BVP Newsletter | April-June 2026 by Burbank Parks and Recreation

Happy Spring!

Dear Volunteers,

Just like that we’ve entered into the Spring months, the start of the year has gone by so fast, it’s almost hard to believe that we’ll be approaching summer soon! Until then, lets hope these next months bring us some of the best features of Spring such as new greenery and beautiful blooming flowers!

A common theme around our program is highlighting our volunteers because we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you and, the month of April happens to be Volunteer Appreciation month, hence the image to the right. There aren’t enough words to express how deeply our office appreciates every single one of you, who decide each and every day to take action to make our community a better place. Regardless if you’re helping with food distribution, taking care of our furry friends or doing pop-up events, what you do directly impacts our city for the better and we cannot thank you enough for that.

With a multitude of active volunteer stations, we have something for everyone! Students may need to fulfill hours for a school requirement or they may explore volunteering as a fulfilling experience. Adults and retirees may choose to continue to use their skills and experience to help others. A positive by-product of volunteering is making new friends!

With sincere gratitude, we thank you, our many volunteers, for your continued service and your ongoing contribution to build a strong and vibrant community. The Burbank Volunteer Program has grown so much with countless volunteer projects as well as special events over the years. You are the ones who share your time, talents, skills and experience for those in need. You are the ones who make a difference in the City of Burbank. We could not do this without you.

To find out more about the Burbank Volunteer Program, please also contact us via email: bvp@burbankca.gov. You can also contact us by phone at 818-238-5370 or simply drop by our office, which is located at the Joslyn Adult Center, for more information.

The Burbank Volunteer Team, Derrick, Camryn and Jess

DIG BURBANK!

Lend a hand and help keep our local parks beautiful! To learn more about DIG, tips on signing up, and upcoming DIG Days, visit our website: www.burbankca.gov/digburbank

PHONE PALS

Phone Pals allows volunteers to build a friendship with willing seniors. This program pairs volunteers with seniors to give each other companionship, as well as a social release from the comforts of your own home.

S.W.A.T.

Are you (S)omeone (W)ith (A)vailable (T)ime who wants to volunteer here and there? If so, our S.W.A.T program will be a great t for a busy schedule with ample free time!

PROJECT H.O.P.E.

Project H.O.P.E. partners volunteers with seniors who are in need of assistance ranging from grocery shopping, to picking up prescriptions and more. Each volunteer builds a trustworthy relationship with their senior, allowing them more errands to run.

Active Stations

*Coming soon - Mary Stoica Cafe*

For more information on these opportunities and others, contact the Burbank Volunteer Program: bvp@burbankca.gov h (818) 238-5370

FEATURED STATIONS FEATURED STATIONS

Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC) is a local food pantry and social service agency serving residents of Burbank and those who are homeless in the Burbank area. Providing groceries is BTAC’s primary service, distributing over $500,000 of groceries each year. For those who are homeless, BTAC has showers and laundry facilities, as well as sack lunches and groceries.

Opportunities for volunteers include:

• Pantry/warehouse volunteers

• Sorting donations

• Prepping grocery orders

• Intake volunteers helping meet and greet those in need of assistance

Notice: Heavy lifting is required for specific positions

Note:BTACiscurrentlylookingforvolunteerstoassistonMondaysandWednesdays

Stough Canyon Nature Center brings nature access to the community by providing educational nature programs and hiking opportunities. The Nature Center is a perfect place for volunteers who love nature and being outdoors. Docents will also learn about their local wildlife and native plants. Volunteering opportunities at the Nature Center include:

• Animal Care: The Nature Center has seven animal ambassadors.

• Stewardship Projects such as planting native gardens, trail maintenance, and trail camera maintenance.

• Assisting staff at events such as Earth Day, Native American Day and Haunted Adventure.

• Assist with monthly hikes.

• Assisting and supporting our programs, such as nature classes and nature camps.

FEATURED STATIONS FEATURED STATIONS

Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley is a place for kids in the community to call home. From an old firehouse in 1995 to the widespread locations that have popped up around the globe, the Boys and Girls Club offers an immense range of opportunities. STEM, arts, athletics, and homework help are just a few list of services they provide for children. The Boys and Girls Club is always looking for passionate individuals to aid in the process of uplifting children of all ages.

• Mentor

• Homework Helper

• Group activities, such as outsoor sports or indoor activities

• Creative outlets such as arts, crafts and more

The Boys and Girls Mission Statement reads: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

The Burbank Public Library has been serving patrons since the early 1900s, starting off as part of the Los Angeles County Library then becoming a municipal library in 1938. The libraries focus on serving and resourcing their community. Their mission statement reads: To connect the community to opportunities for growth, inspiration, and discovery.

Volunteer opportunities at the libraries include:

• Adult Literacy Program: Volunteers take on roles who help tutor patrons learning English as a second language.

• Little Free Libraries: Volunteers go around Burbank collecting and restocking the Little Free Libraries on lawns.

• Creative Kids Program: Arts, crafts, STEM, and other creative expressions that allow kids to discover new interests.

• Friends of the Library Bookstore: Volunteers sell items generously donated to the libraries.

BVP PUZZLE BVP PUZZLE

APPRECIATION

BROCHURE

BTAC

COMMUNITY

DAYTRIPS

DONATIONS

DONORS

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

ENROLLMENTFORM

NEWSLETTER

OPPORTUNITIES

OUTDOORS

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Volunteer Highlights Volunteer Highlights

Gigi Anderson

Since 2017, Gigi Anderson has been a BVP volunteer fitness class instructor. She began teaching the Basic Fitness class after the initial instructor departed the program. Gigi came to Burbank as a young woman from Thailand. She met her husband in East L.A. and they raised three boys together here in Burbank.

She first began volunteering with the PTA at her children’s school, utilizing her business degree to help fundraise to buy a computer. Gigi loves Burbank and enjoys the opportunity she has to lead her highly popular fitness class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She gets enjoyment from doing something that helps people feel good and healthy and MOVING! You will commonly hear participants in her class saying “I love Gigi. She is the BEST!” Gigi loves them back, encouraging everyone to be positive and “to love everyone because love will come back to you”.

One fun fact about Gigi is that she knows American Sign Language and used to be a special education volunteer with the Burbank Unified School District.

The Burbank Volunteer Program appreciates the life-impacting volunteer service Gigi has provided to the members of the Joslyn Center and the City of Burbank. Thank you, Gigi!

EGG-Stravaganza EGG-Stravaganza

This past March, our annual EGG-Stravaganza was the highlight of the month. From carnival games to bunny pictures, egg hunts and fun prizes, the event could not have gone better. We want to thank everyone that attended, whether you were a participant, a family member, volunteer or staff member, it’s events like these that show how great we can be when we all come together for a common goal.

Thank you to all our donors as well. You were a big reason why this event was as successful as it was. The donations you gifted us lit up the faces of all our winners and we cannot thank you enough.