Volunteer
Food Pantry
We have many opportunities to volunteer in our food pantry. The Pantry operates on Tuesdays from 9-11 am and Wednesdays from 9-11:30 am and 3:30-6 pm. Check out these job descriptions to see what might be a good fit.
Tuesdays
Fills bags with food according to pre-set list. Inventory and stock food received from Oregon Food Bank and other donors. Requires bending and lifting 10-25 lbs.
Pick up bread from Franz Bakery Outlet and deliver to Helping Hands. Requires lifting 10-15 lbs.
Pick up cases of milk from Walmart and deliver to Helping Hands. Can require lifting 40 lbs. Store and volunteer assistance is available.
Wednesdays
Makes sure there are enough pre-made bags of food for the entire pantry shift. Uses shelf signs and printed food lists to fill bags. Requires bending and lifting 10-25 lbs.
Notifies clients when orders are ready and helps load food into cars. Requires lifting 10-15 lbs.
Keeps order fulfillment on track, assists volunteers with their tasks, and problem solves as needed. Weighs and stocks incoming donations. Requires lifting 5-15 lbs.
Takes client orders in the parking lot using a tablet. Answers client questions and provides information about the pantry and clothes closet. Requires standing and sometimes braving the elements.
Fills produce bags for client orders based on the number of people in each family. Requires lifting 10-15 lbs.
Uses a laptop to record incoming client orders and writes order information on cards for Produce and Shoppers to fill orders. Updates Oregon Food Bank appointment list as clients check in.
Reviews and fills client orders of refrigerated, frozen and baked goods. Requires lifting 5-15 lbs.
Thursdays
Counts food quantities every other Thursday to ensure proper amounts of food are ordered. Data is entered into a spreadsheet.
Clothes Closet
Volunteers in the clothes closet sort donations and assist clients as they shop. The Clothes Closet operates Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am and Wednesdays from 9-11:30 am and 3:30-6 pm. Take a look at the job descriptions to see how you can help!
Tuesday
Inspects clothing donations for quality, stains and odors. Sorts clothing accordingly and folds/hangs items before clients shop. Requires lifting 5-15 lbs.
Wednesday
Assists clients with new registration or check-in, explains guidelines, and answers questions. Checks out clients by reviewing selections based on client’s registration card.
Pack the Pack
Our Pack the Pack program partners with local schools to provide weekend food to students and families. Every week during the school year, volunteers pack and deliver bags of food to the schools for distribution. Join our Pack the Pack team!
Tuesday
Purchases items at retail stores as directed by the PTP manager. Delivers and logs items into PTP inventory. Reimbursement provided. Requires lifting 5-15 lbs. Weekly or every other week, timing is flexible.
Wednesday
Food Packer: Fills bags with food according to pre-set food list and student count. Loads bag onto carts for delivery drivers. Requires lifting 10-25 lbs. Monthly for approximately 1-1.5 hours between 11:30 am-3:30 pm.
Thursday
Loads bags of food into vehicle and delivers to schools. Delivery instructions are provided. Most 4-door cars are suitable. Requires lifting up to 15 lbs. Monthly for approximately 1-1.5 hours between 8:30-11 am.
Counts food quantities every other Thursday to ensure proper amounts of food are ordered. Data is entered onto a spreadsheet.
Volunteer Application
Interested in volunteering with us? Please read our volunteer expectations and then fill out an application below, and we will reach out to see what would be the best fit for you.
Contact Us
If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact Sarah Salove, our Helping Hands Director.