Volunteer at Our Neighbors’ Table
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Volunteers are essential to Our Neighbors' Table's efforts to create a food secure region, providing everything from leadership and governance to answering phones, stocking shelves and cooking dinner.
Volunteering safely during the COVID-19 pandemic: Volunteering at ONT looks a little different during the current health crisis. ONT is taking extra precautions to keep all volunteers, staff and guests safe.
We do not have any immediate openings for recurring, weekly volunteer shifts in any of our programs. We are currently recruiting for new volunteers to be on-call should there be any openings or last minute cancellations. If you are interested in being on-call, please fill out the volunteer application. After filling out the application, you will be contacted to attend a Virtual Volunteer Orientation via Zoom. Are you an oriented volunteer? Access the Volunteer Hub here. |
If you have any questions about the volunteer process or our current COVID-19 protocols, please email Melanie or call her at 978-388-1907 x10.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there an age requirement for volunteering?
Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, current volunteer opportunities are for those who are 16 and over.
When regular operations resume:
When regular operations resume:
- Ages 15 and above may volunteer with our Meal and Grocery programs.
- Those under 15 may volunteer for some shifts if they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Groups and families with children age 8 or up may help with special family friendly projects including sorting food or assembling gifts and grocery bags.
can my children volunteer?
Please note, while COVID restrictions are in place, all volunteers must be at least age 16 to work on ONT premises.
There are lots of creative ways through which children of all ages can help Our Neighbors' Table in the fight against hunger. Common projects offered for groups with children age 8 years and up include: assembling Easter baskets, sorting food donated through a local food drive, or, while COVID-19 keeps us apart, hosting a Virtual Food Drive.
There are lots of creative ways through which children of all ages can help Our Neighbors' Table in the fight against hunger. Common projects offered for groups with children age 8 years and up include: assembling Easter baskets, sorting food donated through a local food drive, or, while COVID-19 keeps us apart, hosting a Virtual Food Drive.
how can younger children help?
Please note, while COVID restrictions are in place, all volunteers must be at least age 16 to work on ONT premises. ONT discourages activities that encourage children to convene large groups or travel from house to house. Please consider a Virtual Food Drive to support ONT while keeping everyone safe. See below for information about our typical opportunities for young children. We are looking forward to seeing their shining faces again!
There are creative ways that younger children can help at home or in the classroom. They can collect food or monetary donations around their neighborhood via Fill 'Em Up Bags, decorate bags used for children's Snack Packs, or decorate place mats used for the Wednesday Meal.
For children age 4-10 years, ONT offers WEE Can Help!* These special slots get young kids right in the action restocking our market on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00-5:00pm. To participate in WEE Can Help, please complete the volunteer application with the parent/adult information so we can schedule you for a volunteer orientation. We ask parents to complete a volunteer orientation prior to signing up for your first shift. You and your child will be interacting with our guests and other volunteers so we want to make sure you are properly prepared.
*Unfortunately, WEE Can Help has been put on hold to due COVID-19 but we look forward to resuming this popular family activity when it is safe to do so!
There are creative ways that younger children can help at home or in the classroom. They can collect food or monetary donations around their neighborhood via Fill 'Em Up Bags, decorate bags used for children's Snack Packs, or decorate place mats used for the Wednesday Meal.
For children age 4-10 years, ONT offers WEE Can Help!* These special slots get young kids right in the action restocking our market on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00-5:00pm. To participate in WEE Can Help, please complete the volunteer application with the parent/adult information so we can schedule you for a volunteer orientation. We ask parents to complete a volunteer orientation prior to signing up for your first shift. You and your child will be interacting with our guests and other volunteers so we want to make sure you are properly prepared.
*Unfortunately, WEE Can Help has been put on hold to due COVID-19 but we look forward to resuming this popular family activity when it is safe to do so!
Are there opportunities for groups to volunteer?
There are many opportunities for individuals and groups alike during normal operations. Common group projects include serving a Wednesday Meal, assisting guests at the Market, and sorting donated food items. However at this time due to COVID-19 health concerns, we do not have any group volunteer opportunities.
Will volunteering satisfy my community service requirements?
Yes! Our Neighbors' Table is happy to host local students looking for community service projects to satisfy their school's graduation requirements. We encourage you to plan ahead and contact us as soon as possible as it may take you several weeks to earn enough hours.
Are diversion and probation candidates able to volunteer?
Absolutely. We've done a lot of work with diversion and probation candidates and are happy to track and report volunteer hours.
