About Donate Dinner

Donate Dinner is one of the largest volunteer events in the Portland metropolitan area.  Last year, 1,500 people volunteered for 2-hour shifts and the outcome was incredible – they raised more than $230,000 to support the Meals-On-Wheels program. 

Local grocery stores (New Seasons Markets, Thriftway, Market of Choice, Haggens, and Whole Foods) participate by having volunteers greet customers as they come in to the store and handout cards.  The card explains that if a customer would like to “donate dinner to a homebound senior” they tell the cashier when they check out and the donation will be added to their grocery bill. Each shift is only two hours and available from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s that simple! 

This year, local restaurants have joined in under the umbrella of our traditional Donate Dinner campaign, to provide opportunities for their diners to donate dinner to a homebound senior during the month of November. Watch this site for more information about special menu items, donation days and other promotions at some of Portland's most popular restaurants. If you have a favorite dining spot that you think might be interested in supporting Donate Dinner, contact Tearesa Hasselman at 503-953-8132.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Donate Dinner?
The five days before Thanksgiving: Saturday, November 19, 2011 - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We’ve found that high school age and older is best, unless accompanied by an adult. Youngsters sometimes get the best reactions from shoppers, so feel free to bring your children if they are eager to participate and you will be staying with them.

How many people can come with me for my shift?
Most shifts have openings for just two people. Because the stores are very busy at this time of year, and there is only a limited greeting space at most stores, it’s best if you and your friend or family member each sign up, and don’t bring extra people. An exception would be if your immediate family wants to volunteer together - we highly encourage that!

How can I see what shifts are open at the store where I want to volunteer?
Click on the “Volunteer to be a Greeter” button at the bottom of any page.  It will open up a new page that has at the top a list of all the stores (and a map to see where they’re located). Click on any store, then scroll down the page and you’ll see what shifts are still available.

What if the day or time I want isn’t available at my choice of store?
That means someone else has already reserved that day or shift. You can see what shifts are available on other days at that same store. Or, if you want to see what’s available at other stores, click on each store’s link at the top of the page.

What if there’s nothing available on the day I want to volunteer?
Send us an email and we’ll keep your contact information on a Substitute list - if someone calls in sick or can’t get to their shift, we’ll call you the evening before and see if you’re able to fill in for them.

What if I want to be a Team Leader and adopt an entire day -- but the store and day I want doesn’t show up on the drop down menu?
That means another Team has already reserved that day. Hopefully there will be another store or day that your team can adopt.

Can my friend and I sign up for the same shift at the same time?
Yes! Once you’ve completed the registration for your first shift, scroll to the bottom of the confirmation page and you can select to sign up another person for the same shift.

Can I sign up for more shifts, without having to re-enter all my information?
Yes! Once you’ve completed the registration for your first shift, scroll to the bottom of the confirmation page and you can select to sign up for additional shifts at any store.

Why do you need my phone number?
We need your phone number so that we can call you and remind you of your shift, and also so we can let you know if there is change to the schedule.

What if it’s snowing or icy on the day I’m signed up to volunteer?
If you don’t feel it’s safe to come to the store, then please stay home - but let your Team Leader know. You’ll get that person’s phone number when you get your reminder email a few days before Donate Dinner.

What if I get sick or have an emergency and can’t come for my shift?
Your reminder email will include the phone number of your Team Leaer and also a staff member at Loaves & Fishes. Please let us know as soon as you realize you’re not going to make it, and we’ll try to get a replacement.

What will you do with my email?
We will send you a reminder email a few days before Donate Dinner starts. This will have up-to-date information that will help you have a good experience when you volunteer. We would also like to send you the results after it’s all over, and keep you informed of other news about Loaves & Fishes Centers. You always have the option of “opting out” if you’d rather not hear from us after Donate Dinner is all over.

Why do you want my birth date?
Some of the grants we receive ask for demographic information about our volunteers. It’s very helpful if you’ll provide this for us, and it will not be used for any other purpose.

Still have questions? Click here

About Loaves & Fishes Centers

No senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.

Loaves & Fishes Centers is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors 60 years and older. Hot noon meals are delivered by volunteers each weekday to homebound seniors. Loaves & Fishes Centers also serves a noon lunch to more active seniors at 30 meal centers throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties.

Click here to visit our website!