Has anybody here been a voluteer at a food pantry?

[asscherisme]

I"m thinking of voluteering at a food pantry. I am starting to feel really down on my situation lately and my childrens special needs are starting to overwhelm me and depress me more than usual. I just need a change of scenery for a few hour each week.

I thought voluteering might do me some good to help others and get some time away from focusing on what is getting me down. And set a good example for my kids as well.

There is a local food pantry and I called and they said they would love to have me contribute a few hours each week.

I am curious what other experiences have been? I'm really excited about doing it. I have not volunteered since college. (expect my kids school, I do volunteer a lot there.)

edited to add, oops I mispelled the title of the thread. Just ignore the poor spelling!!

 

[OUpearlgirl]

I''ve done it many times. Usually the people you work with are all very nice. A lot of times I just worked in the warehouse, but sometimes I would actually hand out the goods. Most people were very grateful.

Overall it''s a very enjoyable experience and I will definitely continue to do it.

 

[strmrdr]

yes have put in many hours at more than one.

Around here they have programs for people with disabilities to help out and the state pays their salary.
Some of them will touch you heart.
On I will never forget is a lady who no one entered without a hug and her saying thanks for helping.
Those are the only words I ever heard her speak the whole time I was helping there.

It is fun for the most part they are usually pretty laid back places to work.

If you are working the window you will have an occasional jerk just like any other customer service job but for the most part it is kewl.

My advice learn the ropes and be ready to jump in when needed with a smile and you will get a lot out of it.

 

[meresal]

I did about 30 hours at the one here last year. All I can say is be ready to work and dress accordingly. I really enjoyed it and it was actually quite a work out.

You more than likely won''t be working directly with the citizens that eat the food, so the "giving back feeling" isn''t quite the same as say a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, but just know that you are helping on a much broader level.
Lots of loading trucks for churches and homeless shelters, with the boxes of food and necessities.

Gotta run to a meeting, I''ll be back.

 

[somethingshiny]

Ditto on Meresal''s post. Usually they want the "needy" to work at the "window". When the people come in for food, they ask them to sign up and volunteer to work the "window." Most other volunteers are doing the grunt work.

It''s a wonderful cause and an easy way to give locally. Especially now that so many people seem to be in need.

And, remember, donating food/supplies/cash is a great way to help the food pantry, too.

You may also want to look into the clothes/household supply donation centers. Often they have so much donated they can''t keep up with getting it cleaned and presentable. Also, they need volunteers to collect size/age info and prepare boxes for housefire/domestic abuse/etc victims.


Good luck!