Have you made a new year's resolution to give back to the community? There are multiple opportunities to get involved as a volunteer in Manhattan Beach for a wide range of interests. 

This month begins with two special events looking for volunteers: 

Coming up first is the 2026 Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Homeless Count on the evening of Thursday, January 22, from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. This annual event needs volunteers to help conduct a tally of unhoused or precariously housed individuals observed in the city. Although the data collected will provide just a snapshot of one sample night in Manhattan Beach, it will inform stakeholders about what homelessness looks like in our community and will help LAHSA determine where services are needed most. Pre-registration is required; more information is available here. 

Next is an opportunity to help with the Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project on Saturday, January 24 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This ongoing effort with the Bay Foundation aims to help increase biodiversity and coastal resilience. (Additional volunteer opportunities are available on February 21 and March 21.) The work involves removing non-native plants and replacing them with native vegetation by seeding and planting. Tools and gloves are provided. Pre-registration is required; more information is available here. 

Other volunteer opportunities include: 

Beach Cities Health District: There are many opportunities available for teens and adults to help others in the community, ranging from working at the allcove teen center to running errands for older adult clients. More information is available here. 

Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden: Drop in at the garden every Friday between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. to plant, weed, mulch, and sweep. (Children ages 12-17 are welcome if accompanied by parent or guardian.) You must complete a liability form to volunteer. More information is available here. 

MBPD Volunteers in Policing Program: There are multiple opportunities to volunteer with the Manhattan Beach Police Department, including Volunteers in Policing, Neighborhood Watch, Victim Assistance Team, Reserve Police Officer, and the Police Explorers Program (ages 14-21). More information is available here. 

Manhattan Beach Parks and Rec Department: Parks and Rec has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for city events throughout the year. More information is available here. 

Roundhouse Aquarium: The Roundhouse has opportunities for interpretive volunteers (ages 13 and up) who are willing to commit at least three hours per week for four to six months. More information is available here. 

Young Entrepreneurs Academy: The YEA is looking for business mentors who can support students during the final phase of the program. Mentors will help students fine-tune their business plans using a structured template and prepare their slide decks for the investor panel. YEA is especially looking for mentors with experience in cottage kitchens (food made in home kitchen for sale); app creation; fashion/textiles/clothing and/or retail; manufacturing; or cleaning services (windows/trash cans). More information is available here. 

Not ready to commit yet? These volunteer opportunities are a little further down the road:

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair: The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair will be held on October 3 and 4, 2026. The fair is an all-volunteer project, and welcomes volunteers in a variety of areas. Although the official volunteer form is not open yet, you may find more information about individual areas of volunteering through this contact list. 

MB 10K: The 49th Annual MB 10K will be held on October 3, 2026. For information about volunteering, fill out this form. 

MB CERT: The Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team is comprised of trained volunteers who educate people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Volunteers must go through basic CERT training, which is available this year in May and November. More information is available here.