New Volunteers
Join us to experience the JOY that comes from helping others while working alongside awesome people! Our volunteer family is able to collect, sort and stock nutritious food in our market and facilitate a variety of services and education programs. Last year we had nearly 1,500 volunteers! Simply click “Sign Up Here” to create your profile, then choose an orientation. At the one hour training you will learn all about our volunteer opportunities! We love our volunteers!
Sign Up Here
Interested in organizing a group of 5 or less people?
Email volunteer@loaves-fishes.org
(Please do not create an online account)
Interested in a Corporate Experience?
Email: Shelly Schmitz at sschmitz@loaves-fishes.org
Username or password no longer work?
Email volunteer@loaves-fishes.org
(Please do not create another account)
Opportunities
Immediate Volunteer Opportunities (following orientation)
Distribution (Grocery Market)
Tues/Wed – 8:30am-12:00pm; 12:00pm-3:30pm
Thurs – 8:30am-12:00pm; 12:00pm-3:30pm; 4:30pm-7:30pm
Sat – 7:30am-10:00am; 10:00am-12:30pm
Sorting
Mon-Thurs – 9:00am-12:00pm; 12:00pm-3:00pm
Fri/Sat – 9:00am-12:00pm
Parking
Tues/Wed – 7:30am-10:00am; 10:00am-12:30pm; 12:30pm-3:30pm
Thurs – 7:30am-10:00am; 10:00am-12:30pm; 12:30pm-3:30pm; 3:30pm-5:30pm; 5:00pm-7:30pm
Sat – 7:00am-10:00am; 10:00am-12:30pm
Skilled and Leader Opportunities are available after you have some experience with us!
CARES Volunteers
In addition to the food market, Loaves & Fishes Community Services offers our clients a variety of programs and services. We assess their needs, make referrals and make decisions regarding emergency financial assistance.
In order to effectively fulfill these responsibilities, CARES Volunteers are expected to familiarize themselves with the programs that LFCS offers on-site, along with the variety of community organizations, government programs, and social service agencies that serve the residents of our area.
An important part of the CARES volunteer’s job is listening sensitively and compassionately to the struggles our clients face on a day-to-day basis.
CARES Volunteers generally work with clients for 30-60 minutes at a time. A weekly commitment is desired. Volunteers also participate in monthly meetings, occasional training workshops and community luncheons.
Moving UP Volunteer Mentor
Moving UP is a sixteen week program where clients investigate the impact poverty has on their lives. We provide a safe-space where participants work and study their own circumstances and develop relationships with others who are experiencing similar struggles. Towards the end of the 16 weeks, the participants create a plan for the life that they want, with action steps attached to the plan. During the Moving UP program, participants not only gain new friends, but they gain a greater understanding of themselves and others and learn new skills to improve their lives. Each week a meal is provided, along with child care and $25 gift card for each participant.
An important part of the success of the Moving UP program is the role of the mentor. Mentors offer support, encouragement and are a connection to resources. They are there to guide the client in implementing their personal plan and future story.
The next Moving Up program will be 2019. Mentoring can be a very rewarding experience and the right relationship can be a powerful aid to help people along the journey out of poverty. If you are interested please email movingup@loaves-fishes.org or contact Maria McTarnaghan at 630-355-3663 ext. 101 for more information!