Please bring or purchase items from this wishlist for the project. /www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1T0FINIEIGNTR__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!tiXyfWHVCImMgYyBlD_mPIdeAwao2z8Diup3qGTn6qUzhQ2NrTJdfHJY-9DDeMWQv7f-Iy_U3rUpkl9Sn1UobKlgNh4BjQ$

CANCELED Community Garden Beautification

The Salvation Army

Miami, FL

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help revitalize the garden by raising garden beds and tilling the soil.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
The Salvation Army
Location:
1907 NW 38th Street
Miami, FL 33142
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Lasana Smith
Grace DeWitt
Vanessa Martucci
Contact:
lasanasmith@yahoo.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
For your safety, closed-toe shoes are required while volunteering.
Waiver:
All volunteers are required to sign a waiver before they begin.

CANCELLED: Assemble Boxed Meals

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank

Fredericksburg, VA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Assemble food boxes for needy individuals and families throughout central Virginia.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
Location:
480 Central Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
USC Alumni in Central Virginia
Patrick Stapleton '73
Contact:
pdstaple@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
All ages are welcome.
Attire:
Wear layers for warmth, since we are in a food warehouse setting. Closed toed shoes are required with non-slip soles preferred.
Physical Ability/Activity:
Participants will need to be able to stand for at least two hours, reach across and to the side, and be able to pick up at least a 20 lb. box.
Waiver:
Each person who is going to participate must register as a volunteer through the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank website Those who are not registered will not be permitted to volunteer. To volunteer, go to our website

CANCELLED: Drive-Through Item Giveaway for Students Impacted by LA Fires

Pasadena Unified School District Central Office

Pasadena, CA

Other

Description:
Help assemble and distribute items in a drive-through giveway for Pasadena students impacted by the fires. Other tasks include managing traffic, coordinating logistics, providing entertainment and cleaning up post-event.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Pasadena Unified School District
Location:
351 S. Hudson Avenue, #130
Pasadena, CA 91101
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
45
Host(s):
USC Athletics
USC Trojan Outreach
Contact:
wittj@usc.edu
213-872-5768

Volunteer Instructions

Food & Beverage:
Lunch will be provided.
Physical Activity/Ability:
There will be some lifting of items, tables, chairs, etc., for first and 3rd shift. Items as heavy as 50lbs may be lifted and moved.
Weather:
In case of inclement weather, the distribution of items will still take place, but entertainment won't be provided.

Central Park Cleanup

Central Park - Grand Army Plaza

New York, NY

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Wear your USC shirt and help us pick up trash in Central Park.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Location:
E. 59 Street
New York, NY 10019
Time:
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
100
Host(s):
Jesse Wang
Amirta Srinivas
Contact:
jcwang2021@gmail.com
amirtasrinivas@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please wear a USC shirt so we can find each other in the park.
Supplies:
Please come with gloves and a trash bag.

Chowpatty Beach Cleanup

Chowpatty Beach

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help collect trash and other debris from Chowpatty Beach.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Change is Us
Location:
Chowpatty, Girgaon
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
India
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (+5:30) Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, New Delhi
Capacity:
35
Host(s):
Vihaan Kohli '22
USC Marshall Young Alumni Council
Contact:
vihaan.kohli@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and a hat. Sunscreen is recommended.

Clean and Organize Therapeutic Toys

Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network

Torrance, CA

Other

Description:
Clean, organize and inventory therapeutic toys for children with disabilities.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network
Location:
1815 W 213th Street, Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90501
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Tamara Hatwan '89
Winny Soenaryo
Contact:
Thatwans5@gmail.com
818-389-0964

Clean Up Historic China Alley

Hanford China Alley

Hanford, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
In 2011, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named China Alley as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.Help revitalize this endangered historical site by sweeping sidewalks, painting, removing debris and refreshing public spaces to preserve the Alley’s cultural significances.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
China Alley Preservation Society
Location:
#1 China Alley
Hanford, CA 93232
Time:
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
24
Host(s):
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Stephen Takeda '80
Contact:
steve.takeda@gmail.com
714-812-1198

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Attire:
Casual work attire
Food & Beverage:
Bring own bottle water
Parking:
Free parking lot next to China Alley
Weather:
If raining, will work inside.

Collect and Sort Clothing and Shoe Donations

Soles4Souls

Wheat Ridge, CO

Other

Description:
Collect and sort clothing and shoe donations.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Soles4Souls
Location:
5158 Parfet Street, Unit #5
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Time:
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM (-7:00) Mountain
Capacity:
100
Host(s):
Mark Muller '81
Eric Seedman
Contact:
Mark@MarkDMuller.com
303-941-6926

Color A Smile

Color A Smile with Latino/a Alumni Advisory Board

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Gather online to color, chat and send colored pages to senior citizens, kids, our troops overseas and anyone in need of a smile.
Type:
Virtual
Organization:
Color A Smile
Location:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84982453618
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
200
Host(s):
USC School of Social Work Latino/a Alumni Advisory Board
Contact:
mirianjuarez.lcsw@gmail.com

Cook and Package Meals & Other Tasks

Brackens Kitchen

Garden Grove, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Cook and package meals for distribution. Other tasks may include helping with spring landscaping.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Brackens Kitchen
Location:
13941 Nautilus Drive
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
15
Host(s):
Desiree Alvarado '17
Ian Chamberlain
Contact:
desireealvarado@alumni.usc.edu
626-274-6877

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Waiver:
Waivers will be provided at site.

Create Cards & Donate Items for Families Impacted by the Eaton Fire

Mark Keppel High School - cafeteria

Alhambra, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Create hand-crafted cards filled with encouraging messages and simple, heartwarming drawings for families impacted by the Eaton Fire. You can also make inspiring posters for display in school lobbies, wellness centers and classrooms. If possible, please bring toiletries, non-perishable food and pet food for these families.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Alhambra Unified & Pasadena Unified School Districts
Location:
501 East Hellman Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91801
Time:
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
60
Host(s):
Sharon Woo '79
Rennie Chi
Yuna Hwang
MKHS Alliance
Contact:
sharonwoo@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Parking:
Free parking in the school's parking lots. The nearest lot to the cafeteria is just north of the Hellman/Almansor intersection. The entrance is on Almansor. The cafeteria is at the west end of the school.
Supplies:
Paper for the cards, 13" x19" poster paper and a limited number of crayons & color pencils will be provided. Please bring any size poster paper and/or drawing and decorating supplies if you can.

Shifts

Shift 1:
8:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Shift 2:
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM
30 people/shift. Volunteers can participate in both shifts (please register for both shifts).

Create Care Packages for Patients

Loan Direct Office

Costa Mesa, CA

Healthcare | Hospital

Description:
Craft handmade blankets and stuffed animal in care packages, each paired with a thoughtful, personalized card, for patients at UCI Health.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
UCI Health
Location:
245 Fischer Avenue, A5
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Time:
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
80
Host(s):
Michelle Bui
Contact:
michelleuyenbui@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 5 years of age or older. Volunteers under the age of 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Food & Beverage:
Breakfast will be provided for Shift 1. Lunch will be provided for Shift 2.
Supplies:
Essential supplies will be provided.

Shifts

Shift 1:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shift 2:
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
40 people/shift. Volunteers can participate in both shifts (please register for both shifts).

Create Mental Health & Wellness Cards for First Responders & Wildfire Survivors

San Pablo Library

San Pablo, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Create and decorate uplifting, handwritten cards, filled with messages of encouragement and gratitude, for firefighters, medical personnel and families recovering from the devastating wildfires.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Westchester YMCA
Location:
13751 San Pablo Avenue
San Pablo, CA 94806
Time:
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
10
Host(s):
Dr. Marya Wright, LCSW '24
Contact:
drwright@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Supplies:
Pleas bring extra supplies to share! Markers, colored pencils, stickers, blank notecards and decorative paper will make these wellness cards even more special.

CSU Expo Mini Urban Farm Beautification

CSU/Expo Mini Urban Farm

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help revitalize the CSU/EXPO Urban Mini Farm, a vibrant community space, by harvesting plants and seeds, moving compost and mulch, digging up weeds and grasses, cutting back overgrown plants, and clearing trash.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Community Services Unlimited Inc.
Location:
3990 Bill Robertson Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Time:
9:15 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
15
Host(s):
Community Services Unlimited Inc.
Good Neighbors Campaign
Contact:
cris@csuinc.org
323-422-4886

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Children 16 years old and younger must be accompanied by adults who are responsible for and will supervise them at ALL times.
Physical Ability/Activity:
Volunteering may include all manner of farming related activities, so what you do will depends on the needs of the farm.
Attire:
Even in cooler weather the EXPO Farm can get quite warm. Please dress in light colored, layered clothing and comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. It’s also a good idea to have a sun hat, especially in the spring and summer and some sunblock.
Parking:
There is some limited parking in an area between the farm and Martin Luther King Blvd., and street parking in the surrounding area. We encourage folks to walk, bike or get public transport to the farm.
Other:
Please note there is no restroom at the farm itself. There are restrooms at the senior center located next door and if that is closed, at the swim stadium a little further along Bill Robertson Lane.

Design and Create Health-Themed Posters for Schools

Mark Keppel High School - cafeteria

Alhambra, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Help create posters promoting healthy activities and eating habits to children. We will provide example poster designs for reference, though you're free to create your own designs, using provided research materials and resources.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Alhambra Unified & Garvey School District
Location:
501 East Hellman Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91801
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
Reane Co & Sharon Woo '79
MKHS Alliance
Contact:
sharonwoo@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Parking:
Free parking is available in the school's parking lots. The nearest lot to the cafeteria is just north of the Hellman/Almansor intersection. The entrance is on Almansor. The cafeteria is at the west end of the school.
Supplies:
13""x19"" poster paper & limited numbers of crayons & color pencils will be available for volunteers to use. Please bring any size poster paper &/or drawing & decorating supplies if you can.

El Sereno Middle School Band Room Cleanup and Painting

El Sereno Middle School

Los Angeles, CA

Youth Outreach

Description:
Clean and organize instrument racks, equipment and storage areas and paint the band room.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
El Sereno Middle School/LAUSD All-District Marching Band
Location:
2839 N Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
25
Host(s):
USC Trojan Marching Band Alumni Association
Contact:
213-706-8462

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty while cleaning and painting.
Physical Activity/Ability:
Must be able to paint or clean areas as needed.

Empower Youth via Life on a Farm Day

Families Forward Learning Center

Pasadena, CA

Youth Outreach

Description:
Participate in a project for preschoolers featuring singing, storytime, gardening, a petting zoo, and other creative arts and crafts activities.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Families Forward Learning Center
Location:
980 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
USC Trojan Affiliates
Cheryl Holcomb '82
Contact:
cherylholcomb1417@gmail.com
626-233-6857

Exploratorium Exhibits Beautification

Exploratorium

San Francisco, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help clean the Exploratorium exhibits and get them ready for thousands of visitors. After our project ends, enjoy free access to the museum until it closes.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
The Exploratorium San Francisco
Location:
Pier 15 Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
25
Host(s):
USC Marshall Alumni Association Bay Area
Contact:
laurenyoung@alumni.usc.edu
7143941551

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Family members are welcome to purchase admission and join the group after 12
Attire:
Bring your best Trojan gear and dress comfortably.
Other:
If the project is sold out, please email the project host to be added to the waiting list.

Filoli Horticulture Service Learning Project

Filoli

Woodside, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Learn horticulture and gardening tips while cleaning and weeding Filoli's Woodland Garden, getting the greenhouse ready for spring and prepping Orchid House for an interior paint job. You'll also receive free admission to Filoli for the day.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Filoli
Location:
86 Cañada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
Andrea Pappajohn
Sam Bautista
Contact:
apappajohn888@gmail.com
650-888-8009

Food Donation Drive and Sort & Pack Donations for Distribution

Alimento Para Todos

Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort food items and household goods. Assemble nutritious food packages.
We are also collecting donations of food, clothing and items you no longer use. Each participant in the workday is asked to bring 3-5 items or kilograms. For those who wish to donate but cannot participate in the workday, donations will be accepted between February 25 and March 18 at Prado Sur 140, by appointment.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Alimento Para Todos
Location:
Tamemes 23
Iztapalapa, CDMX 9040
Mexico
Time:
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM (-7:00) Mountain
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
USC Mexico Office
USC Alumni Club of Mexico
Contact:
angela@usc.edu
525521449168

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Children under 12 years of age are welcome if accompanied by a relative.
Attire:
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for your safety during a warehouse activity.
Food & Beverage:
A simple service of coffee, water, and cookies will be offered during an orientation activity. Please bring any special food items as needed.

Foster Teens Home Beautification

Teen Leadership Foundation

Costa Mesa, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Assist with light landscaping and painting at a transitional home for teens preparing for lives beyond foster care.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Teen Leadership Foundation
Time:
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Trojan League of Orange County
Susan Washle '88
Diane Heimstaedt
Contact:
swashle2@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Waiver:
Volunteers MUST copy and paste the link below in order to sign a waiver and register with Teen Leadership Foundation - teenleadershipfoundation.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/7035d324-a895-4418-ba3d-30f63cdd94eb
Other:
Due to privacy reasons, project address will only be shared with registered volunteers prior to the event.

Friends of Youth Cleanup

Friends of Youth

Kirkland, WA

Youth Outreach

Description:
Help organize, clean, and improve living spaces to create a more welcoming environment for the kids Friends of Youth serves. Other tasks include sorting and organzing clothing donation by size and type.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Friends of Youth
Location:
13116 NE 132nd Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
Time:
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Sammi Phan '09
Heidi Bitterman '01
Terri Chan '95
Nicolas Rodriguez '24
Isabella Kelly '21
Andrea Coyle '20
Contact:
sphan810@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
Parking:
Youths of Friends' main campus will have plenty of parking spaces for guests.
Waiver:
You must sign the waiver for liability concerns.

Give Pups a Chance

Brandywine SPCA - DC Campus

Washington, DC

Animal Care

Description:
Provide care for Brandywine Valley SPCA animals. Tasks may include cleaning and organizing, and providing enrichment time for dogs and cats, as well as other special projects as needed.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Brandywine Valley SPCA
Location:
1201 New York Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
10
Host(s):
Rose Cranna '23
Contact:
rosecranna@gmail.com
415-205-6336

Habitat for Humanity El Sereno Build Day

El Sereno

Los Angeles, CA

Construction

Description:
Join us to rehabilitate several El Sereno homes, which will be sold to first-time homebuyers at a nonprofit rate.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
Location:
3826 Sheffield Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Time:
7:45 AM - 3:30 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Young Alumni Council
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Contact:
lelitam23@gmail.com
josephchen@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. If you're under the age of 18, please bring a printed & signed minor waiver to the event.
Attire:
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Please also bring plenty of water and a sack lunch or snacks.
Parking:
There will be limited street parking so we highly recommend carpooling if possible.
Waiver:
Volunteers should also register using the personalized registration page-sgvhabitat.charityproud.org/VolunteerRegistration/Index/8288 and sign the waiver on this page. Registration closes March 10.

Harvest Produce at an Urban Farm

Harvest Solutions Farm

Irvine, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Harvest fresh produce, including cabbage and broccolini, to provide nutritious food to underserved communities, schools and neighborhoods.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Harvest Solutions Farm
Location:
12751 Lambert Road
Irvine, CA 92618
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
80
Host(s):
Alumni Entrepreneurs Network
Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Contact:
hello@zenfinitelounge.com
626-688-6008

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Children 7 years of age and older are welcome.
Attire:
Closed-toed shoes and pants are required. Hat and sunscreen are suggested.
Food & Beverage:
There will be drinking water available on site, but you are welcome to bring your own water, or a reusable bottle for refilling. Light breakfast snacks provided.
Parking:
Easy parking right outside the farm.
Supplies:
If you have your own set of gardening gloves or suede/leather gloves, please feel free to bring them. In case you do not bring a pair of gloves, you will be provided with single-use gloves.
Weather:
Rain or shine.

Hermosa Valley Greenbelt Restoration

Hermosa Green Belt on Valley Drive

Hermosa Beach, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Learn about the importance of native plants like the California Costal Sage Scrub and the Seacliff buckwheat. Help restore and develop South Bay connecting corridors for populations of monarch and El Segundo blue butterflies and other native birds that overwinter on the greenbelt year round. You will be weeding, cultivating and planting this beautiful corridor.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
South Bay Parkland Conservancy
Location:
at 1st Street
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Time:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
60
Host(s):
USC Alumni in South Bay
Paulette Rhaney '71
Contact:
p.rhaney@verizon.net
310-613-7221

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 8 years of age or older.
Attire:
The project is an outdoor event and may be subject to light rain. Dress appropriately, warmly and in layers, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Parking:
Free street parking is available on perpendicular side streets, but please observe parking signs. Free public parking lots are located along Valley Drive at South Park (4th Street), and at 6th Street.
Supplies:
Gloves and tools are provided.
Weather:
Event may be canceled in the event of heavy rain, but light rain will not deter us.
Other:
Also sign up at the South Bay Parkland Conservancy Website. Scroll to the calendar, select March 22.

Shifts

Shift 1:
(30 ppl) Set-up - 9:30 am
Shift 2:
(30 ppl) Set-up 11:30 am
Come 30 min. before your shift time (Set-up time) so we may greet you and provide instructions.

Historic Japanese Cemetery Cleanup

Historic Japanese Cemetery

Oxnard, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Clear out trash, pull weeds, and clean gravesite headstones and benches in this historic Japanese cemetery.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Ventura County JACL
Location:
2250 E Pleasant Valley Road
Oxnard, CA 93033
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
10
Host(s):
USC APAA
Janice Tanaka '77
Samantha Wyllis-Quiñonez
Contact:
janice@tanakavideo.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please dress appropriately for an outdoor event.
Weather:
We will do the cleanup rain or shine.
Parking:
Parking is in the neighborhood bordering the site.
Other:
Please note that there is not a specific address for the cemetery but it is easy to locate. Maps will be provided.

Household Item Donation Drive & Storage Facility Cleanup and Organization

House2Home Storage Facility (Public Storage)

Irvine, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Clean and organize storage units containing furniture (tables, sofas, beds, etc.) to be used during home transformation projects and receive donated items. Other tasks may include transporting donated items to a nearby satellite storage facility. We are also looking for donations of NEW household items for drop-off only:
twin and full bed sheets (grey or white), pots & pans sets, kitchen knife sets, utensil sets (6-8 people), flatware sets (6-8 people) and toasters.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Deed and Truth
Location:
17792 Cowan
Irvine, CA 92614
Time:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
16
Host(s):
Leonard Lee '95
Contact:
leonardlee73@gmail.com
626-710-7703

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
Physical Activity/Ability:
Volunteers should be able to perform physical activities, including lifting heavy furniture, sweeping and cleaning. Some volunteers will also drive smaller household items to a satellite storage facility.
Other:
Please register only if you plan to join the cleanup or organizing shift. No registration is needed for drop-offs only.

Shifts

Shift 1:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shift 2:
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
8 people/shift. Volunteers can participate in both shifts (please register for both shifts). No registration is needed for drop-offs only.

Inspect, Clean, Sort and Prepare Donated Items

Central TX Food Bank

Austin, TX

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Inspect, clean, sort, box and prepare donated food and non-food items to distribute to our partner agencies and the communities they serve.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Central TX Food Bank
Location:
6500 Metropolis Drive
Austin, TX 78744
Time:
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
15
Host(s):
USC Alumni in Austin
Contact:
rmichaelmontoya@gmail.com
213-820-3366

Volunteer Instructions

Waiver:
Everyone in your group must create an account and sign up into your group reservation before arriving for your volunteer shift - cafb.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/uscalumniclub.

Liberty Street Community Garden Project

Liberty Street Community Garden

Kingston, NY

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help plant the AME Zion Church of Kingston community garden to provide a gardening space for local residents and improve access to healthy produce.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Liberty Street Community Garden (owned by AME Zion Church of Kingston)
Location:
74-76 Liberty Street
Kingston, NY 12401
Time:
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Maisha Tyler '20
Contact:
maishaty@alumni.usc.edu
845-392-3923

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please wear sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, coats and cold weather gear (if needed).
Physical Ability/Activity:
Volunteers must be able to bend down and pick up tools and pieces of wood (under 20 lbs).
Parking:
Street parking is available on Liberty Street; lot parking is available at AME Zion Church of Kingston's lot on Franklin Street (1 block away from the site).
Supplies:
All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gardening gloves.
Waiver:
All on-site volunteers must sign an indemnification waiver.
Weather:
Event is subject to cancellation/rescheduling if inclement weather is expected.

Shifts

Shift 1:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shift 2:
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
10 people/shift. Volunteers can participate in both shifts (please register for both shifts).

Make Craft Items for Military Personnel

Mark Keppel High School

Alhambra, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Make paracord lanyards, color drawings, write letters and knit or crochet items for care packages sent to military personnel.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Operation Gratitude
Location:
501 East Hellman Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91801
Time:
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
70
Host(s):
Sharon Woo '79
Christine Takatani-Chung
Contact:
sharonwoo@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Food & Beverage:
Bring your own snacks & beverages.
Parking:
Free parking in the school's parking lots. The closest one to the cafeteria is near the corner of Hellman & Almansor. The entrance is just north of this intersection on Almansor.
Supplies:
We are making items listed on Operation Gratitude's website (detailed list will be provided).

Make Enrichment Items For Animals

OC Animal Care

Tustin, CA, CA

Animal Care

Description:
Help make enrichment items for animals. All items will be provided by the shelter.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
OC Animal Care
Location:
1630 Victory Road
Tustin, CA, CA 92782
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Contact:
huber.b@crediblecre.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Parking:
There is ample parking on site.
Supplies:
Supplies will come from the shelter.
Waiver:
Waivers will be completed at the beginning.

Make Sandwiches for Shelter Residents

Gulati residence

Irvine, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Make sandwiches to donate to the Friendship Shelter, which provides services for the OC's homeless community.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Friendship Shelter
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
12
Host(s):
Preetika Gulati '04
Aliya Gulati
Contact:
714-625-2972

Volunteer Instructions

Supplies:
We will have ingredients to make sandwiches, but would appreciate any sandwich supplies volunteers may bring (bread, cheese, sandwich meat, nut butter, jelly).
Other:
Address will be shared with registrants prior to the event.

Make Trojan “Fight On” Necklaces

The Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower

Los Angeles, CA

Arts & Crafts

Description:
Show your arts and crafts skills by making beaded necklaces for women fighting life battles.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
USC Hospitals
Location:
1450 Biggy Street, Rooms LG 503-504
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
65
Host(s):
Town and Gown of USC
Contact:
carolmollett@aol.com 818-321-3413

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 5 years of age or older
Parking:
Please park at the Biggy Lot at 1334 Biggy Street, LA 90033

Mentor and Advise People with Special Needs Seeking Jobs

PEP Session 5: Public Speaking

Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Mentorship | Education

Description:
Share your experience and advice with people enrolled in The Best Buddies Pre-Employment Program, which secures jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes and support themselves.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Best Buddies Philippines
Location:
7th Floor, Ayala Ascott Center, Palm Drive Glorietta 4
Makati, Metro Manila 1224
Philippines
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (+8:00) Beijing, Hong Kong, Perth, Singapore
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
USC Alumni in Philippines
Contact:
Ken@cubixoffice.com
9175242088

Volunteer Instructions

Food & Beverage:
Please bring snacks for the session.
Other:
Volunteers will undergo an onboarding session to learn how to interact with people with special needs.

Mentor and Inspire High School Students

Future Ties

Chicago, IL

Mentorship | Education

Description:
Share your lived experiences, professional journeys and career insights with local high school students in one-on-one and group discussions.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Future Ties
Location:
6330 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Time:
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
25
Host(s):
Dr. Airies Davis '16, etiKID Academy
Michelle Rizal, Career Headspace, LLC
Jennifer Maddox, Future Ties
Contact:
generaldrad@gmail.com
312-725-8551

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Recent college graduates, retirees and professionals from various industries are welcome.
Parking:
Secured parking available.

Native Habitat Cleanup

Westwood Greenway

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Join us for a 10:00 AM guided tour of Westwood Greenway to learn how this thriving native habitat impacts biodiversity, energy, water, pollution, and our local identity. At noon, help the Westwood Greenway grow by removing invasive plants that take resources away from the native species.

Volunteers are welcome to come and go as they please, so feel free to drop by for any part of the event that fits your schedule!
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Westwood Greenway
Location:
2596 Westwood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Time:
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
200
Host(s):
Anne Gaw '04
Trojan Entertainment Network
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Contact:
424-902-0822
cdenning@cinema.usc.edu
ten@alumni.usc.edu

Pack Blessing Bags for the Homeless

XTC KREATiiONS

Los Angeles, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Help pack 100 blessing bags containing essential items for individuals experiencing homelessness. After the packing event, Foster & Banks Walk in Faith Foundation and volunteers will distribute the bags into the community.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Foster & Banks Walk in Faith Foundation
Location:
3959 Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90062
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
Dr. Jamila Banks '04
Contact:
dr.jamilabanks@alumni.usc.edu
310-885-1409

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Casual attire recommended.
Food & Beverage:
Snacks and water will be provided.
Weather:
If it rains project will be moved indoors to an adjacent space.

Pack Meals For Impoverished Families

Feed My Starving Children - Eagan

Eagan, MN

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Help pack meals that will be sent out to impoverished families around the world.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Feed My Starving Children
Location:
990 Lone Oak Road, #136
Eagan, MN 55121
Time:
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
35
Host(s):
William Sou '98
Contact:
william.sou@alumni.usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 5 years of age or older. Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
No jewelry is permitted except

Pack Meals for Underprivileged Kids

The Upside Pub

Houston, TX

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Pack lunches for Kids' Meals Inc., which supplies free healthy lunches to underprivileged children, ages 3-5, in the Greater Houston area every weekday.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Kids' Meals Inc
Location:
3402 N. Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77018
Time:
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
Paige Lujan '08
Contact:
paige@upsidepub.com

Volunteer Instructions

Parking:
Parking available in our parking lot or by Grant Park.
Supplies:
Supplies will be provided by The Upside Pub.
Weather:
If weather is not good we will move the event inside.

Plant Bamboo for Pandas

San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help clear brush and plant bamboo to feed the zoo's star attraction pandas and model sustainability. After our volunteer shift is completed, you may enjoy complimentary access to the Zoo.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
San Francisco Zoo
Location:
Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94132
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
125
Host(s):
USC Alumni in San Francisco
USC APAA Bay Area
Contact:
pramisetti@gmail.com
haroldkwan@gmail.com
lteoh.usc@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 11 years of age or older.
Attire:
Dress in layers and outdoor yard style attire, including closed-toes sturdy shoes or workboots.
Food & Beverage:
Bring your own water bottle and snacks.
Parking:
Parking will be available for volunteers in the overflow lot (Map to be provided before event).
Physical Activity/Ability:
Activities are related to, but not limited to clearing brush and planting bamboo shoots either indoors or outdoors. You must be able to do manual yard work which may include digging, lifting, operating a wheelbarrow, etc.
Supplies:
SF Zoo will provide PPE, gloves, equipment and tools.
Weather:
Backup plan for weather
Other:
Volunteers do not have to purchase a zoo ticket for this project.

Plant Trees in South Los Angeles

The First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help plant trees to improve the air quality, mitigate climate impact and provide green space in south central Los Angeles. The goal is to plant 30, 15-gallon street trees.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Koreatown Youth & Community Center
Location:
2263 S Harvard Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
60
Host(s):
USC Latino Alumni Association
Isabel Aranda
Contact:
arandam@usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older
Attire:
Wear closed-toed shoes and clothing you are comfortable getting dirty.
Food & Beverage:
Bring refillable water bottles. Light breakfast will be available.
Parking:
Street parking and parking lot (TBA)
Supplies:
Tools will be provided and group will be assigned to staff.
Waiver:
Volunteer liability waiver will be emailed prior to Day of SCervice.
Weather:
If it rains, there will be an indoor project available.

Plant Trees in the San Fernando Valley

San Fernando

San Fernando, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Plant small trees at either a school or suburban location.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
TreePeople
Time:
8:45 AM - 11:45 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Joanna Bayer '91
Brooke Bayer
Trojan Entertainment Network
Contact:
jcwbayer@aol.com
ten@alumni.usc.edu
818-389-9051

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
Attire:
Please wear clothes that can get dirty and bring a pair of work gloves, if you have them. Comfortable clothing that can get dirty. Sturdy, close-toed shoes. Hat to provide shade. Sunscreen. Work gloves - if you prefer to use your own. A mask for respiratory protection.
Food & Beverage:
Please bring water. Please bring a filled water bottle and a snack for yourself.
Waiver:
Tree People will require a waiver to be signed via their website- treepeople.tfaforms.net/5014884?sid=a0uVm000005UGE9IAO.

Play Bingo with Senior Citizens

Sakura Gardens Senior Living Facility

Los Angeles, CA

Senior Citizen Outreach

Description:
Play bingo with the nursing home residents to help stimulate their mental faculties and improve their memories. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Sakura Gardens Senior Living Facility
Location:
325 S. Boyle Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Time:
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
18
Host(s):
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Contact:
patricktakahashi@alumni.usc.edu

Play with Children at the Richstone Family Center

Richstone Family Center

Hawthorne, CA

Youth Outreach

Description:
Do arts & crafts and play outdoor sports with the children at Richstone Family Center. A few USC athletes may join us for what promises to be a fun day.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Richstone Family center
Location:
13634 Cordray Avenue
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
Trojan League of South Bay
Contact:
jcajr98@aol.com
310-480-9898

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.
Attire:
Wear casual clothes for both inside and outside activities.

Prepare and Serve Meals & Assist with Food Distribution

The Salvation Army

Miami, FL

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Help prepare and serve lunch to more than 270 people. Other tasks include assembling grocery boxes for distribution each week.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
The Salvation Army
Location:
1907 NW 38th Street
Miami, FL 33142
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Lasana Smith
Grace DeWitt
Vanessa Martucci
Contact:
lasanasmith@yahoo.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
For your safety, closed-toe shoes are required.
Waiver:
All volunteers are required to sign a waiver before they begin.

Prepare Food and Provide Personal Hygiene Items at Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Indio, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Provide personal hygiene items for women, and prepare and serve food at this local rescue mission.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Location:
47470 Van Buren Street
Indio, CA 92201
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
23
Host(s):
Trojan League of the Desert
Contact:
tjcallawayrealty@outlook.com
951-852-6266

Volunteer Instructions

Physical Activity/Ability:
Serve food and help perform maintenance work.
Supplies:
Supplies will be provided.

Prepare, Serve and Distribute Home-Cooked Meals to People in Need

The Pepper Cook Seva Foundation Unit#3-A 1st Floor Rashid Mansion The Centurian Co-Operative Housing Society Limited Lala Lajpatrai Road Samandar Point

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Help prepare and distribute nutritious, home-cooked meals to people in need. Many of the meals will go to orphanages and children's charities. Food Prep - washing, chopping, sorting
Cooking - This will be under the supervision of MasterChef4Many cooks.
Packing - Food that is prepared will need to be packed for distribution. Material will be provided.
Distribution- There may be an opportunity to help with distribution, but that is not required.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Masterchef4Many
Location:
Off AB Road, , Warli,
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
India
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (+5:30) Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, New Delhi
Capacity:
15
Host(s):
Anupama Dalmia '27
Masterchef4Many
Contact:
masterchef4many@gmail.com
9820167166

Volunteer Instructions

Physical Ability/Activity:
Activities include cooking, serving and distributing meals.
Supplies:
All supplies will be provided.

Provide Hope and Healing for Immigrant and Refugee Families

The Aloe Family

Nashville, TN

Youth Outreach

Description:
Participate in our community day for immigrant and refugee families by interacting with the families, playing games and building relationships with kids to provide hope and healing.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
The Aloe Family
Location:
6535 Premier Drive
Nashville, TN 37209
Time:
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
25
Host(s):
USC Young Alumni Council
USC Alumni in Nashville
Contact:
yvonnemily@gmail.com
304-780-4656

Volunteer Instructions

Other:
Volunteer must register with the organization as well- events.civicchamps.com/organizations/3062/opportunities/eyJvcHBvcnR1bml0eUlkIjoxNjcxMCwiZGF0ZSI6IjIwMjUtMDMtMjIifQ==

Qianshuiwan Beach Cleanup 淺水灣淨灘活動

Qianshuiwan in Sanzhi District of New Taipei

New Taipei, Taiwan

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help us pick up beach trash, understand the sources of the trash and maintain the coastal environment.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
North Coast and Quanyinshan National Scenic Area
Location:
Qianshuiwan Parking Lot 集合處: 淺水灣停車場旁
New Taipei 252
Taiwan
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (+8:00) Beijing, Hong Kong, Perth, Singapore
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
USC Alumni Club of Taiwan
Contact:
vickylee1029@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Wear gloves and closed shoes to avoid being stabbed or pierced by sharp objects. Please bring such personal items as drinking water, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, personal medicines, etc.
Parking:
Parking is available. You can also take public transportation to the beach.
Supplies:
Work gloves, trash clips, trash bags and other related supplies will be provided.
Other:
Be careful with glass, needles, or other sharp objects. Stay away from the waves and pay attention to the changes in the tides at all times.If the waste is too large, do not clean it up. Avoid stepping on coastal plants and organisms.
Waiver:
Participants participate in the beach cleaning activity on a voluntary basis and agree to bear all risks that may occur in the activity and be responsible for their own safety and health. Participants acknowledge and agree that the USC Alumni Club of Taiwan, as the organizer and its staff, is not required to make compensation, demand compensation from third parties, or bear any legal responsibility for any personal physical injury or property loss directly or indirectly caused during the event. Participants have read the disclaimer in detail upon registration, understand the possible risks of the activity and agree to the above disclaimer.

River Cleanup

Dry Creek Regional Park

Modesto, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Pick up trash, microplastics and other foreign debris along the Dry Creek River Trail.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Norcal Veterans Peer Support Network
Location:
2001 Edgebrook Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Joel Montes '16
NorCal Veterans Peer Support Network
Contact:
montes.joel@gmail.com
254-702-9264

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please wear comfortable outdoor clothing.
Food & Beverage:
Bottled water and energy bars may be available.
Physical Activity/Ability:
We will be walking along a river bed picking up trash. Access to the river from the parks trails is limited.
Supplies:
Bring your own supplies
Waiver:
You may need to sign a liability waiver for this event.

Sakura Gardens Beautification

Sakura Gardens Senior Living Facility

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help senior living facility residents weed, trim plants and trees, and water the facility's garden.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Sakura Gardens Senior Living Facility
Location:
325 S. Boyle Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
40
Host(s):
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Contact:
chuch@usc.edu

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Wear casual clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.
Parking:
Park on-site. Please tell the parking attendant you're here for the USC Alumni Day of SCervice project. Meet us at the entrance of the dining hall.
Supplies:
Garden gloves and shears provided.

Salt Creek Beach Cleanup

Salt Creek Beach

Dana Point, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Clean up plastic and other debris from the beach.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Location:
33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
Time:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Wahaj Bokhari '21
Contact:
bokhariwehaj@gmail.com
949-302-2304

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Children must be 5 years of age or older and accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
Please wear casual clothes, hats and sunblock.
Supplies:
Please bring essential cleanup supplies,e.g. trash bags, gloves and etc.
Parking:
Available on-site.
Other:
Specific gathering location will be provided.

San Fernando Valley Street Cleanup

Tampa & Vanowen (Northeast Lot)

Reseda, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help clean up local San Fernando Valley streets, which could include illegal dumping sites, abandoned homeless encampments, sections of the LA River and various train tracks. The volunteers will be cleaning Tampa North and South / Vanowen East and West.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Volunteers Cleaning Communities
Location:
19255 Vanowen St.
Reseda, CA 91335
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
40
Host(s):
Juli Duva '14
Eric Gomez
Contact:
juliduva@gmail.com
818-943-8421

Volunteer Instructions

Parking:
Please park on the Vanowen side of the parking lot.
Physical Activity/Ability:
Nothing too strenuous, but you must be able to bend over and pick up litter.
Supplies:
Trash bags, vests and trash grabbers are provided. Gloves are also provided, but if you have some please bring your own.
Waiver:
All participants need to sign waivers, which they can do there upon arrival.

Saving Grace Shelter Cleanup

Saving Grace Shelter

Bend, OR

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Assist with various cleanup tasks, including general maintenance, gardening and upkeep.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Saving Grace
Location:
990 NW Brook Street, #1
Bend, OR 97703
Time:
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
Cristina Jones '20
Contact:
cristinajones@alumni.usc.edu
952-240-9837

Shenzhen Bay Park Cleanup

Shenzhen Bay Park

Shenzhen, Guang Dong, China

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Shenzhen Bay Park Cleanup is calling for volunteers! Simply meet us at Shenzhen Bay Park Egret Slope and roll up your sleeves to help pick up litter, remove debris, and beautify the park. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your energy and enthusiasm to contribute to a healthier environment and a more vibrant community. Whether you are an experienced environmentalist or just someone who loves the outdoors and wants to make a difference, your efforts will be greatly appreciated.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Shenzhen Bay Park
Location:
Egret Slope, Shenzhen Bay Park, Binhai Boulevard, Nanshan District,
Shenzhen, Guang Dong 518000
China
Time:
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM (+8:00) Beijing, Hong Kong, Perth, Singapore
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
Alumni Club of South China
Contact:
86-13823602728

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Attire:
Please wear comfortable shoes.
Food & Beverage:
Please bring your own water.
Park:
Need to reserve parking ahead, take Metro Lines 9 or 11, Hongshuwannan Station, Exit A, is more preferable.
Supplies:
Please bring gloves and trash bags.
Weather:
If it rains, project will be cancelled.

Sort and Assemble Food & Clothing Donations

Trusted World

Garland, TX

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort clothing, pack food boxes and assemble hygiene kits for people in need.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Trusted World
Location:
613 Easy Street, Suite B
Garland, TX 75042
Time:
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
75
Host(s):
Blanca N. Garcia '08
Diane Blumin '94
Contact:
bgarcia912@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers of all ages are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
Please wear close toed shoes.
Parking:
Volunteer parking spots are limited at the warehouse. If full, street parking is available.

Sort and Pack Bags of Food

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

Concord, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Check food for quality, sort by category, and box or bag for distribution in the warehouse sorting areas.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Location:
4010 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Time:
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
40
Host(s):
USC Alumni in East Bay
Rick Quintana ‘87
Contact:
requintana@yahoo.com
925-324-6712

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Children between the ages of 11 and 15 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear comfortable clothing (long pants are recommended but not required). Suggest dressing in layers, since the warehouse does not have heat or A/C.
Physical Ability:
This position requires standing, and some volunteers may need to lift boxes weighing up to 35 lbs.

Shifts

Shift 1:
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Shift 2:
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
20 people/shift. Volunteers can participate in both shifts (please register for both shifts).

Sort and Pack Food and Household Items

San Antonio Food Bank

San Antonio, TX

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort and/or pack produce, non-perishable foods and household items, preparing them for distribution. Duties may include checking for expiration dates, opened packages and spoilage, labeling cans, and packing bags of food or household items. Other duties may include general cleaning of the area, breaking down boxes, etc.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
San Antonio Food Bank
Location:
5200 Historic Old Hwy 90
San Antonio, TX 78227
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
35
Host(s):
USC Alumni in San Antonio
Contact:
jennifer.white@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
Food & Beverage:
Feel free to bring your own hydration beverage with a closed twist off cap (no fountain drinks). Food is not allowed beyond volunteer lobby area.
Other:
All group members must register themselves individually using the unique Group Reservation Link. Any slots not filled 72 hours prior to the shift start time will be released to the general public.

Sort and Pack Rescued Food

Atlanta Community Food Bank

Atlanta, GA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort and pack recently donated food, repackage produce or grains for families, and box non-perishable items for seniors across Atlanta.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Location:
3400 North Desert Drive
Atlanta, GA 30344
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM (-5:00) Eastern
Capacity:
28
Host(s):
USC Atlanta Trojan Family
Contact:
jpsummers@comcast.net
770-490-6918

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older. Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required, with sneakers or work boots recommended. Flip flops, sandals or heeled shoes are not allowed. Please wear comfortable clothing which you do not mind getting a bit rumpled. Some volunteers may be sorting refrigerated product. Please wear long pants and bring a sweatshirt or light jacket with you. In the event you are working elsewhere, there are lockers onsite to place your outerwear.
Physical Ability/Activity:
Volunteers must be able to stand for extended periods of time and may need to lift up to 40 pounds.
Waiver:
ACFB has its own volunteer registration system; pre-registration is preferred. Acceptance of ACFB Waiver is included at time of registration, either pre- or on-site.

Sort and Repack Food Boxes for the Homeless

Oregon Food Bank

Portland, OR

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort, pack or distribute food to individuals and families in need.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Oregon Food Bank
Location:
7900 NE 33rd Drive
Portland, OR 97211
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Christopher Marroquin '17 - Young Alumni Council
Kathleen Karl '81
Contact:
chrismarroquin12@gmail.com
kathleenp.allenhoward@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 8 years of age or older. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) chaperone/guardian; both need to be registered for the same shift and chaperones must participate in the shift.
Attire:
Shoes must have closed toes and heels (no sandals, clogs, mules or high heels). Shirts with sleeves are required. Tank tops are not allowed. You will not be allowed to volunteer if you are not dressed accordingly.
Parking:
Parking is limited. Please follow traffic flow signs in lots. Use main lot and appropriate street parking. We encourage carpooling or alternative transportation (Trimet Bus #70). Please do not park in neighboring businesses to avoid the risk of being ticketed or towed. Please note gravel lot is no longer available.
Physical Activity/Ability:
Volunteers must be able to lift at least 5 pounds and be prepared to work in a potentially cool warehouse setting.
Waiver:
A completed and signed Youth Release form in English or Spanish is required for first-time volunteers under 18. All new volunteers (or if you haven't volunteered in the last 3 years) are required to complete the New Volunteer Application before attending their first shift (including youth and group members).
Weather:
Inclement weather on the day of your shift? Keep an eye on your email the day before or the day of your shift to check for cancellations.
Other:
Every volunteer must register ahead of time. Each shift has a limited number of spots. Walk-ins may be turned away.

Sort and Tag Donated Items for Habitat for Humanity

ReStore Pasadena

Pasadena, CA

Other

Description:
Sort and tag donated items, ranging from clothing to furniture, for Habitat for Humanity's ReStore Pasadena.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Habitat for Humanity - San Gabriel Valley
Location:
32 N. Sierra Madre Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107
Time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Jessica Lin '13
Contact:
linjsusc@gmail.com
310-493-3762

Volunteer Instructions

Physical Activity/Ability:
Variety of duties, including helping customers move furniture to their vehicles.

Sort Donations and Clean Workspace

Precious Life Shelter Thrift Shop

Los Alamitos, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort through donated items, organizing them for easy access and sale. Cleaning tasks include scrubbing floors and baseboards to maintain a clean and welcoming shopping environment.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Precious Life Shelter
Location:
3622 Florista Street
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Trojan Women's Network
Contact:
marisa.ybarra@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
This volunteer event involves cleaning, so please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little messy.

Sort Food Donations

FAM food bank

San Clemente, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort food donations from local retailers that may be close to or past the "Best by" date, as well as produce that may be bruised. Follow our guidelines and use your judgment to determine which food is still usable and safe to eat.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Family Assistance Ministries
Location:
1000 Calle Cordillera
San Clemente, CA 92673
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
15
Host(s):
USC Marshall Alumni Association - Orange County
Contact:
deasmun@yahoo.com
949-302-2444

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 5 years of age or older. Everyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Attire:
Must wear closed-toed shoes.
Waiver:
A waiver can be signed on arrival.

Sort Food Donations for Los Angeles Residents

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank - LA SITE

Los Angeles, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort, box, and prepare food donations for distribution to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's 600+ agency partners. Your efforts will directly support families, individuals, and seniors experiencing food insecurity.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Location:
1734 E. 41st Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90058
Time:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
100
Host(s):
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Salerni Collegium Alumni Association
USC Alumni at Northrop Grumman
Contact:
chelsea.knott@med.usc.edu
323-442-0789
chit.saraswat@ngc.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age and older.
Attire:
Please dress in comfortable clothing, such as jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes (closed-toe shoes are required).
Other:
No walk-ins are allowed. All volunteers must register online. Before your volunteer shift, please review the Food Bank’s Volunteer Handbook on the website.

Sort Food Donations for Senior Citizens

Orange County Food Bank

Garden Grove, CA

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort and pack a variety of food items into boxes for low-income seniors.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Community Action Partnership of Orange County
Location:
11870 Monarch Street
Garden Grove, CA 92841
Time:
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
USC Young Alumni Council
Contact:
tarynmaister@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
The warehouse utilizes forklifts and heavy moving equipment; if children are present they must be properly supervised by their parental guardian.
Attire:
Closed-toe shoes (preferably tennis shoes) are required; no sandals are permitted. Wear comfortable clothes.
Parking:
Located at back of the warehouse.
Physical Activity/Ability:
Volunteers will lift anywhere from 1 to 32 pounds. Most of the event will require people to do repetitious tasks. There are different tasks available for different skill levels and physical limitations.

Sort, Pack and Box Food for People in Need

Roadrunner Food Bank

Albuquerque, NM

Hunger | Homelessness

Description:
Sort food, repack bulk food, box/bag food, place and stack food on pallets.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Roadrunner Food Bank
Location:
5840 Office Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (-7:00) Mountain
Capacity:
22
Host(s):
USC Alumni in New Mexico
Contact:
505-306-0257

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Please review www.rrfb.org for information on requirements for children.
Attire:
Sandals, flip-flops or crocs are not permitted. Volunteers must wear shoes with a closed toe and heel whenever working in the warehouse or distribution. Shirts must cover the shoulder; shorts and skirts should be of modest length. Tank tops, tube or halter tops, midriffs, low riding pants, short shorts, or miniskirts may not be worn under any circumstance. Ear buds, headphones and mobile phones may not be used in the warehouse or at a distribution. Valuables, purses, bags and backpacks should be left at home or secured in your vehicle.
Food & Beverage:
Water bottles are acceptable if they are a personally identifiable tumbler bottle that can be sealed to avoid leaking if tipped over. Recyclable plastic water bottles (like those from a multi-pack) are not permitted.
Other:
Separate registration and waiver required. Details provided by the host prior to the event.

Spend Time with Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Fundación abrazo Fraterno

Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Youth Outreach

Description:
Spend time with children with intellectual disabilities. Serve breakfast to the children and their families.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Fundación Abrazo Fraterno
Location:
Maestro Palomo 480, Puente Alto
Santiago, Región Metropolitana 000-000
Chile
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (-3:00) Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Georgetown
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
USC Alumni Club of Chile
Contact:
mlsepulv.ing@gmail.com
56-94-216-0428

St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral Beautification

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help prepare St. John’s, during the cathedral's centennial year, for spring and Easter. We will be doing light cleaning and organizing, indoor painting, gardening (weather permitting), and filling Easter Eggs.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Location:
514 W. Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
25
Host(s):
Heather Kelly ’97
Rev. Mel Soriano / Canterbury USC
Rev. Anne Sawyer
Contact:
socaltrojan@me.com

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or giving color to in the way of paint stains. If you have gardening gloves or thick work gloves, bringing them would be appreciated.
Food & Beverage:
Beverages and snack will be provided
Parking:
The parking lot is to the left of the cathedral on Flower Street. Parking is free.
Weather:
Outdoor work/activities are dependent on the weather.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Garden Beautification

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

Los Angeles, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help us clean and weed the church garden. Other tasks may include cleaning the church interior.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
SOLA Community Peace Center and St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Location:
3651 S. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
10
Host(s):
Susan Stouffer '07
Kathleen Elliott Chillison
Contact:
sstouffer.peacecenterdirector@gmail.com
213-219-8716

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Please be prepared to do some outside work/gardening/cleanup with appropriate clothes and shoes, hat and any needed sunscreen.
Parking:
There is parking on 36th Place behind St. Mark's Lutheran Church.
Weather:
If it rains, we will clean the church interior.

Support Shelter Dogs

Laws for Paws HQ

Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Animal Care

Description:
Take care of shelter dogs and take them for walks.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Laws for Paws Ho Chi Minh City
Location:
Hem 189c/1/4, Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Street Thao, District 2
Hồ Chí Minh 70000
Vietnam
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (+7:00) Bangkok, Jakarta, Hanoi
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
USC Alumni Club of Vietnam
Contact:
r.l.creighton@gmail.com
840906960051

Urban Farm Beautification

Dirt Beast Farm

Kansas City, MO

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Help out with a range of activities, from harvesting plants to brush clearing. Volunteers will also help clear invasive plants and create a nature conservation area.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Dirt Beast Farm
Location:
4222 Highland Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64110
Time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (-6:00) Central
Capacity:
20
Host(s):
Marcelo Bustamante '12
Contact:
213-864-3915

Volunteer Instructions

Attire:
Wear season-appropriate layered clothes that are suitable for farm work. Bring sunblock and a hat. Please wear closed-toe shoes, no flip flops or sandals.
Physical Activity/Ability:
This space is a working farm on 1.5 acres and all volunteers will be required to follow guidelines that will be explained during orientation.
Supplies:
Garden gloves and tools will be provided. However volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves if possible.

Volunteer at a Horse Ranch

Ahead With Horses - Shadow Hills Ranch

Shadow Hills, CA

Animal Care

Description:
Help with horse riding lessons, grooming horses, sanding and staining benches, weeding, landscaping and general maintenance around the ranch.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
AHEAD With Horses
Location:
10157 Johanna Avenue
Shadow Hills, CA 91040
Time:
8:45 AM - 11:45 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
25
Host(s):
USC MRED Alumni (Jonathan Braun ’17)
Contact:
jonnyb180@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
Must be 12 years old or older.
Attire:
Must wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops).
Food & Beverage:
Bring plenty of water.
Waiver:
Each volunteer must read the volunteer manual and sign a liability release form for 2025. (If under 18, must be signed by your legal guardian).

Volunteer at Alzheimer’s Awareness Film Screening

Glenner Center TOWN SQUARE®

Chula Vista, CA

Senior Citizen Outreach

Description:
Volunteer at an Alzheimer's Awareness Event screening of the Seth & Lauren Rogan documentary, "Taking Care" at the Glenner Center TOWN SQUARE®.
See www.takingcarefilm.com/ for more about the documentary.
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc.® & Hilarity for Charity
Location:
2765 Main Street, Suite A
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Time:
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
5
Host(s):
Trojan League Associates of San Diego County
Contact:
pbnordsy@aol.com
858-945-6272

Volunteer Instructions

Ages:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Attire:
Please wear your USC attire to increase visibility for our Day of SCervice!
Parking:
Parking is available on-site.
Other:
Please let us know if you would like to help by bringing event supplies, and or coordinating the collection of event supplies, such as food and beverages.

Volunteer at Sacramento Childern’s Home

Sacramento Children's Home

Sacramento, CA

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
We are continuing our Trojan tradition of volunteering with the Sacramento Children's Home. They welcome as many volunteers as possible and understand people will have different skills. Whether you can join us for 1 hour or 3 hours, all are welcome. We look forward to bringing Trojans together in service to our community. Specific volunteer activites coming soon.
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Sacramento Children's Home
Location:
2750 Sutterville Road
Sacramento, CA 95820
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM (-8:00) Pacific
Capacity:
50
Host(s):
USC State Capital Center in Sacramento
Contact:
jm65956@usc.edu
916-588-6380

Volunteer Instructions

Age:
All ages welcome.
Attire:
Please dress warmly and wear closed toed shoes.
Food & Beverage:
Coffee & water will be provided. After volunteering, we usually grab lunch together.
Parking:
Please drive around the right side of the building and park in any unreserved spot.
Supplies:
You can bring outdoor work gloves if you'd like.
Waiver:
All volunteers will be asked to sign a waiver.
Other:
Please arrive promptly, check in with Jacque or Tera, make a name badge, and sign the volunteer waiver.

Volunteer for Animal Adoption Day in Shanghai

奇喵幸福制造局 (Qimiao Happiness Workshop)

Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Animal Care

Description:
Help provide adoption opportunities for stray animals. Tasks will include transporting animals, assisting in the introduction of cats and dogs during the event, guiding the adoption application process, selling at the charity sale, cleaning the shelters and providing food for the animals. 这是一个为流浪动物提供领养机会的活动,志愿者将负责各类任务,包括接送动物、协助活动期间的猫狗介绍、指导领养申请表填写、义卖、清洁猫屋、照顾猫狗等。
Type:
In-Person Indoor
Organization:
Shanghai Adoption Day
Location:
上海市静安区金融街购物中心3楼奇喵幸福制造局
3rd Floor, One Financial Street, Jing'an District
Shanghai, Shanghai 200041
China
Time:
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (+8:00) Beijing, Hong Kong, Perth, Singapore
Capacity:
30
Host(s):
USC Alumni Club of Shanghai
Contact:
blessing.waung@gmail.com

Volunteer Instructions

Physical Activity/Ability:
Cleaning Volunteers
Other:
Before the event, a questionnaire will be sent to gather volunteers' preferences and special skills. The organizer will assign roles based on this information. 活动前将发送问卷以收集志愿者的偏好和技能特长,主办方将根据这些信息安排每位志愿者的工作岗位。

Waimānalo Beach Cleanup

Waimānalo Bay Beach Park

Waimanalo, HI

Beautification | Gardening

Description:
Mālama ʻĀina with the Trojan ʻOhana! Come dressed in your cardinal-and-gold gear, pack your unbeatable Trojan Spirit and let's help keep our beaches and ocean clean and healthy!
Type:
In-Person Outdoor
Organization:
Sustainable Coastlines
Location:
41-043 Aloiloi Street
Waimanalo, HI 96795
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM (-10:00) Hawaii
Capacity:
100
Host(s):
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association, Hawai'i Regional Committee
Contact:
martin@centre-urban.com

Volunteer Instructions

Supplies:
Please bring refillable water bottles, reef-safe sunscreen, sun protection (hat, sunglasses), and Aloha!
Sorry, there are no matching projects.

Photos

Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a host?

All degreed alumni who agree to uphold Trojan Family values and the university’s code of conduct are eligible to host a project.

I want to host a project but am not sure how to start?

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to our office. You can also begin contacting your local community groups for ideas and assistance, or to organizations like these that have global volunteer opportunities:

Volunteer LA
Volunteer Match
Just Serve
All for Good
Habitat for Humanity
AARP Create the Good
Feeding America
American Red Cross

Where can I find virtual volunteer project opportunities?

Many organizations offer virtual volunteer opportunities for groups or individuals. A few are listed below:

Meals on Wheels
United Way
Translators Without Borders
Catch A Fire
UN Volunteers
DoSomething.org
Zooniverse
Color A Smile
Volunteer Match
Be My Eyes
Library of Congress
National Park Services
Smithsonian
Warm-Up America

What are examples of past projects?

Animal Care: Pasadena Humane Society
Art & Crafts: “Fight On” Beads
Beautification and Gardening: Community Clean-Up*
Construction: Battleship IOWA Museum Los Angeles
Healthcare and Hospital: Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Hunger and Homelessness: Regional Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children
Mentorship and Education: Young Business Alliance*
Outreach to Older Adults: Bingo at Sakura Gardens
Youth Outreach: Fannie C. Harris Youth Center*
Other: Clothing Drives

What are my key responsibilities as a host?

Below is a short checklist of tasks before, during and after the project to ensure you have an enjoyable, meaningful and stress-free experience.

Before the Project:

  • Attend a one-hour mandatory Day of SCervice Host Informational Session.
  • Submit all project details to the USC Alumni Association (USCAA) regional team by the deadline, using the Project Submission Form.
  • Notify the USCAA if you need a co-host for support and back-up (recommended).
  • Serve as the contact person for the USCAA, the organization and the participants.
  • Email participants with all event details prior to the Day of SCervice.
  • Promote events on regional Facebook group pages and within the FightOnline Community for your region (marketing assets will be provided as needed).
  • Join the FightOnline Alumni Volunteer Leaders Community to interact with other alumni volunteers and to share best practices and tips.

During the Project:

  • Be present at the event.
  • Arrive early—if needed, set up the site with decor and signage.
  • Greet, sign in guests and distribute the Alumni Day of SCervice commemorative gift to participants.
  • Capture photos/videos and share on social media, tagging @usclaumni and using #uscalumni100 #fighton #usctrojans or other popular USC hashtags. Photo tips:
    • Capture faces in good lighting.
    • Get lively group shots.
    • Show off multi-generational families.

After the Project (within 48 hours):

  • Share sign-in list with the USCAA.
  • Share photos, videos or other content with the USCAA.
  • Share feedback and comments.

How do I publicize my Day of SCervice project to USC alumni in my area?

Here are a few ways to promote your project to local Trojans:

  • Post project details on Facebook on your area’s designated USCAA Regional Alumni Groups.
  • Post project details in the designated FightOnline Community for your region.
  • Promote the project in your personal/local network (email, text, post on LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.).
  • Co-promote with the organization.

USCAA will:

  • List projects on the USCAA Event Calendar with regional registration links.
  • Email all alumni in your area (for whom we have email addresses).
  • Provide marketing collateral, assets and social media graphics.

What other resources does the USCAA provide for Day of SCervice hosts?

USCAA will:

  • Provide host training and a detailed timeline.
  • Provide a USC Host Box which includes name tags, check in list, markers, signage and the Alumni Day of SCervice commemorative gift.
  • Provide an e-registration list 5 days prior to the Day of SCervice.

What is our cancellation/illness policy?

Please notify USCAA about cancellations/illnesses as soon as possible and when possible no less than 48 hours prior to the Alumni Day of SCervice so that we can notify participants or, if possible, designate another alumni host.

Please note: Your participant capacity must be based on the venue or the organization’s needs. For any and all questions, please email Lei Wat.

Fight On!