ENGAGE. . .

Today, more than ever, corporations and associations are looking for meaningful ways to engage their meeting attendees with the destination by involving them in much needed humanitarian work. However, not all organizations are created equal, and there is no one-size-fits-all project.

What are your organization’s values?

What is your organization’s structure?

What is your budget and parameters?

How many participants are expected, and what are their limitations?

What are some additional ways to get involved?

Here are some charitable and community service organizations in Costa Mesa to consider for voluntourism:

Project Hope Alliance’s mission is to end the cycle of homelessness, one child at a time. They provide a holistic approach to solving challenges and addressing all aspects of life—educational, psychosocial, developmental, and financial. The nonprofit organization can accommodate 8-10 people at their facility or unlimited group size at an off-site venue.

1954 Placentia Ave., Ste. 202, Costa Mesa, 949.722.7863, projecthopealliance.org, vsher@ projecthopeallicance.org

Committed to developing deep and meaningful client experiences, the OneOC team of nonprofit professionals offer a range of service solutions connecting nonprofits and businesses, allowing them to strengthen the communities they serve. Group sizes vary, as does donation and time commitments.

1901 E. 4th St., Ste. 100, Santa Ana, 714.953.5757, oneoc.org, info@OneOC.org

The mission at Knots of Love is to warm the hearts and heads of those experiencing traumatic hair loss. Volunteers lovingly hand-knit and crochet caps for those struggling with treatmentinduced hair loss, as well as tiny neonatal blankets for fragile new lives in incubators.

2973 Harbor Blvd., #822, Costa Mesa, 949.933.7000, knotsoflove.org, info@knotsoflove.org

ECO-FRIENDLY COSTA MESA

Named a LEED Gold City, Costa Mesa was recognized for sustainability achievement and a Tree City USA community in California by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city’s Department of Energy and Sustainability develops and implements programs that reduce its carbon footprint, increases resource efficacy, and minimizes waste. Costa Mesa was also one of the first cities in Southern California to provide a citywide organics recycling program, which aims to divert 50 percent of solid waste from the state’s landfills by converting the city’s green waste and food scraps to renewable natural gas.

One of the first eco-friendly retail and dining campuses in the country, The CAMP (2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, thecampsite.com) is designed with tanks, filters, and percolation wells underneath the parking lot that treats stormwater before it’s absorbed into the soil and underground water storage. Around the property, there are 12 gardens growing herbs, fruit, and vegetables so the restaurants can source locally grown ingredients for their dishes. You’ll find a curated collection of eco-friendly and ethical brands.

Eco Now (930 Bristol St., A102, Costa Mesa, econowca.com), is located just across the street from The CAMP at The LAB Anti-Mall. As Orange County’s first zero waste shop and bulk refill station, it offers plenty of plastic-free options and refills for everything from laundry detergent to shampoo. The friendly staff are happy to answer questions for those who aren’t familiar with zero waste or plastic-free living.

Eat Well

Dr. Yasmine Mason founded Fermentation Farm (1125 Victoria St., Ste. R, Costa Mesa, fermfarm.com) in 2014 with the fundamental belief that a “Healthy Gut = Healthy Life.” More than just a fermentation kitchen in Costa Mesa, they specialize in probiotic-rich and restorative foods that are necessary for proper gut and immune system and overall body wellness. Fermentation Farm offers a variety of educational classes including making bone broth and kombucha, fermenting vegetables, and more.

Savor seasonal fresh produce, live music, local meats, eggs, juices, sweets, nuts, sauces, dips and more every Saturday at SOCO Farmers Market (farmermark.com/soco). Shop everything local from seasonal produce to fresh flowers at the OC Fair & Event Center Farmers Market (ocfarmbureau.org) each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Foodies and home design enthusiasts alike will be in heaven at SOCO & The OC Mix (3313 Hyland Ave., A18, Costa Mesa, socoandtheocmix.com). Purchase a bottle of olive oil or vinegar from We Olive & Wine Bar and receive a discount when you bring your empty bottle in for a refill. Don’t forget to try the amazing flatbread pizzas and salads, too. Savory Spice Shop is also a resident here, where you can select spices by weight or purchase prepared jars that are additionally refillable.

Parks

Costa Mesa shares some of the best natural parks to be found in Southern California. Open year round, Talbert Regional Park is a unique nature preserve that has nearly 200 acres of scenic landscape that’s perfect for hiking, biking, jogging, walking, a picnic, or just simply taking a breath of fresh air.

Fairview Park in Costa Mesa offers 208 acres of open space, including bluffs, an extensive trail system, and vernal pools—seasonal wetland pools that home distinctive and often endangered plant and animal species. The park is home to several species of wildlife, including the burrowing owl, the snowy egret, white-tailed kites, and the American bittern.

Fairview Park’s greenery also includes California’s official state grass, purple needlegrass. Meanwhile, the 49-acre TeWinkle Park features a soothing lake with play areas, ball fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas.