Volunteering during the COVID-19 Pandemic

For the safety of those we serve and our entire community, we will be temporarily limiting our volunteer activities at Martha’s Village & Kitchen. We are committed to doing our part by following the recommended guidelines by the CDC & the County of Riverside to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 Virus. We continue to serve our community through our programs to children, families, and individuals.

Our services and programs include hot meals, emergency assistance, childcare, temporary housing, case management and a medical clinic partnership with Borrego Health. We are monitoring our staff and those we serve for symptoms while encouraging people to self-report if they are not feeling well.

For those who would like to continue to support our mission from the comfort of your home, we will be announcing alternative volunteer opportunities in the very near future. We sincerely appreciate the dedication and support of our amazing volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time in our history. Please continue to check our website regularly for updates regarding the COVID-19 and how we are standing with our neighbors in need!

Questions? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org

Volunteers Make a Difference!

At Martha’s Village and Kitchen, Volunteers and staff work together to make a difference in the lives of our Coachella Valley neighbors. We simply cannot help the number of people we do without our volunteers!

MVK’s Emergency Food Pantry

Volunteer Applications

Volunteer Application

Parent Authorization

Kitchen and Thrift StoreVolunteer Information Reference Sheet.pdf

**Email completed Volunteer Forms to volunteer@marthasvillage.org prior to your volunteer date or bring completed forms the day you arrive to volunteer.

All group volunteer time/hours must be scheduled in advance! Thank you for your cooperation and help.

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Volunteer Opportunities Include:

We are always looking for volunteers to help serve a meal, do activities with children, maintenance tasks, teach a class, greet guests, organize merchandise and so much more!

Food Services

DRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE KITCHEN:

An apron, hairnet (bring hair-tie if necessary) and gloves will be provided to you and MUST be worn at all times. Please change gloves when needed to ensure sanitation.
Shoes MUST be flat and have non-skid soles.
Absolutely No:
- Open Toe Shoes
- Shorts, Sleeveless Shirts, or Tank Tops
- Loose Jewelry
- Valuables/Personal Items

CHECK IN WITH KITCHEN STAFF FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

This environment is loud, busy and fast paced.
Teamwork is required.
The volunteer is frequently required to stand; walk; use kitchen items; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel or crouch.

FOOD PREPARATION AND SET-UP INCLUDES:

Salads, Veggies, Breads and Desserts
Set Up Beverages and Wrap Utensils
Set Up, Clean Up and Break Down Dining Room

WEEK DAY MEAL AND VOLUNTEER TIMES: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Resident Breakfast Public Lunch
6:30AM- 7:30AM 11:00AM- 12:00PM

Volunteer Lunch: 12:15PM-12:45PM (NO EATING WHILE SERVING)

WEEKEND MEAL AND VOLUNTEER TIMES: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Resident Lunch Resident Dinner

12:45 PM-1:30 PM 4:45 PM-5:30PM

SIGN IN AND OUT:

Volunteers sign in and out at the Front Desk. Sign your Volunteer Time Log AND the Daily Log attached to the clipboard. Be sure to sign the bottom of your Volunteer Time Log on the FIRST day you volunteer each month—this is extremely important for us to report your hours for our organization to receive necessary funding.

**Volunteers must be 16 years of age to volunteer in the kitchen.

Village Connection

Connect with the clients and the members of the community we serve on a more personal level by spending quality time with them. Activities include sharing a meal, reading to children and offering general support. In short, you will help the less fortunate feel like they truly belong and have community support.

Maintenance

Perform maintenance tasks such as window washing or painting. In addition, grounds keeping work is available.

Children’s Services

Care for infants and young children. In addition, you can help children with their homework or lead after-school activities. Also, assist in family-oriented activities to promote family interest in reading.

Age restrictions apply

Thrift Store

DRESS REQUIREMENTS:

Shoes should be flat and have non-skid soles
Absolutely No:
- Open Toe Shoes
- Shorts, Sleeveless Shirts, or Tank Tops

CHECK IN WITH THRIFT STORE STAFF FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT

THRIFT STORE DUTIES INCLUDE:

Sort, hang, and organize merchandise
Assist customers by answering store-related questions and complaints, notify manager of any concerns for resolution.
Answer store telephone and take messages or refer callers to the appropriate department or personnel.
Be alert for shoplifters and respond following established policy and procedures.
Assist in the routine of maintaining cleanliness of the premises and notify manager of any safety or health hazards

SIGN IN AND OUT:

Volunteers sign in and out at the Cashier Stand. Sign your Volunteer Time Log AND the Daily Log attached to the clipboard. Be sure to sign the bottom of your Volunteer Time Log on the FIRST day you volunteer each month—this is extremely important for us to report your hours for our organization to receive necessary funding.

VOLUNTEER TIMES: MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

*CLOSED SUNDAY

Emergency Services

Help staff assemble canned/ dry goods bags for impoverished families in the community. Also, maintain and organize the food pantry and provide basic client services and referrals.

Career & Education Center (Must be 18-years of age and older)

Tutor adults in basic education subjects and family literacy, help people develop computer skills, and assist clients in job search activities.

Front Desk Reception

Greet and assist guests, residents, clients and members of the community at the lobby desk. In addition, help to support the administration of the Emergency Pantry.

Other Ways to Volunteer

There are so many ways to volunteer! For example, charitable giving activities, host special events, help out at our Thanksgiving Day 5K, translate, lead workshops, motivational speaking, give tours, and much more.

Does your schedule conflict with our volunteer times? Host a Donation drive and gain community service hours or fundraise on behalf of MVK! Follow this link to learn how: https://www.grouprev.com/MVK2019. Do you have a facebook account? Host a fundraiser by inviting all your friends and family to donate, every dollar counts!

Not all volunteer opportunities are available at all times. Also, all group volunteer time/hours must be scheduled in advance! Thank you for your cooperation and help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can volunteer?

We welcome individuals, groups, families, students and children preferably 12 years and older (12 to 15-year-olds need to be accompanied by a Guardian) No one under the age of 16 can work in the Kitchen or serve on the line. 12-15 year olds can help to clean and give food service support in the Dining Room.

How much time would I be expected to devote to volunteering?

That’s up to you! Our programs offer flexible day, evening or weekend schedules to accommodate your work or school responsibilities. That is to say, you can volunteer as much or little as you like.

How do I become a volunteer?

New volunteers should attend Volunteer Orientation. At Orientation, you will complete a volunteer application, take a tour of our facility and learn about our volunteer opportunities. As a result, we will help determine the best placement for you based on your skills, interests and talents. Training provides you with the tools necessary for you to receive the most from your experience and discover the many rewards of volunteering. If you’re interested in volunteering, please try to attend Volunteer Orientation. See our Volunteer Orientation Schedule HERE. Call 760-347-4741 ext. 128 with any questions.