During these uncertain times, you may be wondering “How can I help?” As a neighborhood-oriented entity always thinking of our residents first, Woodland Hills Magazine feels a responsibility to unite our broader community and to use this moment to become stronger. We get it – you have had a lot on your mind over the last year, and maybe things like environmental justice and climate change weren’t always at the top of your things-to-stress-over list. But with our declining COVID numbers, relatively successful vaccination rollout and life inching ever-so-closely back to “normal” every day, this is a good time to throw your hat into the volunteering ring.

 

Whether it’s getting involved in a food pantry effort or assisting outdoor user groups interested in keeping public and private lands open to prospecting, mining and outdoor recreation, the following are great local volunteer opportunities geared towards the “doing your part” movement, guaranteed to make you feel good inside.

 

The West Valley Food Pantry, headquartered at 5700 Rudnick Avenue, ensures that no one goes hungry – a mission that has never been more urgent than right now. The organization is committed to staying open and serving the Woodland Hills community during this tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, its entire operation and volunteer system having been recently redesigned to practice social distancing and keep clients, volunteers and staff safe. The West Valley Food Pantry is urgently in need of the support of the community to stop hunger brought on by the current crisis, so contact a representative today to learn how you can contribute.

 

Public Lands for the People, a worthwhile organization headquartered in Inyokern, operates under a mission that represents groups and individuals interested in keeping public and private lands open to prospecting, mining and outdoor recreation, its goal to unite, inform and raise funding for all causes and issues related to land user rights. What’s more, PLFTP has come to the aid of individuals or groups being harassed, intimidated or mislead by people in authority and, as a grass roots entity, remains dependent on the contributions of its members. Whether your contribution is through volunteering, donations or just simply joining the community and getting the word out, PLFTP welcomes all who will stand up and become a voice for mining and land use rights. 

 

Mind the Children is an organization you can get involved in that is outside the confines of the Los Angeles, USA border – supporting the activities of three groups. Lost in Europe, Defence for Children-ECPAT Netherlands and Free Press Unlimited, and Mind the Children aim to bring the stories of missing children to light and presses for action to protect them. The consortium focuses on the expansion of the network of Lost in Europe journalists and training of new members, the assurance that all research and stories of the journalists are produced in a secure online work environment where they can share sensitive information, the facilitation of the production of impactful stories by Lost in Europe journalists, the creation of a whistleblowing platform to anonymously share tips and information, and advocacy activities for policy changes in Europe and awareness among European citizens and politicians about the lack of protection against migrant children in Europe.  

 

New Friends Homeless Center, located at 21781 Ventura Boulevard, attempts to meet the basic physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the homeless and less fortunate of the area, regularly transforming lives in a way you would be most proud to get involved with. Over 120,000 people experience homelessness every night in LA County and the San Fernando Valley, and New Friends Homeless Center operates independent locations that are funded by local volunteers and sponsors to successfully provide hot meals, clothing and hygiene kits to those in need. Sweetening the volunteering deal, NFHC offers a recurring debit option on its website’s donate page – so consider stopping by one of the centers to join in on spreading hope, unconditional love and encouragement to guests who are experiencing hard times.

 

Family Rescue Center, located at 22103 Vanowen Street in Canoga Park, serves individuals and families in the West San Fernando Valley that may be experiencing hunger, homelessness and other obstacles, providing low-income people food, clothing and additional essential services. The ultimate goal here is to sustain people in desperate circumstances, empowering them to achieve personal and financial independence, the Christian faith-based organization always in need of volunteers – so drop by today and ask how you can contribute. 

 

Because we all really do love Woodland Hills, it is not a stretch to imagine that each of us, from time to time, ask ourselves what we can do to give back to this amazing community of ours. Consider this roundup a starter compilation of awesome volunteer opportunities if you’re looking to lend a helping hand to the City of Angels…and even if you don’t find the exact cause that’s right for you on the list, it ought to provide some excellent ideas moving forward.