For the five days preceding Thanksgiving (Saturday, November 22 – Wednesday, November 26) volunteers greet local grocery store customers from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. as they arrive to shop for their Thanksgiving dinner. 


Two ways to volunteer:
           

1. Organize a team of 12 volunteers to cover all volunteer shifts for one day.  This is a great project for employees or members of organizations to come together to help others in need.  Last year some teams wore matching t-shirts or hats … it is a great way to build morale and let the community know that you care about the well-being of our senior population.
           

2. Volunteer for a two-hour shift to hand out cards to customers.  All it takes is a friendly smile and a short greeting, “Hi!  If you would like to donate dinner to a homebound senior please let your cashier know when you check out.  Thank you!”  The donation is added to the customer’s receipt and can be retained for tax purposes.

Upon registering a team or to volunteer for a shift, you will receive more detailed instructions via email. 

 


Volunteer Instructions

As A Donate Dinner Greeter, Here’s What You Need To Know:

  • You are guest at the grocery store and you represent Loaves & Fishes Centers. Please be respectful of the store staff and shoppers.
  • Bring a friendly smile and a cheerful, holiday attitude!
  • Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, as you will be standing near a doorway of the grocery store and it can get chilly in November!

When You Arrive For Your Shift:

  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your shift starts. Allow plenty of extra time for parking as the stores are very busy at this time.
  • A volunteer team leader will greet you and provide you with:
    • A Loaves & Fishes Centers apron
    • Donate Dinner cards to give to customers
    • Volunteer instructions and scripts to review
  • When you are through with your shift, make sure you pass these items on to the volunteers who come to relieve you or place them in the designated Donate Dinner box at the store.

Here’s What To Say And What To Do:

  • As each shopper arrives, hold out a Donate Dinner card and say, “Hi! I’m a volunteer with Loaves & Fishes Centers, The Meals-On-Wheels People. If you would like to donate a dinner to a homebound senior, just tell the cashier when you check out. Thank you!”

There Are A Few Other Things You Should Know:

  • Please be diplomatic! Don’t insist shoppers take a card if they are not interested.
  • If you see any clean Donate Dinner cards in the shopping carts or baskets, please collect them so we can use them again.

Thank You for volunteering during this holiday season. It is through your commitment of time that we can meet our vision that no senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.  

All of us at Loaves & Fishes Centers want to extend to you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!