Volunteers FAQs - Food Bank of the Golden Crescent

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS?

We ask that individual volunteers be at least 18 years of age. Children aged 10 and older may volunteer along with a parent or responsible party. Parents may not bring children under the age of 10 when volunteering.

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO VOLUNTEER?

Individuals or small groups (2-4 people): No appointment is necessary; you may stop by for any of our volunteer shifts.
Groups of 5 or more: Appointments are required for groups of 5 or more volunteers. Please schedule a volunteer shift by emailing our Volunteer Coordinator at least 2 weeks in advance.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. We also accept volunteers on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. *Hours may vary due to holidays or events.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Volunteers are required to wear pants or long (Bermuda length) shorts and closed-toed shoes. No shorts, leggings, sandals, Crocs, heels, or flip-flops allowed.

WHERE DO I PARK?

Please park in front of the building on the side of the parking lot that faces S. Laurent.

DO I NEED TO SIGN-IN?

Yes, all volunteers must sign in each time they volunteer at the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent. Upon arrival, visit our front desk staff in the lobby for further instructions.

WHEN I GET THERE, WHERE TO I GO?

All volunteers must enter through the front doors only. We recommend arriving 5 minutes early to allow adequate time for check-in.

DOES THE FOOD BANK OF THE GOLDEN CRESCENT PROVIDE PROOF OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE?

Yes, upon request, we provide volunteers with a printout of their service dates and hours. Our front desk staff in the lobby will also sign any school, church, community service forms after each session.

IS IT A PROBLEM TO ARRIVE LATE OR LEAVE EARLY?

We ask that you commit to the full shift of either 8:00 AM to12:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. If you anticipate needing to arrive late or leave early, we suggest volunteering at a different time.

WHERE CAN I PUT MY BELONGINGS WHILE I VOLUNTEER?

You may leave your belongings in your vehicle or use the provided lockers. Please note that the Food Bank is not responsible for lost or stolen items during your service.

FAMILIES & GROUPS

HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS COSTITUTE A GROUP, AND DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE?

We consider a group to be 5 or more volunteers. Please schedule all groups at least 2 weeks in advance by emailing our Volunteer Coordinator. Groups of 20 or more volunteers will need to be split into different shifts or scheduled on separate days.

WHEN BRINGING GROUPS OF YOUTHS, DO YOU HAVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHAPERONES?

Yes, due to safety concerns, each group must provide adult supervision. For youth groups, there must be a chaperone for every five children (1:5 ratio).

DO I NEED TO NOTIFY YOU IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR THE NUMBER OF GROUP VOLUNTEERS CHANGES?

Yes, please inform our Volunteer Coordinator if you cannot attend, or if the number of volunteers has changed a minimum of 24 hours prior by emailing volunteer@tfbgc.org

DOES EACH OF MY GROUP PARTICIPANTS NEED TO REGISTER ON YOUR WEBSITE?

Yes. Each volunteer, or their guardian, must complete the Volunteer Application and Volunteer Release Form. If unable to complete this in advance, it can be done in person on the day of volunteering.

COURT ORDERED & PROBATION

WHAT IS THE FOOD BANK’S POLICY ON VOLUNTEERS ASSIGNED COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?

Individuals assigned court-ordered community service will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Those convicted of certain serious offenses may not be accepted due to potential safety risks to other volunteers and staff.

WHAT PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED?

Original documentation from the Court and/or Probation Officer must be provided upon arrival to verify charges and to make a copy to keep in their personnel file.

CAN I DONATE FOOD OR MONEY IN LIEU OF COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?

We accept monetary donations in lieu of community service hours with pre-approval of the court, attorney or probation services. Please note that we do NOT accept food donations in lieu of service hours.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?

We accept cash, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards for community service payments made in person. Please bring the exact cash amount owed, as we do not provide change. Credit/debit cards can be accepted over the phone. We have a no-refund policy.

CAN I MAIL IN MY DONATION/PAYMENT?

No, all court donations must be made in person or by phone.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO DONATE FOR ONE COMMUNITY SERVICE HOUR?

If no monetary value has been assigned by the court, probation office, or attorney, the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent will use a rate of $7.25 per community service hour.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME WHEN I MAKE A DONATION?

You should bring the client referral form that includes your name, case/SID number, probation officer’s name and the approved amount per hour. Note: If no dollar amount is indicated on the referral, the rate will be $7.25 per hour.

DO I NEED TO COME IN OR CAN SOMEONE ELSE COME MAKE THE DONATION FOR ME?

Yes, you can designate someone else to make the donation, provided they have the case number or SID number. The Food Bank of the Golden Crescent is not responsible if the designated person fails to make the donation or donates less than intended.

WILL THE FOOD BANK OF THE GOLDEN CRESCENT PROVIDE PROOF OF DONATION?

Yes, we provide a receipt for all money donated in lieu of court-ordered community service.

IF I LOSE MY RECEIPT, CAN I GET A DUPLICATE COPY?

No, duplicate receipts are only available upon request from the probation office, judge, court, or attorney.

For any further questions please call us at 361-578-0591 or click HERE to email our Volunteer Coordinator.