Join us this summer for a meaningful and fun way to give back as a family!
Our family volunteer opportunities are designed to engage children and adults alike in hands-on activities that support Project Open Hand’s community and promote the values of teamwork and compassion.
2025 PROGRAM DETAILS:
- Summer Program Duration: June 16 – August 18
- Schedule: Every Monday afternoon
- Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Location: 730 Polk Street
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
- Ideal For: Families with children between the ages of 8–14
- Group Size: Up to 10 people per family
- Adult Supervision: At least one adult is required for every three youth participants
- Waiver Requirement: Each child must have a completed youth waiver, signed by a legal guardian
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Families will help sort and pack food items like fresh produce and pantry staples—think granola, rice, pasta, and beans. Tasks are flexible and can include labeling, portioning, and stocking the fridge or freezer. It’s a great way for kids ages 8–14 (and their grown-ups or grandparents!) to get involved and give back together.
This is a sensory-considerate, low-pressure volunteer opportunity designed to be fun and meaningful—not about speed or production. Perfect for a summer afternoon when school’s out and you’re looking for something rewarding to do as a family.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, we kindly ask families to follow these guidelines:
- Age Eligibility: Youth participants must be between 8 and 14 years old to participate. Youth aged 15 and older are welcome to volunteer through our general volunteer opportunities.
- Adult Supervision: A minimum of 1 adult for every 3 youth is required. Youth must be supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or designated family member at all times.
- Food Safety Practices:
- All volunteers must:
- Wash and sanitize hands thoroughly
- Wear protective gear including hairnets, beard guards (if applicable), and gloves
- Follow all instructions provided by staff, who are focused on ensuring the quality of meals and the safety of clients, volunteers, and staff
- All volunteers must:
- Allergen Reminder: Our facility handles both dairy and nut products, and while we take care to maintain a clean environment, we want to be transparent so that we cannot guarantee a nut-free space. For the safety of all our volunteers, please note that this opportunity may not be suitable for individuals with severe nut allergies.
To move forward with a weekly placement, please submit our Volunteer Inquiry Form, and a volunteer coordinator will be in touch.
If you are not able to commit to a weekly shift or want to try a drop-in shift first, please sign up for one of our Hot Spot shifts.