Welcome
Be the light Contra Costa needs: volunteer and share your story!
About
My name is Ian Moore
When I was 10, my mom took me on a service trip to Peru to help teach English to kids in an impoverished area. I thought I’d be doing something really big, but instead, I ended up spending most of my time just playing with the kids. What really struck me was how incredibly happy they were, despite having so little. That experience taught me something that has stuck with me ever since: happiness doesn’t come from material things. As I got older and volunteered in different ways, I kept noticing the same thing—I always seemed to get more out of it than I felt I gave. When I talked to my friends, they all said the same thing. That’s why I decided to start this website. I believe that by sharing what we’ve gained from volunteering, we can inspire more teens to get involved and discover the incredible impact it can have—not just on the community, but on themselves.
Our Mission
Volunteer Video Stories
No two experiences are alike, yet all share a common thread—service transforms
both the giver and the receiver, leaving a lasting mark on both.
Emilio C.
”I know there is other people like me and I can feel related to other people.”
Anthony Y.
“We learned the importance of taking that first step. Going out of our comfort zone to work for people in need.”
Colin H.
"Appreciating what we have. Appreciating what we can do. Appreciating the impact that we can have when we set our minds to something."
Manny M.
“The biggest takeaway is to not hide our sorrows… to have an acceptance of the problems we might face.”
Volunteer Opportunites
These organizations provide various opportunities for teens in Contra Costa County to engage in meaningful service activities, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to their communities. However, there are many clubs in various schools which also are service oriented. However, if you do not find an organization or school club that speaks to you, start your own! Many of the students sponsored their own food, clothing, cereal drives or leveraged their athletic, intellectual or technical skills in service of various causes and are extremely grateful for the lessons learned. The impact doesn’t have to be huge. What is important is to just get involved.
1. East Bay Regional Park District
Opportunities: Park cleanups, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, environmental education.
2. Save Mount Diablo
Opportunities: Land stewardship, habitat restoration, trail work, public education.
3. Friends of the Creek
Opportunities: Creek cleanups, water quality monitoring, Vhabitat restoration.
4. Lafayette Open Space Foundation
Opportunities: Habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail maintenance.
5. The Watershed Project
Opportunities: Cleanups, restoration projects, environmental education in the East Bay area.
Volunteer Reflection
"These reflections capture how powerful volunteering can be. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about discovering who you are, growing as a person, and making connections that matter. Each volunteer experience is unique, shaping skills like leadership and empathy in ways that stick with you long after the work is done. Everyone brings something different to the table, and in return, they take away lessons that resonate deeply and stay with them. Volunteering isn’t just an act of service; it’s a journey that transforms both the volunteer and the community they touch". - Ian Moore
Rigby B.
Orinda Teens Boys Team Charity
Rigby’s experience volunteering at Rock Steady Gym, where he assisted adults with Parkinson's disease, was particularly meaningful. The relationships he formed with the participants made the experience deeply rewarding, teaching him about the importance of connection and service.
"The relationships I formed while volunteering were incredibly rewarding. I learned that service is not just about giving but also about building connections."
Lexi
High School Student
Lexi volunteered with White Pony Express and found the experience transformative. She learned valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and accountability, which set her on a path toward pursuing environmental science.
"Working with WPE set me on a path for how I want to navigate my life. Devoting oneself to service feels incredibly fulfilling."
Kyle O.
Orinda Teens Boys Team Charity
Kyle’s volunteer work at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano involved various tasks, from sorting fruit to bagging vegetables. Through this work, Kyle developed a strong work ethic and learned about the importance of efficiency and community service, especially during the pandemic.
"Volunteering at the food bank has taught me the value of hard work and the importance of helping others, especially during challenging times."
Brigitte J.
Campolindo High School
Brigitte started volunteering with the nonprofit *Be the Star You Are!* during her freshman year. Through this experience, she found her voice and developed her leadership skills, particularly through hosting a radio show and participating in community events. This journey helped her transition from an awkward freshman into a confident communicator.
"Volunteering helped me grow from an awkward high school freshman into an open, articulate individual. It gave me the chance to contribute meaningfully to my community."
Julian R.
Campolindo High School
Julian’s Eagle Scout project involved organizing the donation of backpacks filled with school supplies to children at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland. This experience taught him valuable lessons in responsibility, respect, and compassion. The success of his project reinforced the importance of giving back to the community.
"The experience taught me a lot about responsibility, respect, and compassion. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I made a difference in the lives of those children."
Alison R.
Campolindo High School
Alison first became involved with White Pony Express during the pandemic. She helped distribute food and other essentials to families in need. Alison recalls how eye-opening it was to see the impact of food recovery on the environment and how volunteering helped her develop leadership and communication skills.
"Volunteering at WPE helped my leadership skills and improved my communication. It was gratifying to support others and witness the impact on our community."
Natalie P.
San Ramon Valley High School
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Natalie found a meaningful way to give back by volunteering at White Pony Express. She took on multiple roles, from sorting donations to assisting at the White Pony Inn, and discovered how fulfilling it was to contribute to her community.
"Contributing to the community and witnessing its positive effects is amazing. I’ve learned communication skills, gained confidence, and taken on leadership roles."
Ryan S.
Miramonte High School
Ryan’s journey with White Pony Express began when he volunteered with the Boys Team Charity. Over time, he became more deeply involved, even organizing a special project to provide gifts for people experiencing homelessness. This experience reinforced the importance of community service and food recovery in his life.
"I really see the importance of volunteering. It’s important not to waste food since it is such a valuable resource."