Have you ever done something for someone with no thought of a reward? Or has someone helped you without asking for anything in return? These kinds of behaviors fall under the definition of "altruism" and can often be described as selfless acts. While these are all selfless acts, they are more than that. These are examples of prosocial behavior!

What's in it for me? People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help others.  But it's also okay to want some benefits for yourself from volunteering. The best volunteering does involve the desire to serve others, but this does not exclude other motivations, as well. If you are currently a volunteer or are interested in becoming a volunteer, there are many benefits you can receive from volunteering. After all, many programs would not be able to function without you!  

Ongoing opportunities are currently offered both on and off-installation and are located in the tabs below. The moving tiles at the top of the page reflect upcoming events that are requesting volunteers to support. Information and points of contact are provided with each opportunity. If you have any additional questions or need direct assistance, your primary point of contact is the Installation Volunteer Coordinator at (928) 269-6502 or via email at mcasyumaivc@usmc-mccs.org. Our Primary Prevention Integrator may also be able to assist and can be reached at (928) 269-6048.

L.I.N.K.S.
Do you have valuable experience and knowledge about the military lifestyle? Or is it fairly new to you and you want to learn more? L.I.N.K.S. stands for Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills. The L.I.N.K.S. program was originally created by volunteers and still holds the vision of a volunteer-based program that assists others in the community who face similar challenges such as deployments, frequent moves, making new friends, finances, etc. The L.I.N.K.S. program is always looking to build their team with new spouses and offers a number of diverse opportunities from administrative and logistical support to planning and decorating. L.I.N.K.S. also offers a mentorship program where individuals are given professional development opportunities by teaching others during the monthly L.I.N.K.S. class. For further information to become a L.I.N.K.S. volunteer or mentor, please contact MCFTB at (928) 269-6550 or mcftbyuma@usmc-mccs.org.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
Volunteers are needed in all areas at NMCRS. Training is provided and childcare is paid while volunteering. Please contact the office via e-mail yuma@nmcrs.org or phone at (928) 269.2373 or stop by BLDG 645 on the first floor for more information.

Single Marine Program
SMP has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to choose from each month. Times, days, and locations vary to meet the needs of our diverse community. Whether you want to help give back to the local community at the food bank or shelter, have a love for animals, or just want to get out of the barracks and have fun doing something respectable, SMP has something for you! Stop by the SMP Rec Center for details or to sign up for an upcoming opportunity. PoC: SMP Assistant Coordinator, (928) 269-2075.

Spouses of Yuma Area Kickball Association
Active Duty volunteers are needed to assist with umpiring games during Spring and Fall seasons which run concurrent with WTI. Background knowledge of baseball/softball rules is a plus, but not required. Training will be provided on the rulebook by the commissioning team. Games are held on Sundays beginning late morning/early afternoon and are one hour long. LOAs are provided at the conclusion of the season. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact syakacommissioner@gmail.com.

USO
USO provides various opportunities throughout the year to support our service members and their families both on and off installation. Sign up or reach out to our local USO representative for more information.

Youth Sports
Do you have a love for sports? Can you remember a coach who taught you valuable skills and helped mentor you? Youth Sports is always looking for coaches. There are a variety of sports available. For more details or to become a Youth Sports coach, contact the Youth Sports Coordinator at (928) 269-2324.

Amberly's Place
Volunteer opportunities include cleaning and organizing donations for re-sale at the Thrift Shoppe. Volunteer application is online or call (928) 373-0849.

AZ Game & Fish
Opportunities include hunting, education, community outreach, wildlife conservation, donating water, watching wildlife, scholastic programs, wildlife care, and providing transportation. Volunteer application is online or call (928) 342-0091.

Compassus
Volunteer opportunities include patient support, bereavement, administrative, veteran-to-veteran, 11th hour/vigil, or supplementary services. Application is online or call (928) 238-2576.

Cross Roads Mission
Daily help is needed in the kitchen preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. Volunteer application is online or apply in person at the main office: 944 S Arizona Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364.

CASA
Volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group homes or foster care. Volunteer application can be found online or by calling (928) 314-1830 and asking for the CASA Coordinator.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.

Cub Scouts/Girl Scouts/Venturing Crew
Volunteers are needed to be a troop or service unit volunteer. Volunteer applications are available in person at (928) 750-0442.

Healing Journey
The Healing Journey is a safe place where survivors find peace, hope, and compassion to begin their healing journey. They provide health-based therapeutic counseling for trauma survivors. To learn more about their mission, visit The Healing Journey. For volunteer opportunities, call (928) 920-6220 or email.

Helping Hands of Yuma
Volunteering includes medical transportation, shopping assistance, yard sales, social events and activities, office help and senior encouragement. Volunteer application is online or apply in person Monday-Thursday from 7:30am - 11am at 11776 South Sheryl Drive, Yuma, AZ 85367.

Hospice of Yuma Nonprofit
Volunteers aid alongside nurses and physicians, including home care, respite for the caregiver, supporting staff within the office setting, or working in their thrift shop. We Honor Veterans Team seeks active-duty military and/or veterans who can provide the last opportunity for veterans to feel they are appreciated and their service was not in vain. Volunteer information can be found online. The Volunteer Manager can be reached via phone at (928) 343-2222 or email.

Humane Society of Yuma
Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cleaning, kennel support, events, admin and fostering. Volunteer application is online or contact the volunteer department at (928) 782-1621. Ongoing volunteer opportunities with the HSOY are available through the Single Marine Program. View the SMP calendar for dates.

Kids at Hope
Opportunities to volunteer include support at various fundraising events. Volunteer application is online or call the main office at (928) 210-4000 or email kidsathopeyuma@gmail.com.

Jessie's Closet
Volunteers are needed in the thrift store so that more than 300 foster children across Yuma County have a place where they are able to come in and get practical needs met. Volunteer application is online or apply in-person Tuesday-Friday: 9am - 5pm and Saturday: 9am - 2pm at 2301 South Ave A, Yuma, AZ 85364. Store number: (928) 248-5053.

Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
Volunteering for the Heritage Area allows you the opportunity to preserve and maintain historical landmarks, State Parks, and trails along the Riverfront that are used by our community. Volunteer application is online or by email at yumacrossing@yumaaz.gov.

Red Cross
Volunteers are needed to engage donors by greeting and registering, answering questions, and providing information and support through recovery. Volunteer application online or by calling the local office at (928) 248-8220 Monday-Friday: 10am - 4pm.

Saddles of Joy
Volunteers are needed for various tasks, including mucking stalls, and feeding animals. Visit Saddles of Joy or contact (928) 287-1148. You can also apply in person at the main office, 2749 West County 14th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365. Ongoing volunteer opportunities with SOJ are available through the Single Marine Program. View the SMP calendar for dates!

Safe House (Catholic Community Services of Southern AZ, Inc.)
Volunteers are needed for sorting donations. Opportunities are available by contacting (928) 782-0077 or by email.

Salvation Army
Volunteers are needed to support their programs. Visit their website or call (928) 783-0181 and select option 4. Volunteer applications are also available via email and in-person Monday-Thursday: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 2:30pm and Friday: 9am-12pm at 445 South 4th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364.

Yuma Food Bank
Yuma Food Bank needs assistance with packing food and preparing grocery bags for their clients. Volunteering opportunities are Monday-Friday: 7am - 12:30pm. Application is online. They are located at 2404 East 24th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365. Phone number is (928) 343-1243. Ongoing volunteer opportunities with the YFB are available through the Single Marine Program. View the SMP calendar for dates!

Special Olympics
Volunteer to be a coach, trainer official, or event organizer. You could also be a unified partner playing alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities or fans cheering in the stands. Visit Special Olympics. For local volunteer opportunities, contact (928) 210-3362 or email for an application.

• Station recognition through the Installation Volunteer Coordinator
• President's Volunteer Service Award
• Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM)
• Personal growth
• Professional development
• Meet new people
• Work flexible hours
• Receive on-the-job training
• Fills gaps in resumes
• Being the "Change Agent" in your community
• Investing in your community

Individual programs usually have a method of tracking your volunteer hours, but you are highly encouraged to double down and submit your LOAs, COAs and/or volunteer hours to the Installation Volunteer Coordinator, too! The IVC will help recognize you at the station level with 25, 50 & 75-hour milestone certificates and, if looking at 100+ volunteer hours in a calendar year, help you track for the President's Volunteer Service Award, which is submitted through their office! Volunteer hours can be sent to mcasyumaivc@usmc-mccs.org or by calling (928) 269-6550 to set up a time to come by in person!

When tracking hours with the Installation Volunteer Coordinator during the calendar year, milestone certificates will be issued at 25, 50, and 75 hours, in addition to being recognized on our installation marquees.

The President's Volunteer Service Award is another way volunteers are recognized aboard MCAS Yuma. Upon reaching 100 volunteer hours in a calendar year, the Installation Volunteer Coordinator will make you aware of your eligibility and help track for this special recognition. Certificates are typically ordered in February to ensure they are received in time for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony, held in April.

Finally, the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony is an event the installation Volunteer Program hosts. This is to recognize and show appreciation for volunteers who give their time and share their talent aboard MCAS Yuma as well as in the local community. Volunteer of the Year nominations are open to all individuals aboard MCAS Yuma and are submitted through your respective unit by the end of February. All nominees will be recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony and winners will be presented with an award.