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Get Involved – draft
Thank you for choosing Loaves & Fishes for your volunteer experience!
Volunteers do the majority of the work of feeding hungry people in our community and are vital to Loaves & Fishes’ success. Every box of cereal, every can of green beans, every container of yogurt is sorted, inspected and/or packed by a volunteer as it travels into a client’s home.
Opportunities are available for both groups and individuals.
Students, teens, seniors, groups, families, individuals, regular, one-time-only—there is something for everyone age six and up to do. Volunteer shifts in our warehouse are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11:30am and 1 to 3:30pm and Saturday mornings 9 to 11:30am. We also host or take part in a number of special events each year for which we also need volunteers.
Find out how you can make a difference and get involved today!
Volunteer Opportunities
Warehouse
Volunteers help us sort, inspect and pack non-perishable food items for distribution to families and individuals in need through our network of 23 pantries throughout Mecklenburg County. Individuals and groups up to 15 people can sign up for a volunteer shift in our warehouse on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11:30am and 1 to 3:30pm and Saturday mornings 9 to 11:30am. On occasion we can accommodate groups larger than 15.
- Children 6 to 9 years of age may work in the warehouse with their parents on Saturday mornings.
- Children 10 to 14 years of age are welcome on Saturday mornings with at least one adult for every six youth.
- Teenagers 15 and older may volunteer on their own.
- During the summer months, there are volunteer opportunities on weekdays for youth 10 years and older.
- Students: Loaves & Fishes offers school community service hours to students on Saturday mornings throughout the year and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during summer months based on the age guidelines above.
- For Groups (up to 15)- group leader must register as an individual first. Click here to register.
- No training needed.
Pantries
Our 23 pantries also need new volunteers from time to time. Pantry volunteers work with clients to help choose their groceries, stock pantry shelves and receive food donations delivered to the pantry. Volunteer time varies by pantry. Training is required. Due to the time it takes to train, we ask for a on-going commitment to volunteer in a pantry.There are several pantries open every weekday. Some pantries are open on Saturday mornings. These are regular shifts generally at least once a month. Please email for more information.
- Training required
- On-going commitment preferable
Court Ordered Community Service
Loaves & Fishes accepts court ordered community service for individuals at least 18 years of age. We do not accept charges involving theft, assault or weapons of any kind. Court ordered community service can only be scheduled by Loaves & Fishes staff. Applicants will be called by the Director of Warehouse Operations.
- Applicants will be called by the Director of Warehouse Operations
To Get Started
Whether you are a first time or frequent volunteer, whether you are signing up as an individual or for a group, you must first set up your account.
- Create an online account here or the Volunteer Now link below. You must create an account to sign up for a volunteer shift.
- Complete the volunteer orientation and sign the waiver.
- Sign up by clicking on the calendar and then choosing an open shift. After you have chosen a time, check your email for confirmation and details.
- For Scheduling Groups the group leader must register as an individual first.
Hold a Food Drive
Organize a food drive at your work place, neighborhood, or congregation. This is a great way to give back by helping to feed hungry neighbors in need and to raise awareness of hunger issues in our community.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Click here for step by step instructions on how to conduct a food drive.
- Request food drive barrels or bags.
- Loaves & Fishes Priority Needs List
- Loaves & Fishes Logo and Logo Usage Policy
- Virtual Food Drive
Other Ways to Get Involved
Adopt a Pantry
Consider adopting one of Loaves & Fishes food pantries! Groups or individuals can choose a pantry to help collect items that supplement our bagging list. Items needed include fresh produce, diapers in all sizes, personal care items and items from our priority needs list such as canned meat, canned fruit, canned pastas, powdered milk, 100% fruit juice and cereal.
- Visit our list of pantries and then email us or call us at (704) 523-4333 to get started.
Get Creative
- Birthday Parties – Ask attendees to bring canned goods in addition to or instead of birthday gifts
- Lemonade Stands – Children have donated funds collected from their lemonade sales to benefit Loaves & Fishes
- Party with a Purpose – Host a dinner and collect canned goods for Loaves & Fishes
- Share Your Idea With Us – From companies allowing people to wear jeans for a day in exchange for a donation to families donating their movie money, we’ve heard many creative and touching ways that people have found to donate funds and ensure that people in our community don’t go hungry. Please share your unique ideas with us.
- Contact us with your unique ideas!
