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. We have tasks appropriate for all levels of ability:

• “Prep” work consists of sorting donated items, folding shirts, writing/screening letters, quality controlling Battalion Buddies, and/or preparing products and the Assembly Line.
• “Assembly” work includes production of the Care Packages, labeling, taping, running packages, re-stocking the lines, breaking down cartons, and other tasks.
• “Production” work includes hand-making items onsite. Time allowing, we will provide instruction and materials for making Paracord ‘Survival’ Bracelets and/or Battalion Buddies on-site.

Youth ages 12 and older are welcome to serve at The FOB. Scroll down for more Volunteer Information, including important dress and parking details.

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

VOLUNTEER TIPS

• Closed-toed shoes only, no high-heels
• No large bags or backpacks allowed
• No food or drinks allowed

VOLUNTEER RULES & INFO

To ensure your own safety and enjoyment, and to preserve our welcome in our facility, we ask that you read and follow these rules:

• All Volunteers must sign a Release Form (parents/guardians must sign for minors under 18).
• Children ages 12 and older are welcome to serve; those ages 12 – 16 must have a responsible adult with them on the premises at all times, with access to transportation. Due to insurance, liability, and safety concerns, we must strictly adhere to these rules—there are no exceptions.
• All Volunteers must fill out a release form (either online or in-person) for each Assembly Day attended. 
• Volunteers must sign in at the Volunteer Tables in the parking lot or inside The FOB.
• Due to heightened security requirements, all Volunteers must present a government or school issued I.D. with photo when requested.
• Wear the name tag provided at check-in at all times.
• To receive Community Service Credit (“CSC”), you must sign-in upon arrival and sign out upon departure at the Volunteer Sign-In Table.

ACCESSIBILITY

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

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

• Wear closed-toe shoes; no sandals or flip-flops allowed.
• Wear comfortable but respectful clothing (No “short-shorts” or revealing tops); avoid political statements on clothing.
• Lock purse or other valuables in your car. We do not have a safe place for them and will not accept responsibility for personal property in or around The FOB.
• No bags, backpacks, or briefcases allowed in The FOB. Please keep cell phones and wallet in your pockets.
• Cell phones are permitted, but we ask that you not make calls while volunteering. You are welcome to take pictures for personal or social media use. However, you may not photograph or video the labels on Care Packages or addresses in letters.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Water stations are available throughout our facility. No food or drinks are allowed in the warehouse at any time. If you wish to bring your own food or drinks, we recommend leaving them in your car while you volunteer as there is no place to leave them on-site.

BLUE SHIRTS

At The FOB, our leader Volunteers (“Blue Shirts”) will be wearing royal blue t-shirts. Follow their instructions.

PARKING

Park in our parking lot, on surrounding streets, or as suggested by our information emails or parking attendants. The speed limit in our parking lot 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.

DIRECTIONS

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