While many businesses and organizations have pivoted their workflow online or to remote work, for groups like food banks and homeless shelters that rely heavily on in-person volunteer work to provide services and outreach to the communities where they are, the need for help is as dire as ever. There are still opportunities to volunteer virtually or at a distance, but many organizations still need people to come in and help out with things like delivering foods to needy families, checking in on elderly neighbors or community members experiencing homelessness and collecting toys for underprivileged kids during the holidays. And for those people who are up for the task, it’s a little different this year than it has been in previous years. Many places now require testing and are limiting the number of volunteers they’ll accept, so be sure to check with the organization you’d like to volunteer with to familiarize yourself with the new protocols.

Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from you! How are you continuing to volunteer in your community despite the pandemic? Join our live conversation by calling us at 866-893-5722. 

Looking for ways to help out this holiday season? Our friends at The Los Angeles Times put together a list of opportunities here in Southern California. You can see it here. 

Guest:

Ana Martinez, director of volunteer services at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank