5-Day Volunteering Itinerary in Bell Gardens, California

• Day 1:
  • Bell Gardens Veterans Park - Start your day by volunteering in the heart of the city, helping maintain the beautiful green spaces at this park. Afterward, learn about local history by visiting the onsite war memorial or playing a game of basketball.
  • Commerce Swim Stadium - Spend the afternoon volunteering at this community pool, providing swim lessons for children and helping maintain the facilities. Take a dip in the pool before heading back to your hotel.
• Day 2:
  • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank - Combat food insecurity by volunteering at this non-profit organization, where you can help sort and package food for people in need.
  • Nature Park - After giving back to the community, take a break and enjoy hiking or running through the scenic trails of this park. Spend some time in the butterfly garden or have a picnic with a beautiful view of the city.
• Day 3:
  • ReStore by Habitat for Humanity - Assist in raising funds for a great cause by helping at the ReStore, where you can sort and price donated household items.
  • Stoneview Nature Center - Take a break from the city and spend some time encountering wildlife and exploring the natural habitats in this stunning nature center.
• Day 4:
  • Cliffton's Republic - Volunteer at this unique restaurant that donates all profits to local charities. You can assist in serving food or helping in the back of the house.
  • Bicycle Casino - After giving back to the community, enjoy an evening of entertainment by playing games at the Bicycle Casino, one of the best poker rooms in the state of California.
• Day 5:
  • Friends of the LA River - End your volunteering journey by helping to maintain the LA River, a vital natural resource for the region. Participate in trash clean-up or plant restoration efforts, and learn about the history and ecology of the river.
  • Garfield Theatre - Head back to your hotel in the evening and relax by watching a movie at the iconic Garfield Theatre.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Bell Gardens Veterans Park (2 hours, free)
• Commerce Swim Stadium (2-3 hours, free)
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (2-4 hours, free)
• Nature Park (1-2 hours, free)
• ReStore by Habitat for Humanity (2-3 hours, free)
• Stoneview Nature Center (1-2 hours, free)
• Cliffton's Republic (2-3 hours, cost varies)
• Bicycle Casino (2-4 hours, cost varies)
• Friends of the LA River (2-4 hours, free)
• Garfield Theatre (2-3 hours, cost varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: Cost varies based on activities (excluding volunteering)

Transportation

Public transportation is available through the Los Angeles Metro Bus and Rail system. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available. Expect travel costs based on mode of transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider volunteering at more organizations in the area or taking a short drive to other Los Angeles County cities, such as Downey or Norwalk. If you have less time, consider prioritizing the activities based on your interests.

Airports

The closest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is approximately 18 miles southwest of Bell Gardens. Another option is Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is approximately 9 miles southeast of Bell Gardens.