As Volunteer
Services Manager, one of the biggest parts of my job is sharing all the various
volunteer opportunities at SFBFS. Many new volunteers enter the organization
thinking that sorting and bagging groceries is the only thing that volunteers
can do to help out. In reality, there are dozens of ways that volunteers can
help. Often, volunteers are doing quite unexpected and extraordinary things in
our programs. Because there are many volunteer roles that people aren’t aware
of, I’d like to share some of the lesser-known volunteer needs from each of our
programs.
-Food program: Most people are aware
that volunteers are needed to help at our food distributions with sorting and
packing food, but did you know about our need for Demonstration Garden volunteers? Our quarter-acre Demonstration
Garden, located at our main facility in Oak Park, is especially in need of
volunteers during the summer months on weekday mornings. Immerse yourself in
harvesting, transplanting, maintenance and other garden related projects. Maybe
you can assist during a class and help our clients learn how to grow their own
food at home!
-Clothing program: Clothing program volunteers help with a lot of different things,
but one unique project is helping to choose items for our teen rack. Teenage
shoppers in the Clothing program often can’t find items they’d like to wear –
it’s often embarrassing to have to shop with mom or dad, or they aren’t as
aggressive shoppers as they need to be to find clothing they like. Volunteers
help by picking and choosing clothing that should be on the teen rack so it’s
well stocked for our teenage clients.
-Adult Education: Our Adult Education
program consists of three main areas: English as a Second language (ESL)
classes, tutoring in Adult Basic Education and GED preparation, and technology.
Technology Lab Volunteers are more in demand than ever before.
Volunteers teach 7 week long courses on technology basics. Classes run
throughout the year, but volunteers may commit to just one 7 week long course
at a time. Not sure if you’re ready to teach in front of a group? Join us as an
assistant in the classroom – the main qualifications for volunteers are
patience and encouragement!
-Parent Education: Volunteers in the
Parent Education program have done incredible things. We’ve had volunteers
become lactation consultants to volunteer their expertise to new moms, social
workers facilitate group discussions in the evenings, yoga instructors teach
classes to expectant and new moms, talented seamstresses sew cloth diapers to
donate and much, much more. There are so many ways to get involved, but
probably the least-known need is volunteer dads. Experienced dads are needed to help develop classes and support groups for the dads in our community. Dads
that speak Spanish would be a huge plus!
-Youth Education: Youth Education consists
of three components: PlayCare Academy, After-School Academy and Computer
Clubhouse. All serve different age groups and have different focuses. A lesser
known volunteer need in Youth Education is the Computer Clubhouse Communications
& Fundraising position, where volunteers help to spread the word about the Clubhouse’s
available services, seek out possible funding and resources, invite guest
speakers to engage with the teens and much more.
-Senior program: Senior program volunteers are matched with a senior in need in
the community and visit their senior twice a month. There is only one volunteer
need, but the volunteer experience varies greatly. You may be matched with a
senior that shares your love of reading – so you read the same books each month
and catch up on them during your visits. You may be a history buff who is
matched with someone who loves talking about their past life experiences. We
have had volunteers who are real problem-solvers help connect their seniors
with needed community resources. We have seen amazing, real connections form
between volunteers and seniors – it’s a special program.
If you are
interested in getting involved as a volunteer in any of our programs, please
sign up for a volunteer orientation at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.
Submitted by Robin Simpson, Volunteer Services Manager at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.
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