Volunteer Your Time

Description:
Volunteer interacts with Neighbors one-on-one. Greets and signs in Neighbors using printed logs, copies Neighbor ID’s and receives completed Registration Forms, and checks for eligibility using a computer database. Also answers general questions.

Total volunteer time:
3 ½ hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors:
Yes

Requirements:
Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: Volunteer interacts with Neighbors one-on-one. Walks with Neighbors through the Pantry and assists as needed while Neighbors choose needed groceries and household items. Offers to assist Neighbor with loading food into a vehicle and pray for them when appropriate.

Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: Yes

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: Volunteer takes part in front line ministry by offering prayer and Bibles to our Neighbors who wish to receive them. Typically, this happens while Neighbors are waiting or after they’ve received services. It’s important to be sensitive to Neighbors’ preferences, understanding that prayer and spiritual counsel are offered but never required. If interested, this role may be asked to fulfill the Greeter responsibilities for the current Session.

Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: Yes

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: Volunteer welcomes Neighbors as they arrive to Mercy’s Gate, answers general ministry questions, visits with Neighbors who are waiting for services, and refers Neighbors to community resources as needed. 

Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: Yes

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: During closed hours, Volunteer transports pantry items from our on-site storage into the Pantry, moves/stocks the items, and processes Pantry donations. This may require lifting, bending, and squatting.

Total Volunteer time: 2 hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: No

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check

Description: Volunteer transports Pantry items from donor locations to Mercy’s Gate, and an off-site storage location. This requires bending, squatting, and lifting of 35+ pounds.

Total Volunteer time: 2-3 hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: No

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, Valid driver’s license

Description: Volunteer works in front line ministry, meeting one-on-one with Neighbors seeking assistance. Volunteer listens, assesses needs, reviews and discusses budget. Based on that conversation, Volunteer offers assistance based on established Mercy’s Gate guidelines, complete and process paperwork as appropriate, refer to other assistance available in the community, and pray with Neighbors (if the Neighbor desires).

Total Volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week.

Interacts with Neighbors: Yes

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: Volunteer interacts with Neighbors one-on-one. Volunteer arrives twenty minutes before the session to ensure workspace and forms are ready. During the open session, the Volunteer greets Neighbors, assists with the drawing, uses a computer database, processes paperwork, answers questions, and refers Neighbors to additional resources when appropriate.

Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: Yes

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: Volunteer interacts directly with Neighbors by answering incoming calls during a Session. Volunteer also retrieves messages and return calls to answer Neighbor questions. When time permits, Volunteer may assist other administrative volunteers by answering Neighbor questions, copying paperwork, and checking the computer database as needed.

Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week

Interacts with Neighbors: Yes

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager

Description: Volunteer works behind the scenes to input data from Neighbor appointments and Food Pantry visits into appropriate databases.

Total Volunteer Time: 2-4 hours/week

Interacts with Neighbors: No

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check

Description: Volunteer works behind the scenes to monitor Neighbors’ COPE status and communicates with CSU regarding Mercy’s Gate guarantee and payment. The COPE Volunteer also assists Data Entry Volunteers as time permits.

Total Volunteer Time: 2-3 hours/week

Interacts with Neighbors: No

Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check

Description: Special Events Volunteers assist with occasional weekend or special projects, such as our Thanksgiving Meal Baskets, Backpack Bash, or other seasonal events. Some of these opportunities are more family-friendly, and Volunteers will be notified by email of upcoming opportunities and the age and time requirements of the event.

Interacts with Neighbors: event dependent

Requirements: Signed special event waiver/ agreement

• Administrative Volunteers
• Advocate Volunteers
• Food Pantry & Prayer Volunteers

Please see “Opportunities” above for current volunteer roles and descriptions. If you have special skills that you could use to serve Neighbors, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@mercysgatecs.org to discuss those further. We are always in need of Spanish-speaking volunteers!

• Volunteers must have the heart to serve Neighbors with the love of Christ.
• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to be in direct contact with Neighbors.
• Volunteers must pass a background check, sign a confidentiality statement, and agree with our Statement of Faith.

• Read through our volunteer opportunities and operating hours for volunteer roles and times that work best for you.
• Attend an Informational Tour which is held every other Thursday from 12:30-1:15. You can sign up by clicking the button below. If you have questions please contact Jenny Kay at jenny.kay@mercysgatecs.org.
• We’ll work with you to determine the best fit with your schedule and our needs as a ministry.
• The Volunteer Coordinator will send you an application and reference form (both online). Once your application and reference are received, we’ll set up an interview and discuss training.

We ask volunteers to serve at least twice each month, for 2-3 hours per shift. Most Mercy’s Gate volunteers serve weekly in their chosen role.

Yes! Several times each year we offer a two-hour volunteer training. After that, you’ll have specific training tailored to your volunteer position. You and the Volunteer Coordinator will set up your training plan once you’ve established when and how you would like to serve.

Yes! Most groups who volunteer at Mercy’s Gate help with our special events in the summer and fall. Please contact us for more information at volunteer@mercysgatecs.org.

Email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@mercysgatecs.org any time with questions. We look forward to hearing from you!