Volunteer

Whether you are looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity for a group or an ongoing opportunity for yourself, we have an array of volunteer opportunities available.

PLEASE NOTE: The Pantry does not participate in the court-ordered community service hours program.

Volunteers donated 16,566 hours in fiscal year 2020. According to Independent Sector research on the real value of volunteer time, those hours are worth $450,595.20 to the Pantry.

Volunteering for ages 16* and up

Over 65 individuals volunteer on a regular basis. With opportunities ranging from food distribution to sorting and stocking, there’s something for everyone!

Some of our needs are:

  • Assisting clients – Tuesday and Saturday mornings, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Food rescue drivers – must be at least 25 years old. Drivers license is required. A Pantry vehicle is available for pick-ups.
  • Restocking shelves, sorting food, and packing boxes for client distribution: Monday through Friday, 8:00 to Noon; Monday & Wednesday through Friday, Noon to 3:00 PM

*Youth ages 16 and 17 are required to have a parent present at New Volunteer Orientation and their first shift at the Pantry.

Submit a volunteer application at the link below.

Submit Volunteer Application

Volunteering for ages 7-15

Looking for ways to teach your children empathy and compassion through volunteer work? Our “Kids Make a Difference” program is your solution. Click the link below for details.

Kids Make a Difference

Groups

West Suburban Community Pantry welcomes groups to volunteer together. At this time, groups are
limited to four (4) people, and all youth under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please indicate if
you have a group larger than 4 and we will coordinate multiple dates for your volunteerism. To arrange
a time for your group to volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinator Rebecca Boland: rboland@wscpantry.org.

Thank you for your support during these difficult economic times. We truly appreciate your giving of your time.

Volunteering From Home

Food Box Notes

Help spread joy and inspiration by writing notes to put into food boxes. Have a cooking tip to share? Or a phrase to brighten someone’s day? Jot it down and drop it by the Pantry where volunteers will add your notes to food kits.

Tips:

  • Notes should be no larger than a half sheet of paper and easily folded or inserted into a box of food.
  • Get creative with materials: To make notes for bread and produce bags, use a hole punch and twine or a clothespin. Use washi tape or colorful markers to make it pop!
  • Make as many as you’d like!
  • Use your imagination to keep the messages positive and uplifting.

Notes can be dropped off at the Pantry during donation hours Monday-Friday 8a-3p; Saturdays 8a-12pm. If you have questions, please email Volunteer Coordinator Rebecca Boland: rboland@wscpantry.org.

Here are some examples:

Active Volunteers Sign-in