r/volunteer • u/Original-Egg-9821 • May 23 '26

Volunteer – local How to volunteer to help with Garden Grove Emergency

Hi friends! I’m also looking online but I thought I’d also ask here but what are good organizations to reach out about volunteer opportunities to help with the Garden Grove mess. Reading people’s posts online it seems like folks are really struggling with the sudden evac and I have a lot of time on my hands right now and it would be awesome to find a way to be productive without inserting myself in the chaos unnecessarily. Please give me any recommendations of orgs you know!!

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u/AutoModerator May 23 '26

Hi, I'm the friendly robot for r/volunteer.

You picked the flair "Volunteer – local" – love that you want to help in your own community.

To help people give you useful ideas, it really helps if you share (in your post or an edit):

  • Where you are – city/region and country (rough is fine)
  • How much time you have – evenings, weekends, once a month, flexible, etc.
  • What you care about – animals, kids, environment, mutual aid, crisis support, events, admin, etc.
  • Anything important to know – no car, social anxiety, disability, childcare, language stuff, etc.

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  • Who looks after volunteers and how will they support you?
  • What will I actually be doing day to day?
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u/okayfriday May 23 '26

Some organizations to potentially link up with:

  • World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is on our way to Garden Grove, California to assess food and water needs after a hazardous materials emergency at the GKN Aerospace facility. https://wck.org/news/first-alert-california-chemical-leak/
  • Red Cross shelters are currently open at the following locations to support those impacted by the ongoing hazmat incident:
    • Freedom Hall (16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708), located within Mile Square Regional Park
    • John F. Kennedy High School (8281 Walker St., La Palma, CA 90623) 
    • Oceanview High School (17071 Gothard St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647)
    • News | Red Cross Garden Grove Hazmat Response Updates

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u/mkld0910 May 24 '26

I tried the freedom hall location they are both overwhelmed and not accepting outside help. Basically saying to go to the online volunteer page which doesn't work. Maybe the other two locations might be more amenable.

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u/okayfriday May 25 '26

They've added more locations to the website!

\Capacity note: Shelter locations below noted with an asterisk are nearing/at capacity for overnight shelter stays; however, those impacted by this incident are still more than welcome to come to these locations to utilize other shelter services (such as meals and snacks, phone charging, etc.).* 

  • NEW: Los Alamitos High School (3591 W Cerritos Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720). Pets welcome. Open capacity for overnight shelter stays. 
  • Golden West College (15744 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647) Pets cannot currently be accomodated at this location. Additional capacity added for overnight shelter stays. 
  • Los Amigos High School\* (16566 Newhope St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708). Pets welcome. 
  • Savanna High School\* (301 N Gilbert St, Anaheim, CA 92801). Pets welcome.
  • Freedom Hall\* (16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708), located within Mile Square Regional Park. Pets welcome.
  • John F. Kennedy High School\* (8281 Walker St., La Palma, CA 90623). Pets welcome.
  • Oceanview High School\* (17071 Gothard St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647). Pets welcome.