SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - As the new year begins, many residents are looking for ways to give back to their community. Volunteering offers a simple way to make a difference close to home, with plenty of local opportunities available. 

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on Jan. 19, community members are invited to take part in the national day of service. From supporting schools to helping at the animal shelter, Arden-Arcade residents have many ways to make a difference.

Arden Park Recreation and Park District welcomes volunteers who want to connect with their neighbors while supporting its youth programs, adult fitness classes and arts and leisure activities.

Parks and Recreation hosts several classes, both weekly and monthly, that feature activities available to the community such as line dance, paint and sip, and book and craft clubs. 

Organizations or individuals wishing to volunteer their time, energy or materials for district programs or special projects may contact 916-483-6069. More information is available at aprpd.org.

San Juan Unified School District encourages parents, guardians and other community members to share their knowledge and skills with students by volunteering. 

Volunteers can serve as classroom assistants, art docents, reading tutors and more. The district also welcomes self-help projects that enhance schools, including painting, gardening and other beautification efforts.

To ensure a safe and positive experience for students and staff, all volunteers must complete a one-time verification process before participating in school activities. 

Contact the district’s volunteer help desk by calling 916-971-7935 or email [email protected] to learn more or sign up for volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit sanjuan.edu/connect/volunteer.

Volunteers are needed for the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, a community effort to identify people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento. The data collected helps officials understand the causes of homelessness, track progress in reducing it, improve programs, and secure federal funding for local shelters and services.

The count takes place from 5 to 11 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 27. Registration is required by Jan. 15. Volunteers will receive training and materials in advance. 

On the nights of the count, participants will meet at a central location before heading out on assigned routes to record the number of people living outdoors or in vehicles. Volunteers may also conduct brief surveys to learn how long individuals have been homeless and what services could help.

The PIT Count includes both unsheltered individuals and those staying in respite centers or shelters. Volunteers must be at least 18, able to travel by foot and car to assigned locations, and bring a personal smartphone and flashlight. Those ready to help address homelessness can register at bit.ly/4qRlRK3 (case sensitive).

Explore further community service options available throughout the Sacramento area at the Regional Center for Volunteerism, HandsOn Sacramento, at handsonsacto.org. 

Just a 15-minute drive from Arden-Arcade, the county animal shelter at 3839 Bradshaw Road relies on volunteers to help care for more than 14,000 animals each year, including strays, owner surrenders and cases of neglect or cruelty.

Volunteers support nearly every aspect of Bradshaw Animal Shelter operations, from walking and socializing animals to feeding, cleaning, customer service, mobile adoption events and fundraisers. Opportunities also exist for those who prefer helping from home.

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Celeste Ingrid at 916-875-5848. Look into all the different ways to get involved at bit.ly/4srNURI (case sensitive).