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. Whether it’s helping local rescue animals or joining a park cleanup, here are some ways East Sacramento residents can make a difference.

 

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, located at 6001 Folsom Blvd., is seeking volunteers to care for homeless and abused animals. Training is provided, and volunteers can contribute both on-site and from home. Photo courtesy of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Rose Garden and McKinley Park Cleanup

Residents who want to give back and help keep McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Blvd., looking its best can join the McKinley Park Volunteer Corps. Sponsored by Friends of East Sacramento, the group consistently brings together around 50 to 100 volunteers Saturday morning to care for the park.

Volunteer projects include maintaining the jogging path and rose garden by cleaning, raking, weeding and pruning. After a brief training, available online or in person, volunteers can work on their own schedules.

The program welcomes volunteers of all ages and works with schools and service groups to help participants earn required volunteer hours. Those interested can sign up for the email list by contacting [email protected].

Help at Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, located at 6001 Folsom Blvd., is looking for volunteers to assist rescue cats and help them find loving homes. Training is provided, and volunteers can contribute on-site or from home.

On-site tasks include cleaning the adoption center, helping with adoptions and transporting cats to spay and neuter appointments. Volunteers who prefer to help from home can support follow-up adoption communications by phone or email, answering questions and returning messages. Those interested can also open their homes to provide foster care for cats.

Happy Tails also seeks volunteers for special events, from its annual open house to smaller fundraisers and promotional events hosted by local businesses. Junior volunteers ages 14 to 17 can help with clean-up, basic grooming, animal socialization and supporting adult volunteers.

Those interested can contact [email protected] or visit happytails.org for more information.

 

On-site tasks for volunteers at Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary include cleaning the adoption center, assisting with adoptions, serving as adoption counselors, transporting pets to spay and neuter appointments, and fostering cats and kittens. Photo courtesy of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Join the Museum of Medical History Team

Looking to share your love of history? Volunteers are welcome at the Museum of Medical History, which offers free public access by operating through the support of volunteers, grants and community donations.

Located at 5380 Elvas Ave., the museum showcases the evolution of medicine from the mid-1800s to today, highlighting the region’s unique contributions. Volunteers can help by leading school and group tours, help maintain and improve exhibits, or assist with cleaning, researching and cataloguing artifacts. 

Those passionate about sharing knowledge about medical history are also welcome to give lectures through the museum’s online lecture series. Learn more on how to get involved at museumofmedicalhistory.org.

Youth Volunteers at McKinley Library

Youth ages 10 to 17 are invited to volunteer at McKinley Library, 601 Alhambra Blvd., on Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. No registration is required.

Volunteers will help in the kids’ area, with tasks supervised and guided by library staff. A weekly sign-in sheet will be available, and there is no commitment to continue beyond the drop-in session.

Those interested in volunteering outside of the Thursday drop-in sessions can complete the online registration and email [email protected] for more information.

Love history? Volunteer at the Museum of Medical History (5380 Elvas Ave.) by guiding tours, helping with artifacts, or sharing your knowledge through online lectures. Photo courtesy of Museum of Medical History

Become a Homeless Outreach Volunteer

Volunteers are needed for the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a community effort to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento. The count helps officials understand why people become homeless, develop better policies and programs, track progress in reducing homelessness, and secure federal funding for local shelters and services.

The PIT Count will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 27. Registration is required by Jan. 15. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive training and materials provided ahead of the count.

Volunteers will also conduct brief surveys with willing participants to learn how long they have been homeless and what services could best assist them. While the primary focus will be on individuals living unsheltered outdoors, the overall PIT Count also includes those staying in respite centers and shelters.

To participate, volunteers must be at least 18 years old, be 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).