Get involved

Become a member

Join our community

Heart in Hand is built by students like you—people who want to use their time and talents to serve others. Whether you're passionate about education, healthcare, or simply helping people, we have opportunities for you to make a meaningful impact. Volunteering with us means you'll develop real skills in teaching, event planning, community partnerships, and nonprofit operations while doing work that genuinely matters.

Handwritten holiday cards made by Heart in Hand volunteers

Important information

Heart in Hand is a student-led project, not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or formally incorporated entity. We operate as an informal volunteer group organized and run by students. All volunteer positions are unpaid.

By volunteering with Heart in Hand, you acknowledge that this is an informal student initiative. While we maintain high standards for our programs and take safety seriously, participants volunteer at their own discretion and responsibility. For volunteers under 18, parental consent and awareness of volunteer activities is required.

We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all volunteers and the communities we serve. Background checks may be required for certain roles involving direct interaction with children or vulnerable populations.

Volunteer opportunities

Choose the program that matches your interests and availability

Initiative one

Health Education Workshops

Lead interactive workshops teaching K-8 students about hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and general health. This program requires a more rigorous application process due to working directly with children.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 14 years old
  • Currently enrolled as a high school student
  • Reside in California (preferably Los Angeles)
  • Experience working with children (tutoring, babysitting, etc.)
  • Working familiarity with Canva, Powerpoint, or other presentation software
  • Access to transportation for presentations
  • Completion of background check (required by partner schools)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver interactive health workshops
  • Prepare educational materials and activities
  • Maintain classroom management and student safety
  • Assess and improve curriculum effectiveness

Time commitment Approximately 6-8 hours per month, including preparation time, workshops, and team meetings. Flexible scheduling based on school partnerships and your availability.

Initiative two

Care Kit Assembly & Delivery

Assemble care kits and coordinate deliveries to hospitals and hospice centers. This program is a more accessible entry point with opportunities to grow into leadership roles.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 14 years old
  • Currently enrolled as a high school student
  • Reside in California (preferably Los Angeles)
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in teams
  • Access to transportation for deliveries
  • Adherence to visitor policies and health guidelines (required by hospitals)

Responsibilities

  • Research and propose new items for care kits
  • Assemble care kits with attention to quality and detail
  • Write personalized encouragement notes for patients
  • Engage in conversation with patients and nurses during delivery

Time commitment Approximately 4-6 hours per month, with flexible scheduling around assembly events and delivery opportunities. Great for students with varying availability.

Application process

How to join Heart in Hand

  1. 01

    Submit Application

    Complete our volunteer application form with your information, interests, and availability.

  2. 02

    Interview

    Participate in a conversation with our team to discuss your interests and how you can contribute.

  3. 03

    Onboarding

    Complete required paperwork, training, and orientation for your chosen program.

  4. 04

    Start Volunteering

    Begin making an impact in your community alongside our dedicated team.

What you should know

Important details for prospective volunteers

Volunteer Safety & Conduct

All volunteers must:

  • Adhere to our code of conduct and maintain professional behavior
  • Respect confidentiality and privacy of those we serve
  • Follow safety protocols at all volunteer sites
  • Report any concerns or incidents to leadership immediately

Parental Consent (Under 18)

If you are under 18 years old, you will need:

  • Signed parental consent form acknowledging volunteer activities
  • Emergency contact information on file
  • Guardian awareness of your volunteer commitments and schedules
  • Transportation arrangements coordinated with parent/guardian

Background Checks

For roles involving children or vulnerable populations:

  • Background checks may be required by partner organizations
  • We coordinate with partners to complete necessary screenings
  • Costs for background checks, if any, will be communicated upfront
  • All information is kept confidential and used only for screening

Flexibility & Commitment

We understand student schedules are demanding:

  • We try to work around academic commitments and exams
  • No penalty for taking breaks during busy school periods
  • Communicate availability changes as early as possible
  • Quality and reliability matter more than quantity of hours

Ready to make a difference?

Join a community of students committed to serving others and developing leadership skills. Your time and dedication can genuinely improve lives in our community.