Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering at KLF

I want to get involved and learn more about volunteering! How can I help?

Our biggest volunteer need is individuals who are willing to help on a recurring basis. To meet the needs of the community, we need reliable volunteer commitment! We have some volunteers who prefer set, regular schedules, and others who pick up shifts each month as their schedule allows. Most of our individual opportunities require at least a 3-month commitment. Click this link to see our open positions!

When do you offer volunteer opportunities?

We currently need individuals during our business hours Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm. On Monday and Wednesday we have later opportunities until 5:30, but those shifts are limited and tend to fill quickly. Currently, we do not have regular weekend opportunities. However, if you'd like to be notified of the special events that take place outside of our business hours, let us know!

Can I just drop in when I have free time?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins. All volunteers must be scheduled as they are assigned to specific projects and program areas. This helps us stay organized and serve the community efficiently!

What are the age requirements for volunteering?

The minimum age for volunteering is 12 years old. Youth aged 12-15 must volunteer with a parent or guardian over the age of 21. Youth aged 16-17 may volunteer independently with a signed waiver. There are a few activities where volunteers need to be 18 years or older including, but not limited to, Call Center, Home Deliveries, and our evening Pantry shifts. For youth groups we ask that the chaperone ratios are 1:4 for ages 12-15 and 1:8 for ages 15-17. Chaperones must be 21 years or older.

I must complete community service hours that were court assigned. Can I volunteer?

While we do accept court compelled community service hours, these spots are very limited and vary seasonally. Please note that we can only accept individuals who need to complete 25 hours or less. There are some restrictions regarding what offenses are accepted, and hours must be mandated through a Kalamazoo County court. The community service program is separate from our volunteer program. Please do not register as a volunteer as those hours will not count toward your mandated community service. Contact us to inquire about open court-compelled opportunities or to be added to our waitlist.

What are the physical requirements for volunteering?

Many of our volunteer opportunities are fairly active positions which will require standing, walking, lifting up to 30 lbs., bending, twisting, and repeated movements. If you would like to learn about a less active role, contact us to learn more about the Front Desk Attendant, Call Center Agent, or Mailing Volunteer positions!

I'd like to get involved at one of your other pantries/distribution sites, not the main location. How do I go about this?

Outside of our main location on Portage Street and our other satellite location stationed on the Northside, our pantries and distribution sites are hosted at churches and community centers around town. These sites allow us to reach more of our neighbors in need. However, these sites recruit and coordinate their own volunteers directly. If you'd like to be connected with one of these partner sites, please contact us so we can get you the right information!

I have a group that would like to help for a few hours. Is that possible?

Yes! We love to host groups! We can accommodate groups of 3-10 people. The available project schedule depends on the group size. Activities include repacking produce, sorting donations, and assembling non-perishable boxes of food. Typically, we schedule groups 10-12 weeks in advance. Most groups activities are scheduled during our normal hours of operation. With enough notice, we may be able to host a late or weekend event! Contact us today to schedule your group.

I may not be able to volunteer at this time, but I would still like to help. What can I do?

We are currently purchasing about 70% of the food we distribute. Donations of funds and food are greatly appreciated and needed.

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