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 the animal shelter to park cleanups, here are some ways Land Park neighbors can make a difference.

From March through November, volunteers with the Land Park Volunteer Corps meet on the first Saturday of each month to help maintain the park. Cleanup projects include trimming bushes, cleaning ponds, picking up trash and raking debris. Tools and gloves are provided.

Volunteer days typically begin at 8 or 9 a.m. and wrap up at 11:30 a.m. Cleanup efforts are based at the Base Camp behind Fairytale Town, with scheduled dates including March 7 at 9 a.m., April 4 at 8 a.m., May 9 at 8 a.m., June 13 at 8 a.m., July 11 at 8 a.m., August at 8 a.m., Sept. 12 at 8 a.m., Oct. 3 at 8 a.m., and Nov. 7 at 9 a.m.

Youth groups and students seeking volunteer credit are welcome. Coffee and pastries are available in the morning, water is provided throughout the day, and a hearty lunch is served at the end of each cleanup. 

Those interested can sign up now at landparkvolunteercorps.org to get ready for upcoming cleanup days. 

C.K. McClatchy High School is seeking adult volunteers to support a range of student programs and activities throughout the school year. Parents and guardians can assist by serving on school governance groups, supporting athletic teams or chaperoning field trips.

Support includes chaperoning activities for drama, speech and debate and associated student body-sponsored dances held throughout the school year.

Volunteer requirements follow school district policies designed to ensure student safety. Roles involving unsupervised student care, such as transporting students, require additional screening. Many volunteer opportunities require only a short form or an expression of interest.

Details about requirements and the volunteer packet can be found at ckm.scusd.edu/support-ckm.

Are you an animal lover looking to help pets find their forever homes? Just a seven-minute drive from Land Park are several ways for community members to get involved at the Front Street Animal Shelter, 2127 Front St.

The Friends of Front Street Animal Shelter, a nonprofit that supports the shelter and its operations, helps connect residents with volunteer opportunities that best fit their interests and availability. Volunteers can assist with animal care, walk dogs, support potential adopters and help with day-to-day shelter needs.

Those who prefer to help from home can promote adoptable animals, help plan community events or assist with fundraising efforts. Residents can also become foster providers, offering temporary care to pets who need extra attention before finding a permanent home.

For more information, visit friendsoffrontstreet.org/get-involved.

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).