Volunteer
1 Peter 4:10-11 | Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So, use your gift well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God’s message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies.
Volunteer Opportunities
At RiverWorks we do a wide variety of work, meaning we have plenty of volunteer options in different areas! We rely on the support of volunteers like you who come join us in the community. Please take a look below at the different opportunities available. If you are interested in volunteering with us, the first step is to submit the Volunteer Interest Form above. We look forward to having you join us!
Packing Grocery Boxes & Distribution Prep
The volunteer is responsible for assisting the LBX Coordinator with our Lunch Box Express programs. This position will pack the grocery boxes/bags that are delivered to each family on our LBX client list. The volunteer will support RiverWorks mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
TBD
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures
- All personal information regarding clients is confidential and should not be shared outside of the RiverWorks (names, addresses)
- Pack selected items as directed and label boxes/bags for delivery that identifies the family size and how many boxes/bags each family receives.
- Arrive at the specified time.
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Staff.
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
Shifts typically 2-3 hours
Summer LBX June – August (TBD, but probably Monday)
Winter LBX – The week of school Christmas Break
Support
We will provide training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Mobile Food Director will be available.
Age Requirement
16 years old
Delivery Driver
The volunteer is responsible for assisting the Mobile Food Director with our Lunch Box Express programs. This position will deliver the meal and/or grocery boxes/bags to each family on our LBX client list. The volunteer will support RiverWorks’ mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
Each driver will have a route of 5-6 stops in the Rockford, Greenfield, or Maple Hill Estates locations.
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures
- All personal information regarding clients is confidential and should not be shared outside of RiverWorks (names, addresses)
- Deliver food as instructed on the route sheet, and the boxes/bags that confirm the number of kids in the family at each address
- Arrive at the specified time as designated by The Mobile Food Director.
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Staff.
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to politely interact with LBX families. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Personal vehicle required. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
Shifts available – Monday or Tuesday for 2-3 hours (depending on route size)
Summer LBX June – August | Winter – The week of school Christmas Break
Training
We will provide training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Mobile Food Director will be available.
Age Requirement
18 years old
LBX Runner
The volunteer is responsible for assisting the Director of Mobile Food with our Lunch Box Express programs. Second Harvest food that is delivered to the food shelf will need to be brought to the location that the LBX lunches are being created and packed. The volunteer will support RiverWorks’ mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
RiverWorks Food Shelf, 8230 Cedar Street – Rockford, MN delivered to location TBD.
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures
- All personal information regarding clients is confidential and should not be shared outside of the RiverWorks (names, addresses)
- Arrive at the specified time at the Food Shelf as designated by RiverWorks for delivery to the TBD location.
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Staff.
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Personal vehicle required. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
Shifts available – Monday or Tuesday for 2-3 hours
Summer LBX June – August | Winter – The week of school Christmas Break
Training
We will provide training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Mobile Food Director will be available.
Age Requirement
18 years old
Good Eats by RiverWorks Volunteer Lead
The volunteer is responsible for assisting the Mobile Food Director with our Good Eats by RiverWorks Food Truck. This position will assist in the preparation, serving, and managing of the Good Eats Food Truck. The volunteer will support RiverWorks’ mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
TBD at the Good Eats by RiverWorks Food Truck
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures
- Lead(s) will:
- Acquire a Food Handlers License (RiverWorks will pay and is an online class and test)
- Recruit a team to serve (3-5 volunteers)
- Attend training from RiverWorks Mobile Food Director. There will be an initial, then as needed or a quarterly Lead training.
- Train their team on truck equipment and customer service expectations.
- Follow the recipes provided to assure that the food prepared is consistent no matter who is cooking. This is important information to be shared with all team volunteers.
- Complete the truck open and close checklist provided
- After each use complete an Event Summary Report provided by the Mobile Food Director
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, patient manner, customer service focused. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
Availability for possible once a month. Depending on the weather, the truck could run from May – November
Training
We will provide training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Mobile Food Director will be available.
Age Requirement
18 years old
Good Eats by RiverWorks Volunteer
This position will assist The Good Eats Food Truck Fundraising Manager. The volunteer will support RiverWorks mission of a connected community creating hope and quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
TBD at the Good Eats by RiverWorks Food Truck
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures
- Assist in the preparation of food, serving customers, and running the POS. Other duties will include cleaning, closing out the register and other duties as assigned by the Good Eats Food Truck Fundraising Manager.
- You will be trained by the Good Eats Food Truck Fundraising Manager and/or Food Truck Lead.
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, patient manner, customer service focused. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Be a great team player!
Time Commitment:
June – September depending on weather.
TBD – weekday and weekend openings.
Support
We will provide training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Good Eats Food Truck Coordinator will be available.
Age Requirement
16 years old
Golden Neighbor Lunch Club Volunteer
The volunteer is responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of free meals to community Golden Neighbors who are 60+. The volunteer will support RiverWorks mission of a connected community creating hope and quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
TBD at the Good Eats by RiverWorks Food Truck location
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures
- All personal information regarding clients is confidential and should not be shared outside of the RiverWorks (names, addresses)
- Prepare, and serve a free meal to an area older adult (60+). In addition to serving food, this position should also engage in conversation with the customers who gather. Serve coffee as needed and give general customer service during the hours Good Eats is serving.
- Arrive at specified time as designated by The Golden Neighbor Lunch Club Coordinator.
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Staff.
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
A shift is 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on either a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Depending on weather, this program can run May – November
Support
We will provide training for this position.
Age Requirement
16 years old
Clothing Sorter
Each week, we sort, tag, and place on the floor over thousands of new articles of clothing, while rotating out older items in order to keep a steady flow of fresh merchandise for our customers! We are currently in need of volunteers for this. We welcome individuals or small groups, and we need one-time volunteers as well as those who are able to help on a regular basis.
The clothing sorter is responsible for sorting donated clothing from bags/boxes to labeled bins that are in gender/size/garment order.
Location
The RiverWorks Thrift Store
Responsibilities and Duties
In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures as well as CDC Covid guidelines. Be respectful to fellow volunteers and staff and work together as a team! Be able to take direction well from the Sort Lead, and follow through with that day’s needs. Keep the workstation clean and in an organized manner for the next volunteer.
Qualifications
Minimal qualifications are required. Should be able to lift bags of clothing and be able to sort through and be able to make a quick decision if an item should be tagged and hung, or recycled. Should be flexible, take direction well, and have good problem-solving skills, a pleasant manner, and good friendship-building skills!
Commitment Expected
One day per week or more if you choose. As this is a volunteer position, whatever you choose to offer us of your time is appreciated. Time of day is flexible once you are trained.
Training
We will provide training on the sorting process and be in the area if you have questions or need assistance.
Age Requirement
16 years old
Clothing Tagger
Each week, we sort, tag, and place on the floor over thousands of new articles of clothing, while rotating out older items in order to keep a steady flow of fresh merchandise for our customers! We are currently in need of volunteers for this. We welcome individuals or small groups, and we need one-time volunteers as well as those who can help on a regular basis.
The clothing tagger is responsible for tagging clothing with a needle tagger and hanging it up in sized racks to send up to the sales floor.
Location
The RiverWorks Thrift Store.
Responsibilities and Duties
In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures as well as CDC Covid guidelines. Be respectful to fellow volunteers and staff and work together as a team! Be able to take direction well from the Sort Lead, and follow through with that day’s needs. Keep workstation clean and in an organized manner for the next volunteer.
Qualifications
Minimal qualifications are required. Should be able to operate the tagging gun and be able to tag the clothing. Should be able to make a quick decision if an item should be tagged and hung, or recycled. Should be flexible, take direction well, and have good problem-solving skills, a pleasant manner, and good friendship-building skills!
Commitment Expected
One day per week or more if you choose. As this is a volunteer position, whatever you choose to offer us of your time is appreciated. Time of day is flexible once you are trained.
Training
We will provide training on the sorting process and be in the area if you have questions or need assistance.
Age Requirement
16 years old
Donation Door Receiving
The donation door volunteer is responsible for taking in donations as they are scheduled. Donations are taken Tue-Fri 12 pm-5 pm and Saturdays 11 am-3 pm at this time. You will be responsible for greeting the donors in a positive and friendly manner, helping unload the donations from the vehicle if necessary, and determining where the donation goes once inside the donation area. Clothing is sent downstairs on the elevator and the hard goods are kept in the donation area for cleaning and pricing.
Location
The RiverWorks Thrift Store
Responsibilities and Duties
In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures as well as CDC Covid guidelines. Be respectful to donors, fellow volunteers, and staff, and work together as a team! Be able to take direction well from the Director or manager on duty. Keep donation area clean and organized for the next volunteer.
Qualifications
Minimal qualifications are required. Should be able to lift 15-20 pound bags or boxes, be able to make a quick decision on the items that come in and where they need to go. Be flexible and have good problem-solving skills and have a pleasant manner with our donors. Dress for the season as you will be going outside to bring in the donation.
Commitment Expected
One day per week or more if you choose. As this is a volunteer position, whatever you choose to offer us of your time is appreciated. Time of day is flexible once you are trained during the donation hours.
Training
We will provide training and support on the sorting and pricing process, and be in the area if you have questions or need assistance.
Age Requirement
To volunteer in this area, we ask that you be at least 18 years of age.
Sales floor
Our customers are a crucial piece of the puzzle so this volunteer will help to check out customers and their items at the cash register. You also may be asked for help in locating something, put out new items that come out or help to organize and keep clean things on the shelves. We receive hundreds of items per day that need to be shelved.
Location
The RiverWorks Thrift Store.
Responsibilities and Duties
In this position, you will be expected to follow all RiverWorks policies and procedures as well as CDC Covid guidelines. Be respectful to fellow volunteers and staff and work together as a team! Be able to take direction well from the Sales Floor Lead, and follow through with that day’s needs.
Qualifications
Minimal qualifications are required. Should have a friendly personality and be able to serve our customers with respect and knowledge.
Commitment Expected
One day per week or more if you choose. As this is a volunteer position, whatever you choose to offer us of your time is appreciated. Time of day is flexible once you are trained.
Training
We will provide training on anything you need to know for this volunteer position.
Age Requirement
We ask this volunteer to be 16 due to cash register duties, otherwise, age is not a determining factor in this position.
Retail Rescue
Need Currently Filled for this Role
Please review our other volunteer opportunities!
Every week the retail rescue volunteer is responsible for collecting food donations from local retailers for distribution at the RiverWorks Food Shelf. The volunteer will support RiverWorks’ mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
The retail rescue volunteer collects food donations from local retailers in Rockford, Buffalo, or St. Michael, MN and delivers to the RiverWorks Food Shelf, 8230 Cedar Street – Rockford, MN.
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all of RiverWorks policies and procedures
- Arrive at specified retail store/s within the appropriate time frame designated by RiverWorks
- Sign in/out and complete any paperwork required by the retailer
- Pick up food donations under the direction of the retail store’s management/employees
- Unload food donations at food shelf onto carts and weigh in on scale under appropriate retailer name & food description in Pantry Saver program (produce, bakery, grocery, etc.)
- Unload food donations from carts into appropriate areas (freezer, refrigerator, produce area)
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Food Shelf management
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to politely interact with retail store employees and fellow volunteers. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 30+ pounds. Personal vehicle required. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
Mondays for 2-3 hours
Training
We will provide any necessary training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Food Shelf Director will be available.
Age Requirement
18 years old
Food Shelf Shopper
Need Currently Filled for this Role
Please review our other volunteer opportunities!
Shopper volunteers are responsible for assisting clients in choosing and packing food and household items from the appropriate client order form from the food shelf shopping floor. The volunteer will support RiverWorks’ mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
The shopper volunteer works at the RiverWorks Food Shelf, 8230 Cedar Street – Rockford, MN.
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all of RiverWorks policies and procedures
- All personal information regarding clients is confidential and should not be shared outside of
- the RiverWorks Food Shelf (names, items selected, etc.)
- Wear name tag, and interact with fellow volunteers and clients on a first-name basis
- Load shopping bags/boxes to be easily handled/manageable by the client
- Weigh cart and record the total number of pounds received by the client
- Bring cart outside for client to unload into a vehicle and sanitize after use
- Assist with refrigerating produce at closing time, and/or boxing up remaining perishable items for weekly off-site donations
- Assist with restocking shelves when time allows (follow Stocking Assistant duties)
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Food Shelf management
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to politely interact with clients and volunteers of all races, gender, age and need. Ability to read and understand English. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 20 pounds. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
Shifts available – Monday or Tuesday for 2-3 hours.
Training
We will provide any necessary training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Food Shelf Director will be available.
Age Requirement
18 years old
Stocking Volunteer
Need Currently Filled for this Role
Please review our other volunteer opportunities!
The stocking volunteer is responsible for keeping the shelves, coolers and freezers organized, clean, well-stocked, and properly rotated. The volunteer will support RiverWorks’ mission of a connected community creating hope and a quality of life in which all people thrive.
Location
The shopper volunteer works at the RiverWorks Food Shelf, 8230 Cedar Street – Rockford, MN.
Responsibilities and Duties
- In this position, you will be expected to follow all of RiverWorks policies and procedures
- The volunteer is responsible for adhering to own weight lifting restrictions
- Use appropriate ladder or stepping stool for stocking items above head level
- Unload items from weekly SHH and retail rescue deliveries
- Stock items in appropriate areas: Produce, Dairy, Bakery, Meat, Deli, Dry Goods & Household
- Monitor the expiration date on ALL items
- Shelves/Items in Client Shopping Area should be fully stocked whenever possible
- Other duties as requested by RiverWorks Food Shelf management
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Ability to politely interact with fellow volunteers. Ability to stand, move, bend and lift 20+ pounds. Be a great team player!
Commitment Expected
One shift per week for 2-3 hours.
Training
We will provide training for this position. If you have any questions or need any assistance the Food Shelf Director will be available.
Age Requirement
18 years old
Interested in any of Thousand Hearts opportunities? Directly contact, Annette Tryon | Thousand Hearts Program Manager at annettetryon@gmail.com
Serve Day | Steering Committee HS Intern
Participate in the planning of an annual day of service to the community involving and partnering with community entities and volunteers. The day includes activities such as grounds work, food drives, community garden preparation, senior lawn care, park clean-up, and much more. Approximately 350 volunteers complete many projects. This year’s date is Sat, May 22, 2021.
Location
TBD, Rockford area
Responsibilities and Duties
- Be an active participant in bringing new ideas and helping implement new or existing projects.
- Attend Steering Committee Meetings as needed.
- Participating in the event on May 22 is strongly recommended.
Qualifications
Personable, pleasant, and patient manner. Be a great team player, ready to get involved and learn.
Commitment Expected
Attend monthly meetings starting in January and accelerate as needed in April and the first two weeks of May. Currently, meetings are at 3:00 or 3:30 (flexible) on the first Monday of each month
Age Requirement
High School student, Thousand Hearts would like to put this position in place for successive years.
Serve Day | Steering Committee Member
The Thousand Hearts Steering Committee works together to plan, guide, and participate in the annual day of service to our community.
Location
TBD
Responsibilities and Duties
- Attend meetings and actively participates in all decisions.
- May elect to take on leadership roles in marketing, social media point person, Rockford, and Greenfield Coordinators or fundraising.
- Encouraged to develop new projects that meet the needs of the community.
Qualifications
Knowledge of the community, its resources, and a presence in the community are helpful. Good communication and organizational skills plus a natural desire to help others are all desirable qualifications.
Commitment Expected
Monthly meetings begin in January leading to the annual serve day in May. Weekly meetings are sometimes needed in the last month. Participation in the serve day is highly encouraged. There is one wrap-up meeting in June.
Training
Introductions to RiverWorks programs and mission provided as well as the history and mission of Thousand Hearts Serve Day. No formal training is required.
Age Requirement
18 years old
No matter the level of time you can give, or no matter what your interests, RiverWorks has a place for you. We believe that people benefit from serving and being served. The concept of serving is one of our core values, it’s who we are.
Event Support Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities are not only connected to our client-focused programs but also our Community Gatherings and our Annual Fundraiser.
- Do you enjoy planning and implementing events? We would welcome your help with events like Crow River Christmas, National Night Out, and our Annual Steak Fry & Auction.
Behind the Scenes Opportunities
There are several “behind the scenes” opportunities at RiverWorks.
Below is not a complete list.
- Are you a wiz on the computer and could help with data entry?
- Be a helping hand with a mass mailing
- Re-organize an office or a storage closet
- Help distribute flyers to area businesses
If so, please visit our Thousand Hearts Page
The Phyllis Stewart Community Volunteer Scholarship
Phyllis passed away in November of 2018 after a 7-year, hard-fought fight with cancer. She loved volunteering at the Thrift Store and was a woman who embodied the spirit of a volunteer.
In memory of Phyllis, RiverWorks established the Phyllis Stewart Volunteer Scholarship. The recipient(s) are student(s) who exhibit exceptional community volunteer spirit, graduated from 12th Grade, enrolled in post-high school education in the fall, and a history of volunteering in the community.
The scholarship is funded by generous gifts from Phyllis’s family and friends. If you have an interest in supporting this scholarship, contact Denise.
