Volunteer FAQs
I am a first-time volunteer. What do I need to know?
When you sign up, if you write 'First-time volunteer' in the comment field, we can have someone ready to greet you when you arrive, show you around, and have a name tag prepared for you.
Please park on the north side of the church, nearest the intersection of 16th Ave. and Hover, or on 16th Ave. itself. Enter the Westview Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall via the ramp.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
Minimum age to Volunteer: Fifth graders may volunteer when accompanied by an adult working on the same task/time. Older students can volunteer on their own. Students need to pre-arrange transportation for the end of their shift.
What exactly do the volunteers do?
A variety of jobs are available: e.g., bagging canned goods, produce, bread & desserts, etc.; repacking bulk foods; moving pallets, boxes and bags of food; loading food into trunks of cars; gathering and preparing cardboard and pliable plastic for recycling; directing traffic; community distribution.
A single volunteer shift is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
Walking and/or standing is required for most tasks, but a few can be done while seated.
We have morning, afternoon, and evening shifts; we have indoor and outdoor shifts; we have light-lifting and heavy-lifting shifts. We have a shift for YOU!
You can see the full list of volunteer shifts by visiting SignUpGenius and clicking on the orange “Show More Sign Ups” button in the upper right (if on a desktop) or the “Show More Sign Ups” text field at the top (if on a mobile device) to navigate to the signup week you want.
How many volunteers do you need?
We have over 200 volunteer shifts spread across Mon, Tues and Wed of each ROUND PANTRY week. We are thankful for every volunteer that has joined us to serve our neighbors in need!
We really APPRECIATE the many volunteers who sign up for more than one shift each ROUND PANTRY week.
I’m concerned about COVID; is it safe to volunteer?
All volunteers are screened, (with verbal questions and a temperature check), and volunteer numbers at any given location and time are limited.
Safety precautions (distancing, washing hands, disinfecting surfaces) must be followed. Gloves (provided) must be worn. Masks must be worn; volunteers are asked to bring their own if possible – some are available.
What days are volunteers needed?
Volunteers are needed on these days of a ROUND PANTRY week:
— Mondays: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, to pre-pack food, prepare cardboard and plastic for recycling
— Tuesdays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, outside setup and take down, continue packing food, load food into shopper’s vehicles, prepare cardboard and plastic for recycling
— Wednesdays: 9:00 – 11:30 am, community distribution
You can access the 2023 Volunteer Calendar here.
Do I need to be a member of Westview Presbyterian Church to volunteer?
Absolutely not! Our volunteer pool is a true cross-section of the community with an age-range from middle school to senior citizens. Volunteers include members and pastors from Westview plus friends and neighbors from more than two dozen faith communities and community groups, individuals who utilize volunteer organizing sites, case workers and representatives of agencies that work directly with those who face challenges in addition to food insecurity, and people just like you.
Do I need to sign up to volunteer or can I just show up?
We ask that anyone who can help, please sign up in advance at SignUpGenius, as we limit our number of volunteers at any given time to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Please do not just show up.
I signed up to volunteer but now I can’t make it. What should I do?
— Go to your inbox and open the notification from SignUpGenius confirming your signup.
— Select ‘View Signup’.
— Go to your slot and press the X button below your name to delete the signup.
— Or send an email to roundpantry@westviewpres.org with subject line ‘Cancel’
Can I shop early if I volunteer?
No. Community Food Share guidelines state that volunteers can also shop but require that volunteers shop after volunteering. Volunteers receive the same foods in the same amounts as any other shopper.