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!
PRE-Registration Required
ASSEMBLY DAY DETAILS
TYPE OF WORK
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 13 and older are welcome to serve at The FOB. Scroll down for more Volunteer Information, including important dress and parking details.
Younger than 13 years old?
WRITE LETTERS TO OUR HEROESORGANIZE A CENTS FOR SERVICE DRIVE
Volunteer Tips
– Closed-toed shoes only, no high-heels
– No large bags or backpacks allowed
– No food or drinks allowed
More details listed below
2020 Volunteer Assembly Days
Dates and times are subject to change
February 29th
Saturday, 9am - 12pm
Register Here
March 21st
Saturday, 9am - 12pm
Register Here
April 18th
Saturday, 9am - 12pm
Register Here
May 16th
Saturday, 9am - 12pm
Register Here
June 13th
Saturday, 9am - 12pm
Register Here
July 18th
Saturday, 9am - 12pm
Register Here
QUESTIONS?
Email us at info@operationgratitude.com.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS
WEEKDAYS
We can accommodate groups at The FOB in Chatsworth, CA on a mutually convenient weekday with advanced notice and planning.
BUSINESS AND CORPORATE GROUPS
Email partnership@operationgratitude.com.
SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Email volunteer@operationgratitude.com.
Youth ages 13 and older are welcome to serve at The FOB. Groups consisting of youth between 13 and 18 years old are required to provide a minimum of one adult for every eight youth. If transportation is by individual cars, rather than buses, then we require enough drivers and cars on the premises at all times to provide immediate transportation for all participants.
WEEKEND ASSEMBLY DAYS
CORPORATE GROUPS
Email partnership@operationgratitude.com.
GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE
Email volunteer@operationgratitude.com.
COMMUNITY SERVICE CREDIT (CSC) OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer at The FOB
Community Service Certificates are provided for students (ages 13+) or others who require documentation of the number of hours they volunteer. In order to obtain a certificate, you must sign in on the Community Service sign-in sheet upon arrival, and sign out upon departure. Certificates are only issued in-person when you sign out. We do not mail Certificates or provide replacements. Please keep your Certificate in a safe place.
MAKE PARACORD BRACELETS
Students earn one hour of CSC for every five Paracord Bracelets made and returned to The FOB or mailed to us with a Donor Form, a note requesting Community Service Credit, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
DONATED ITEM DELIVERY
Fill out our Donor Form online and print a copy to place in each box you bring or ship.
IN-PERSON DROP-OFF
Donation drop offs, product deliveries, and recycled phones are accepted during all Volunteer Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
DURING WEEKDAYS: Park in the parking lot and bring your items inside The FOB to the check-in tables on the left.
DURING ASSEMBLY DAYS: Please bring your donations to the Donation Sorting Area to the far right inside our building when you enter The FOB.
LARGE DONATIONS: Park at the rear of the building for assistance with unloading. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and loading docks are available to assist with donations of any size.
SHIP YOUR ITEMS
Carefully pack your items and send to:
Operation Gratitude
ATTN: Receiving
9409 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311-4278
HOLIDAYS
Volunteer at the FOB any day, any time of the year. These are the observed holidays on which the FOB will be closed in 2020:
Monday, January 20th
Martin Lurther King Jr. Day
Monday, February 17th
Presidents' Day
Monday, May 25th
Memorial Day
Friday, July 3rd
Independence Day (Observed)
Monday, September 7th
Labor Day
Wednesday, November 11th
Veterans Day
Thursday, November 26th
Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 27th
Thanksgiving Day (Observed)
Thursday, December 24th
Christmas Eve
Friday, December 25th
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 31st
New Year's Eve
Friday, January 1st
New Year's Day
The FOB will be closed to Volunteers from Thursday, December 24, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021. The FOB will reopen to Volunteers on Monday, January 4, 2021.
VOLUNTEER RULES AND INFORMATION
To ensure your own safety and enjoyment, and to preserve our welcome in our facility, we ask that you read and follow these rules:
SIGN IN AND RELEASE FORM
All Volunteers must sign a Release Form (parents/guardians must sign for minors under 18). Children ages 13 and older are welcome to serve; those ages 13 – 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.