At any given time, our facility: “The FOB” (Forward Operating Base), is filled with millions of items donated by Americans from across the country. Once a month or more, we call on hundreds of eager and spirited Volunteers in the Southern California area to help us assemble these items to create the Operation Gratitude Care Packages. Join us! “Assembly” work includes production of the Care Packages, labeling, taping, running packages, re-stocking the lines, breaking down cartons, and other tasks.

Check out this short video on what happens on a typical Assembly Day and the type of work that you will help us complete. 

Check-In Location:

Please check-in at the Volunteer Information Table when you arrive. At that point, you will receive a nametag and further instructions.

No food or drinks are allowed inside the building or around products and packages.

Important Information

We greatly appreciate your volunteer efforts and spirit!  To ensure your own safety and enjoyment, and to preserve our welcome at The FOB, we ask that you read and follow these requirements:

1. All Volunteer days include both “Prep” and “Assembly” work.  “Prep” work consists of sorting donated items, folding shirts, screening letters, and otherwise preparing the products.  “Assembly” work includes production of the care packages, labeling, taping, letter reading and writing, running packages, re-stocking the lines, breaking down cartons and many other tasks.  In addition, if time allows, we will provide instruction and materials for making Paracord Survival Bracelets on site.

2. We have seated and standing jobs for everyone on all Volunteer Days.

3. As in the past, we welcome children ages 12 and older; those ages 12-16 must have a responsible adult with transportation on the premises at all times. Due to insurance, liability and safety concerns, we must strictly adhere to these rules–there are no exceptions.  Younger children are encouraged to write letters and organize phone recycling drives from home.

4. Parking will be in the parking lot surrounding the building and along the street.

5. Speed limit around The FOB is 10 miles per hour. In congested areas, the limit is as slow as safety permits–even if that means a complete stop for an extended time.

6. Clothing, Shoes, Purses, Cell Phones, Food

   • Please wear closed-toe shoes, no sandals or flip-flops.

   • Wear comfortable, but respectful clothing; (NO “short-shorts” or revealing tops please); please avoid political statements on clothing.

   • Important Note: For security reasons, no bags, backpacks or briefcases are allowed in The FOB. Please lock purses, backpacks or other valuables in your car: We do not have a safe place for them and will not accept responsibility for personal property.

   • If you arrive by public transportation, please leave your purse/bag at the Sign-In table. Water stations are available throughout the facility.

   • No food or drinks are allowed inside the building or around products and packages. 

   • Cell phones are permitted, but we ask that they are not used for making calls while volunteering. You are welcome to take pictures for personal or social media use. However,pictures of labels on care packages or anything with an address on it is strictly prohibited.
     

7. Volunteer Registration & Release Form

   • All volunteers must check-in at the Volunteer Table by the front door to register and must fill out a RELEASE FORM for the current year.

   • Due to heightened security requirements, all volunteers must present a government or school issued I.D. with photo when requested.

   • To receive Community Service Credit, you MUST sign-in upon arrival and sign-out upon departure at the COMMUNITY SERVICE TABLE, located separately from the Volunteer Sign In Table. Look for the Community Service Table signs. 

   • Please wear the name tag provided at check-in at all times.

Directions

Near the intersection of Lassen Street and Variel Avenue (between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and De Soto Avenue; south of the 118 Freeway)