Volunteer FAQs
How can I volunteer at Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry?
All volunteers need to complete a Volunteer Form and attend an Orientation Session.
Orientations are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Volunteer Orientation will not be held in December.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
All scheduling is done via email.
Once a Volunteer Form is submitted and Orientation is completed, volunteers are placed on the Food Pantry’s distribution email list.
Scheduling emails are sent out on the 25th of every month with the available volunteer shifts for the following month.
Do I have to schedule to volunteer in advance or can I just show up to volunteer?
All volunteer shifts are scheduled in advance. Although the Food Pantry appreciates all who want to volunteer, it is not set up to accommodate volunteers who just show up to volunteer.
What type of volunteer opportunities are at the Food Pantry?
The Food Pantry offer a variety of volunteer opportunities:
- serving clients
- unloading food deliveries
- stocking shelves
- picking up donated produce and bread from local grocery stores
- preparing the food pantry for weekly food distributions
- hosting a food drive with your school, organization, church, book club, etc.
Is there an age requirement to volunteer?
There are different volunteer opportunities for all ages. As a general rule, the age requirements are as follows:
Client Facing Volunteer Shifts: minimum age – high school (middle school with parent)
Client Facing Volunteer Shifts (valet): minimum age – middle school
Non-Client Facing Volunteer Shifts (delivery): minimum age: high school
Non-Client Facing Volunteer Shifts (other): minimum age: high school (younger with parent)
Is there a place to lock up my personal belongings?
No. Please leave all valuables at home or locked in your vehicle. There are places to hang jackets, etc.
What should I wear?
Volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.
Where is Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry located?
848 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301. The Food Pantry is located in the lower level of First United Church; on the NW corner of Lake and Kenilworth. Enter via the parking lot on Kenilworth.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available in the First United Church parking lot. Although the parking lot tends to fill up quickly. Street parking is also available. Make sure to read all street/parking signs when parking on the street.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Kristi Braun, Volunteer Manager Kristi@oprffoodpantry.org