Volunteer with us!

We rely on an amazing team of volunteers to serve our community; your time really matters to us! There are two ways to get involved - with community-based programs (our food pantry and clothing closet) or school-based programs (such as JUMP mentoring):

Learn more about volunteering with Johnston Partnership

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS

Who can volunteer?

  • Adults 18+ may volunteer in any position in our food pantry or clothing closet

  • High school students 14+ may volunteer in all positions except those that require driving on our behalf - and you can earn Silver Cord hours by volunteering

  • Children below the age of 14 may volunteer in some cases with direct parental supervision; email our Pantry Manager to learn more

  • Groups of four or fewer can volunteer at the same time, but we cannot accommodate large groups of volunteers due to space constraints

How can I help?

  • We need help in three key volunteer roles: food pantry volunteer, clothing closet volunteer, and incoming donation processing

What can I expect?

  • Before your first shift, check out our informational videos to learn more about what you can expect while volunteering; please also take the time to review our Volunteer Handbook

  • When you arrive for your first shift, you’ll be paired with a seasoned volunteer to help orient you

  • We’ll answer any questions you have about the policies included in our Volunteer Handbook to make sure you understand our expectations

Volunteering in our food pantry

Volunteering in our clothing closet

Volunteering to manage donations

How do I sign up for shifts?

  • It’s easy! Use our sign up tool to view and sign up for open shifts

  • Please arrive on time - we want to make sure you have everything you need before we open our doors

  • Feeling unwell? Please stay home if you’re sick to help stop the spread of disease - just email our Pantry Manager to let us know you can’t make it

“I was truly rewarded many times over by the kindness and graciousness of the people I was blessed to meet at the pantry. After each shift, I spent the rest of the day recalling what I saw, heard, and felt, and doing so made my heart bigger.”

— Pantry intake volunteer

SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS:

JUMP Mentoring Program

Who can volunteer?

  • Adults 18+ may volunteer with our school based programs

How can I help?

  • We’re looking for JUMP Mentoring program volunteers who will commit to spending time with one Johnston School District student on a weekly basis

What can I expect?

  • We ask you to commit to spending one hour per week with your student during school hours - we’ll find a day and time that fits your schedule

  • You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in various activities throughout the school year

  • No background in education is needed - we simply need adults who can be a positive role model in the lives of a student

How do I sign up?

  • Start by filling out the JUMP Mentor application. We’ll ask you to provide us with references from an employer, a family member, and a friend. If you have questions about the application, please email our JUMP Mentor Recruitment Coordinator for assistance

  • After reviewing your application, we’ll schedule an interview so we can get to know you better

  • We care about the safety of our students, so we’ll also complete a criminal background check and a Health and Human Services child and dependent adult abuse background check

  • If you’re a good fit for our program, we’ll provide mentor training so you feel comfortable in your new role

Weekend Food Support

How can I help?

  • We currently need volunteers to deliver food bags to Johnston Schools on Wednesdays between 9 am-2 pm. Volunteers must have their own transportation and be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

How do I sign up?

  • If you’re interested in helping with our weekend food support programs - Dragon Power and Friday Friends - please contact our Youth Program Director.