Volunteering during the COVID-19 Pandemic
For the safety of those we serve and our entire community, we will be temporarily limiting some of 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. Questions? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org
Current Volunteer Opportunities*
*ONSITE OPPORTUNITIES (updated 7/29/20)
1. Shower Program (Ages 18+) Help manage the daily shower program. You will work directly with public clients for our shower program. This program provides a free shower facilities to men and women Monday through Friday from 8:30am-10:45am. There are 2 shifts available: Men’s hours: M-F 8:30am-9:45am Women’s hours: M-F 10am-10:45am. You will log clients in each day, pass out towels and toiletries, and ensure clients clean up after themselves with the support of the Martha’s Village staff. Interested? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org
2. Cooling Center (Ages 18+) Help manage the Cooling Center. During these hot summer months, our Cooling Center is open 7 days a week from 9am – 4pm for those seeking relief from the deadly summer heat. This program provides a safe, cool environment for those without access to shelter. Snacks and bottled water are provided. You will ensure clients sign in each day, pass out snacks and drinks, and ensure those in the facilities are following the rules – including social distancing and wearing their masks appropriately with the support of the Martha’s Village staff. Interested? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org
3. Administration (Ages 18+) Help Martha’s Village with your administrative skills, such as filing, shredding, making copies, letter writing, data entry, and other related projects. Duties include projects in departments such as Development, Marketing, Finance and general administrative support. This opportunity is available during normal business hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Interested? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org
4. Thrift Store (Ages 13+) Help Martha’s Village sell new and gently used items at our Village Store to support our programs. Make use of your friendly customer service skills, assisting our retail personnel with finding treasures for the public and assisting our clients how to use their vouchers. All necessary COVID-19 precautions are being taken to ensure your safety and our customers. Volunteer opportunities are available during business hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm. Interested? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org
VIRTUAL or OFFSITE (updated 7/29/20)
1. Social Media (Ages 15+) Help Martha’s Village with our social media content. Are you a wiz at Facebook or Instagram. Do you love to create fun and unique posts? This opportunity can be done at home. Help us extend our reach and get critical information to the community in need with the support of our Development team. Interested? Call us: (760) 347-4741 or Email: volunteer@marthasvillage.org
2. Tutu Workshop (All Ages) Help Martha’s Village gear up for our biggest event in the fall. Every year, our Thanksgiving Day 5k tutus make their way around the course. From Children, Pets, and Adults everyone wants to show off their colorful tutus. We would love to have your creative talents to assist us with tutu production. This project is great for all ages and FUN!
Volunteer Ambassador Program – CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL and COLLEGE STUDENTS! Would you like to represent your school and partner with Martha’s Village? Are you someone who likes to be involved in school activities and the community? If this sounds like you, join Martha’s Village Student ambassador program! Interested? 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
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.
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!
DRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE KITCHEN: CHECK IN WITH KITCHEN STAFF FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT: FOOD PREPARATION AND SET-UP INCLUDES: WEEK DAY MEAL AND VOLUNTEER TIMES: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Resident Breakfast Public Lunch 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.
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.
Perform maintenance tasks such as window washing or painting. In addition, grounds keeping work is available.
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.
DRESS REQUIREMENTS: CHECK IN WITH THRIFT STORE STAFF FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT THRIFT STORE DUTIES INCLUDE: 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
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.
Tutor adults in basic education subjects and family literacy, help people develop computer skills, and assist clients in job search activities.
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.
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!
6:30AM- 7:30AM 11:00AM- 12:00PM
*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
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.
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.
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.