Help Make a Difference

Volunteers Are the Heart of the Pantry

We rely on volunteers to help us accomplish our mission. Without you, we could not support our client families in a welcoming, safe environment.

We are grateful every day that you have chosen us as the organization where you will give your time.

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Volunteer Impact

TOTAL
VOLUNTEERS

TOTAL
HOURS

AVERAGE HRS / VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Shifts

Unloading Deliveries & Stocking Pantry

Mondays and Tuesdays Typically beginning at 10:30 AM

Click here to view schedule

Supporting Client Shopping

Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:00 PM and / or 3:00 - 5:30 PM

Wednesdays 12:30 - 3:00 and / or 3:00 - 6:30 PM

Volunteer Roles

We ask all volunteers to please be mindful of our client’s cultural differences, language limitations and mental, physical and emotional needs. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where all individuals are welcome, seen, heard and empowered to make their own decisions.

We ask that you register so that we can ensure coverage for each event. We provide a schedule monthly, so you can plan to attend ahead of time. Use the “Sign Up Now” buttons on this page to register and to cancel.

We ask that volunteers are high school students or above. If you are not yet in high school but would like to help our mission, please consider holding a food drive or raising money to benefit our cause.

Unload Truck & Stock Pantry

This team helps unload, unpack, and stock nonperishable, frozen, and other items. It is a physical volunteer activity. Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old to participate in this role.
If you are interested in volunteering as a team-building exercise, this is the role for you. Please contact Kathy directly to schedule.
Pantry Set-up

Our pantry set-up team helps to prepare for the upcoming day. Members will restock shelves, refrigeration, setup tables and chairs. New produce or perishable items may also need to be brought in and stored. This is a short-term role, but essential in setting up for the day.
Floater

Assist wherever needed during the shift.
During busy times, we typically need extra help in the Pantry, or with carry out.
Client Check-in & Welcoming

THIS ROLE REQUIRES SEPARATE TRAINING
Our Check-in team is the first role greeting our incoming clients. The team members log each client family into our computer system, assist new clients with initial paperwork and, if requested, book an upcoming appointment for the client.
If you are interested, please note that in your Volunteer Application, or contact Kathy directly.
Manage Pantry Flow

This volunteer opportunity assists with greeting our clients after check-in and ensuring they have a colored band representing their family size. You will provide bags to the client if they need and monitor the flow of clients and carts to avoid overcrowding.
In-Pantry Help

Our In-Pantry Help team provide assistance as our clients shop. You will offer assistance with food items, guiding clients through the Pantry and helping them to understand our food cards.
Volunteers with a welcoming and patient disposition are desired as we have clients from many different cultures and language differences can be challenging. An interest in nutrition is a bonus for our families.
Stock Shelves

When we are open, we require a volunteer to monitor and restock shelves and refrigeration throughout the day.
This is a physically active role, requiring lifting items of 10-20 pounds (or more). For example, you may need to move cases of canned goods or crates of milk. We have carts to assist with this work as needed.
Carry Out

After our clients complete their visit, we aim to have volunteers standing by with wagons to move their packages from the Pantry to their cars. This position requires a volunteer to lift somewhat heavy packages and is needed regardless of the weather. ALL volunteers will work in pairs for this position.

Important Volunteer Resources

Volunteer Handbook

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Civil Rights Training

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Meet Kathy and Terry

Kathy Rodriguez

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
If you are new to the pantry, Kathy should be the first person you look for when volunteering!
Phone: 845-327-3776
Click here to email Kathy
Terry Deasy

PANTRY COORDINATOR
LEADER, FOOD RECOVERY
In 2024, in partnership with TOUCH and RCAH, Terry and crew rescued and redistributed 73,087 pounds of food that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.
Terry and Crew meet every Tuesday morning to sort through thousands of pounds of fruit and vegetables to provide our families with what they need and want - healthy choices.
If you are interested in helping with Food Recovery, please click here to email Terri.
Pictured above, from left to right: Terry, Arron, Larry and John