Volunteer Opportunities
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE.
To learn more about how to become a Second Harvest volunteer, contact Danny Robles,Volunteers Services Manager at (831) 722-7110 ext. 205 or danny@thefoodbank.org.
Saturday Food Sorts
NOTE: Saturday Sorts are booked until the summer, other than the New Donor Sort. Openings for summer sorts begin in April.
Help sort and pack donated food at our Second Harvest warehouse in Watsonville on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm! You must be able to lift, sort, and carry. View the 2010 Sort Schedule. You must contact Danny Robles in advance to join a sort.
Distribution Desk
We are in need of on-call back-up volunteers for our Distribution Desk on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. mornings from 7:30 - 11:30. Work involves weighing products purchased, assisting in moving products, loading dock and stocking shelves.
Community Food Hotline
We need help in the Community Food Hotline answering calls from those in need of food, directing people to pantries and soup kitchens, and answering questions about food stamps, WIC, and emergency shelters. Shifts are Mon - Fri, 9:00-1:00 and 1:00 - 4:00. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) strongly encouraged. Some familiarity with computers and data input, good people and phone skills are needed.
Events & Fundraising
We need help with parades, setting up and taking down local events, fundraising dinners, etc. - all which help collect food and donations for the hungry. You need to have good people skills and be enthusiastic and interested in helping the hungry people in our community.
Office Assistance
We need assistance throughout the year with data entry, thank you letters, hand-written envelopes, and stuffing envelopes. Two-hours shifts available from Mon - Fri,
9:00 - 4:00.
USDA Distribution
We need help packing food bags, handing out food, and certifying that families are eligible for food for our monthly Emergency Food Assistance Program. This is a drive through food distribution program that happens on the once every month, 8:00 - 1:00. Ask when this month's distribution will happen.
Food Drives
Help collect food for hungry people throughout the year. Conduct your own personal food drive at home, work, neighborhood or place of worship. Click here for more information.
Garden Project
We need Garden Project volunteers every Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m., from May through November. Work involves preparing the soil, planting, weeding, harvesting and picking vegetables. Spaces are limited to 5-6 volunteers per session, 12 years and older. Please come with your parent or adult guardian if you are 12-15 years old.
Passion For Produce Distribution
We are starting a new program to help increase the flow of fresh fruits and vegetables into low-income homes! We will need distribution site managers and workers soon. There may also be opportunities to do nutrition education on a volunteer basis. Please contact Paul to be considered for future opportunities.
Food for Children Distribution
Assist in distributing food at one of our 48 Food for Children distribution sites. One-hour shifts available are in the afternoon Tues - Thurs. Work involves setting up a table with literature, certifying people are eligible for a food bag, handing out food bags, and returning all paperwork/materials to the driver.
Graphic Arts/Newsletter Design
We are looking for individuals with a graphic arts background who are well-versed in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design, and Acrobat. They will assist in preparing Volunteer Services newsletters and may also help with quarterly newsletters and individual graphic design projects.
Be on call for short-notice projects.
