Opportunities From: City of San Mateo

Volunteer: Storytime Assistant

Purpose of Position: Assist Children's Services Department with Storytime

Qualifications:

Age 14 and older Enjoys interacting with children Good communication skills Ability to understand and follow directions clearly Reliable and responsible Spanish/English and Chinese/English bilingual speakers encouraged to apply

Responsibilities:

Assist with crowd control Use of puppetry for welcoming participantsActively participating in songs and rhymes Clean Storytime props Maintain safe and clean environment for Library patrons Provide high quality customer service

Selection and Training: Attend a volunteer orientation

Time Commitment: 1–2 hour shift, 1 day a week

Tuesdays - Baby Storytime from 10am - 11:30am

Wednesdays - Pajama Storytime from 5:15pm - 6:15pm

Site/Station: San Mateo Main

Reports to: Children's & Literacy Services Staff

Program: Library

Purpose of Position: Assist Children's Services Department with Storytime

Qualifications:

Age 14 and older Enjoys interacting with children Good communication skills Ability to understand and follow directions clearly Reliable and responsible Spanish/English and Chinese/English bilingual speakers encouraged to apply

Responsibilities:

Assist with crowd control Use of puppetry for welcoming participantsActively participating in songs and rhymes Clean Storytime props Maintain safe and clean environment for Library patrons Provide high quality customer service

Selection and Training: Attend a volunteer orientation

Time Commitment: 1–2 hour shift, 1 day a week

Tuesdays - Baby Storytime from 10am - 11:30am

Wednesdays - Pajama Storytime from 5:15pm - 6:15pm

Site/Station: San Mateo Main

Reports to: Children's & Literacy Services Staff

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Eggstravaganza Event

Join us for Parks & Recreation's beloved event, the annual Eggstravaganza! We will need volunteers to help out with an assortment of activities, such as:

setting up booths, games, and egg hunt areaspointing people in the right direction managing lines/queuesassisting at craft booths assisting with children's activities


*All minors must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

Program: Special Events

Join us for Parks & Recreation's beloved event, the annual Eggstravaganza! We will need volunteers to help out with an assortment of activities, such as:

setting up booths, games, and egg hunt areaspointing people in the right direction managing lines/queuesassisting at craft booths assisting with children's activities


*All minors must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

Program: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 4, 2026

Zip Code: 94403

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Eggstravaganza Prep

Help the Parks & Recreation team get ready for its largest annual event, the annual Eggstravaganza! We need assistance getting eggs, candy and crafts ready. 

Program: Special Events

Help the Parks & Recreation team get ready for its largest annual event, the annual Eggstravaganza! We need assistance getting eggs, candy and crafts ready. 

Program: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94403

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Monthly Cleanup 2026

Join the City of San Mateo's Monthly Cleanup group for a special outdoor event to keep San Mateo litter free and welcoming for all! Locations change on a monthly basis so please be on the lookout out for an email with meeting location details a couple of days before your scheduled cleanup.

Program: Team Up to Clean Up

Join the City of San Mateo's Monthly Cleanup group for a special outdoor event to keep San Mateo litter free and welcoming for all! Locations change on a monthly basis so please be on the lookout out for an email with meeting location details a couple of days before your scheduled cleanup.

Program: Team Up to Clean Up

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 94401

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Bay Tree Senior Center (Help Prepare & Serve Healthy Lunch Meals for Seniors)

Help create an inviting and FUN family atmosphere in our senior lunch program Bay Tree Bistro. We offer nutritious meal at two locations the Senior Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. We are searching for passionate, respectful, reliable and easygoing individuals to assist with making patrons feel welcomed. Volunteer’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following tasks:

Completion of relevant onsite training Greeting patrons Setting up tables in preparation of patron’s arrival Some kitchen assistance: preparing and/or plating food Serving plated food to participants Clean up of tables after the end of program Possible inventory of pantry, assisting patrons with completing and submitting forms, etc.

Program: Senior Center

Help create an inviting and FUN family atmosphere in our senior lunch program Bay Tree Bistro. We offer nutritious meal at two locations the Senior Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. We are searching for passionate, respectful, reliable and easygoing individuals to assist with making patrons feel welcomed. Volunteer’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following tasks:

Completion of relevant onsite training Greeting patrons Setting up tables in preparation of patron’s arrival Some kitchen assistance: preparing and/or plating food Serving plated food to participants Clean up of tables after the end of program Possible inventory of pantry, assisting patrons with completing and submitting forms, etc.

Program: Senior Center

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94403

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: 2026 Earth Day Cleanup

The 2026 Earth Day Bayfront Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. The event will take place at Ryder Park. 

Location: Ryder Park -  1801 J Hart Clinton Dr., San Mateo 94401

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Cleanup:
  9:00am - 12:00 pm

Special Notes:  We require all minors to be under the supervision of an adult. Also, be sure to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes (no flip flops or open-toed shoes). To reduce waste, please bring a reusable water bottle, reusable gloves, and/or reusable bucket for litter collection. 

Please review our Safety Guidelines before the event. 

Parking may be challenging, but will also be allowed along J. Hart Clinton Drive along the fence line of Seal Point Park. Plan extra time to arrive and consider taking alternate modes of transportation if possible.

Attention Students! Volunteer verification forms can be signed after the event near the registration table.

Program: Team Up to Clean Up

The 2026 Earth Day Bayfront Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. The event will take place at Ryder Park. 

Location: Ryder Park -  1801 J Hart Clinton Dr., San Mateo 94401

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Cleanup:
  9:00am - 12:00 pm

Special Notes:  We require all minors to be under the supervision of an adult. Also, be sure to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes (no flip flops or open-toed shoes). To reduce waste, please bring a reusable water bottle, reusable gloves, and/or reusable bucket for litter collection. 

Please review our Safety Guidelines before the event. 

Parking may be challenging, but will also be allowed along J. Hart Clinton Drive along the fence line of Seal Point Park. Plan extra time to arrive and consider taking alternate modes of transportation if possible.

Attention Students! Volunteer verification forms can be signed after the event near the registration table.

Program: Team Up to Clean Up

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 25, 2026

Zip Code: 94401

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Latino Library Advisory Committee

The Latino Library Advisory Committee started in 2005 to promote Latino cultural events within the library. They continue to host events for the community that highlight and celebrate Latino culture. 

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis. Events include Las Posadas and Cinco de Mayo.


Program: Library

The Latino Library Advisory Committee started in 2005 to promote Latino cultural events within the library. They continue to host events for the community that highlight and celebrate Latino culture. 

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis. Events include Las Posadas and Cinco de Mayo.


Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Asian American Library Advisory Committee

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis

Program: Library

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: African American Library Advisory Committee

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis.

Program: Library

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis.

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Iranian Library Advisory Committee

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis.

Program: Library

Duties for this role include:

Helping plan for future events.Distributing flyers to local businesses.Decorating rooms and cleaning up afterwards.

This committee meets in the Main Library on a periodic basis.

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Discard Support

This opportunity is dedicated to supporting the process through which books (and other materials) from the library's collection and public donations are discarded. Materials that are deemed discards are nonetheless handled with care so that they can reach the next phase of their life, whether that means being resold by an external vendor or being recycled.

In this volunteer role, you will:

Scan discard materials (books and media) and separately them accordingly. Prepare materials for pick-up. Handle, carry, and move loaded boxes.Potentially take on other tasks relevant to discarded materials.

Please note: Due to the nature of this opportunity's tasks, interested volunteers should be able to lift boxes that weigh between 25-40 lbs. 

Program: Library

This opportunity is dedicated to supporting the process through which books (and other materials) from the library's collection and public donations are discarded. Materials that are deemed discards are nonetheless handled with care so that they can reach the next phase of their life, whether that means being resold by an external vendor or being recycled.

In this volunteer role, you will:

Scan discard materials (books and media) and separately them accordingly. Prepare materials for pick-up. Handle, carry, and move loaded boxes.Potentially take on other tasks relevant to discarded materials.

Please note: Due to the nature of this opportunity's tasks, interested volunteers should be able to lift boxes that weigh between 25-40 lbs. 

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Friends of the Library Book Sale & Donation Support

Love books and music? Help sort the many books and other media that are donated daily at the San Mateo Public Library. Learn to prepare these materials for sale by selecting, pricing and attractively displaying them in the Friends Book Sale Area. Work with visitors and shoppers in the sale area or community outreach selecting and distributing free books to schools, senior centers, senior care facilities and housing.

Program: Library

Love books and music? Help sort the many books and other media that are donated daily at the San Mateo Public Library. Learn to prepare these materials for sale by selecting, pricing and attractively displaying them in the Friends Book Sale Area. Work with visitors and shoppers in the sale area or community outreach selecting and distributing free books to schools, senior centers, senior care facilities and housing.

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Computer Aide

Help monitor public use of library computers and provide one-on-one assistance with navigating basic computer and internet functions, printing, and using Microsoft applications.

Program: Library

Help monitor public use of library computers and provide one-on-one assistance with navigating basic computer and internet functions, printing, and using Microsoft applications.

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Golf Marshals

Golf Marshals will assist players, help our cart staff, and work with the pro shop staff to help keep the golf course moving at an enjoyable pace for everyone.

Time Commitment: Volunteers work one 7-hour shift per week.

Training: Training will take place at the golf course.

Bonus: Complimentary golf/cart privileges will be provided for your service time.

Program: Poplar Creek Golf Course

Golf Marshals will assist players, help our cart staff, and work with the pro shop staff to help keep the golf course moving at an enjoyable pace for everyone.

Time Commitment: Volunteers work one 7-hour shift per week.

Training: Training will take place at the golf course.

Bonus: Complimentary golf/cart privileges will be provided for your service time.

Program: Poplar Creek Golf Course

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94401

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Welcome Greeter

Create a welcoming atmosphere by greeting library patrons, assisting with directional information, and assisting patrons utilize the Library technologies in the lobby.

Program: Library

Create a welcoming atmosphere by greeting library patrons, assisting with directional information, and assisting patrons utilize the Library technologies in the lobby.

Program: Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94402

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Planning a cleanup day? Let us know about it here!

Team Up To Clean Up brings San Mateo residents and neighborhoods together in a joint effort to eliminate litter in our streets, storm drains, parks, and waterways. Our City program helps groups large and small keep their neighborhood free of unsightly litter, and the natural environment safer for all.

A team can be just two friends committed to a cleaner world or hundreds of neighbors who make cleaning up a special community event. Your team can vary in size for each cleanup and your cleanup schedule can change too. We want to support you in making your team the perfect fit for your community.

Program: Team Up to Clean Up

Team Up To Clean Up brings San Mateo residents and neighborhoods together in a joint effort to eliminate litter in our streets, storm drains, parks, and waterways. Our City program helps groups large and small keep their neighborhood free of unsightly litter, and the natural environment safer for all.

A team can be just two friends committed to a cleaner world or hundreds of neighbors who make cleaning up a special community event. Your team can vary in size for each cleanup and your cleanup schedule can change too. We want to support you in making your team the perfect fit for your community.

Program: Team Up to Clean Up

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 94403

Allow Groups: Yes