Congratulations to Tatiana Vega and Karine Iskandaryan, who were honored as the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) top volunteers at the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources Volunteers of the Year Award and Luncheon April 3 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Vega and Iskandaryan were honored for “planting seeds of kindness,” displaying the best quality that volunteers can have. Iskandaryan, who was selected by DPSS as the adult volunteer honoree, donated 293 hours performing clerical duties at the DPSS East Valley District office. Vega, the youth volunteer honoree, recorded 423 hours at the DPSS Toy Loan and Volunteer Services Program headquarters in downtown L.A.

DPSS is currently seeking more motivated individuals like Vega and Iskandaryan who are interested in gaining valuable work experience that will prepare them to become highly marketable in today’s workforce, through short or long-term assignments.

The DPSS Volunteer Services Program is committed to creating volunteer opportunities that offer true value for students, displaced workers, senior citizens and others in the County to help keep their employment skills polished, while opening doors to new career possibilities.

During the month of April, Los Angeles County celebrates its volunteers as part of National Volunteer Month. While volunteer services do not replace the work conducted by county employees, the efforts complement their work and leave a lasting impact.

Some examples of the Volunteer Services Program assignments:

Toy Loan Centers: Help operate a community-based toy library, lending toys, books and games to children or collecting donations of usable toys and other items for the centers.

Clerical Support: Assist DPSS staff on a variety of assignments.

Adopt-A-Family Program: Sponsor and provide contributions of food, toys and clothing, to some of the department’s neediest individuals and families during the holidays.

Community Outreach Events: Volunteer at DPSS-sponsored community outreach events, such as the department’s May 11, 2019 Help the Homeless event at the Weingart Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Special Projects: Provide assistance with group or individual projects based on personal skills or interests.

Volunteers typically work 20-40 hours per week, using their expertise and talents to help DPSS improve its services to the community. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and will be required to complete a personal background check that includes a fingerprinting and reference check. Applicants also must sign a confidentiality agreement.

For more information on volunteer opportunities offered by the DPSS Volunteers Program Section or to obtain a volunteer application packet, visit: http://dpss.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpss/main/programs-and-services/volunteer-services/. The section can also be reached by calling (213) 744-4344.