Welcome to Our Volunteer Family
VOLUNTEER PICNIC 2023
Why Should I Volunteer?
The Benefits of Volunteering
Provides a connection to your community
Makes you look at the world differently
Provides a sense of purpose
Makes a difference in the lives of others
It’s good for your mind and body
Brings fun and fulfillment
Helps you stay active
Making new friends
Sign up to volunteer today!
Volunteer Opportunities
We are united to end hunger and transform lives! We do this by providing healthy food and impactful programs to promote self-sufficiency. You are warmly invited to join our community of wonderful volunteers.
The first step is to create your profile and attend an orientation. Once you have completed your orientation, you may sign up for one of the many shifts that are offered either in our Naperville or Aurora location six days a week!
Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals: [GROUP OPPORTUNITIES? GO TO CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS]
Sorting – We recover healthy food six days a week! Join other volunteers as we organize it and merchandise it for the market, curbside pick up and online ordering!
Courtesy Patrol – We provide dignity in every aspect of the client experience. Join us as we load the groceries into client vehicles. Smiles all around!
Traffic Control- We have hundreds of client cars arrive on our market days. Help us direct cars into open parking spots and answer questions about food.
Registration- Every client checks in at the registration desk prior to shopping. This skilled role requires training and commitment to a weekly shift.
Spanish Translation – Our client population holds MANY Spanish-speaking people. Help us to welcome them and explain shopping or program opportunities.
Driver – Volunteers also drive our vans and box trucks (C license required) to pick up at our food partners.
Food Box Packing– Our curbside food pick-up requires many volunteers as we fill hundreds of boxes (dairy, produce, frozen meat, dry goods) for drive-through pick-up.
CARES Specialist- We provide Emergency Assistance and a variety of support services to our clients. This volunteer position assists the client with these services. This very fulfilling role requires an extended training period and regular weekly volunteering.
Greeter- Bilingual skills are a must for the face of Loaves & Fishes. This volunteer welcomes our clients and directs them to registration for food shopping or other programs.
Moving Up- Volunteers provide dinner for our Moving Up participants and their children. Babysitters are also needed while their parents are participating in class. Moving Up is a 20-session course that guides participants to investigate their lives and discover what ‘s holding them back from living a more self-sufficient life.
Interested in a Corporate Experience? Email: Shelly Schmitz at sschmitz@loaves-fishes.org
Username or password no longer work? Contact us! We will help you log in!
Email volunteer@loaves-fishes.org (Please do not create another account- we probably need to re-activate your account)
Teen/Youth Volunteers
Teen Program
Ages 14-17 High School Student
Our teen volunteers are making an impact in the lives of others. Teen shifts are available four days every week!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you must attend a one-hour orientation before you choose a volunteer shift. These are scheduled once every month. After creating your profile you will be able to choose an orientation. We love the energy and enthusiasm of our teens!
Family Program
Tuesday, February 20 6-7:30 FULL
Tuesday, March 12 6-7:30 FULL
at the Loaves & Fishes Food Distribution Hub located at 580 Exchange Court in Aurora.
During this fun 90-minute family volunteer experience, you will have an introduction to Loaves & Fishes, receive a tour of our new Food Distribution Hub and then work in various food packing areas. Learn about the importance of eating nutritious food, giving back to others, and ending food insecurity. Children must be ages 6 to 18 years old, and at least one parent, grandparent or guardian must attend.
Due to safety reasons, we cannot permit younger siblings to come along.
Please wear close-toed shoes and dress for a cool warehouse environment. Sweatshirt, tennis shoes, or flat boots are perfect. Each session is limited to 15 so that all who attend are engaged and supervised.
Kindly note that this is NOT a drop-in event.
To register/find out more: email Susan Ochoa at sochoa@loaves-fishes.org
We look forward to welcoming you!
Corporate Volunteers
At Loaves & Fishes, we love to host socially responsible corporate groups to help us achieve our vision: Ending hunger and Transforming lives! When employees feel engaged in their community and workplace, everyone benefits! It’s well known that employees want to work for companies that care. In fact, Cone Research found that 79% of people prefer to work for a socially responsible company. Contact Susan Ochoa at Sochoa@loaves-fishes.org to arrange for a teambuilding experience! We are better because of your support!
