Volunteer | Porchlight Community

It Starts With You

Make a real impact by volunteering at Porchlight Community Services. Whether you're solo or part of a group, your time supports food access, sustainability, and community care. We welcome all skill sets—help with food rescue, restocking, admin tasks, or event support. Every role strengthens our mission and helps nourish more neighbors.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our team is on-site from Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. When scheduling your volunteer time, we kindly ask that you plan to stay for the whole shift.

Need community service hours verified for school, work, or court? A small admin contribution ($5) is required, and verification is provided after completion.

Administrative Operations

As an administrative volunteer, you'll help keep our operations running smoothly behind the scenes.

These roles will help with a variety of essential tasks that support our operations:

Administrative Support: Manage donation intake, respond to online inquiries, assist with filing and scanning, and ensure that reports are up to date.
Client and Volunteer Support: Follow up with community members, onboard new volunteers, and provide necessary information to those who need it.
Inventory Organization: Sort and restock pantry items to ensure shelves are well-stocked and organized.
Sanitation: Help maintain cleanliness and safety by sanitizing surfaces and keeping workspaces tidy.
Upcycling Food: Assist with dehydrating and juicing surplus food to support sustainability efforts.
Donor Outreach: Help with donor communications and outreach to ensure continued support.

Community Market Setup & Hosting

Help bring our community market to life!

This role is active, team-based, and crucial to creating a smooth and welcoming shopping experience.

We're looking for folks to support anytime between 9 AM and 4 PM. Full or partial shifts welcome.

Team Needs: Setup Crew (6 people): Unload, organize, and build out the market

Hosting Team (3+ people): Welcome folks, restock items, and maintain flow

Duties Include:

Lift and move food boxes (up to ~30 lbs).
Set up tables, tents, displays, and signage.
Sort and arrange groceries for easy access.
Greet and guide folks while they shop.
Restock and tidy up throughout the day.
Work as a team and assist newer volunteers
Follow food safety standards and leave the space spotless.

These tasks are vital to the success of our mission, and your involvement ensures that we can continue to offer free food access and reduce waste in our community.

Have other talents you'd like to contribute, email us at: porchlightcommunity@gmail.com

New Volunteer Signup

Returning Volunteer

Verified Community Service

Why Financial Support Matters for Volunteering

Support the Heart of Porchlight

Volunteers power everything we do—and with a small staff, your support keeps it going strong. Financial contributions help us coordinate meaningful, impactful opportunities for all who step up to serve.

Why We Ask for Contributions
For those completing community service hours or volunteering as a group, a small contribution helps cover the extra coordination and admin time needed to track hours, verify service, and ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved. Your support makes these programs possible.

Your Impact
Your donation helps us:

Organize volunteer shifts and events
Sustain and grow service programs
Maximize every hour of impact

Get Involved

Volunteer: Lend your time and skills
Donate: Fund the work behind the scenes
Spread the Word: Invite others to join the mission

Together, we’re building a more sustainable, inclusive community—one shift at a time.

Agenda de clases

How Does This Program Work?

Our program rescues surplus food, buys from wholesalers, and operates like a grocery store to provide nutritious groceries. We distribute food in a grocery model, with fresh produce, pantry staples, and surprise finds based on what's available. You'll browse our space during your scheduled 30-minute time and choose items that work for you and your household. You're supporting our operational costs through a $40 contribution, not making a purchase. This contribution helps cover the costs of food rescue, storage, and distribution, ensuring access for schools, seniors, mutual aid groups, and more.
Why is there a fee to participate?

Yes, there is a contribution to participate. Porchlight Community Services was founded by a single parent who recognized the need for accessible food resources, and it’s through collective support that we continue to thrive. These contributions are essential for us to keep going. Your support directly funds free food access for neighbors. It also supports our food recovery efforts, ensuring surplus food is redirected to humans. By contributing, you're helping to strengthen our community and ensure everyone has access to critical resources. Thank you for being part of this effort and making a lasting impact together!
Am I Taking Food from Someone Who Needs It More Than I Do?

No. Your contribution supports community access to rescued, nutritious food for everyone. We’re not taking from others; we’re ensuring equitable access to food for all. There is plenty of food being wasted, and many other food distribution programs out there. On the contrary, your support directly funds 100% of our free food programs, helping our community thrive.
How Does the Contribution Help?

Your $40 contribution helps cover the operational costs of rescuing, storing, and distributing food. It's not a purchase but an investment in sustaining the program and making it available to the community.
Who Can Participate?

Our program is open to everyone. We welcome anyone who wants to participate and support our efforts regardless of where they live, their income, or how many people are in the household. Our mission is to provide access to ALL because need is subjective to where you are in life, and we are all on different paths. Your contribution provides for your family and funds 100% of the FREE school and senior mobile home food pantries, mutual aid groups, and other community partners, which also receive food access. By joining us, you’re helping your family and making a meaningful difference in the community. Thank you for being part of our mission!
Can I Just Show Up?

No, you must schedule an appointment ahead of time. This helps us plan and ensures we have enough food available for everyone. We do not operate on an emergency basis, as the availability of surplus food depends on when donations come in. Scheduling in advance allows us to better prepare and serve you.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

We encourage low-waste living and kindly ask you to bring your own bags, containers, or Ziplocs for bulk items such as dry goods, loose grains, or liquid oils. Insulated bags or totes are recommended for perishable items that require refrigeration. On average, you'll need about six shopping bags, including two insulated totes, and containers for bakery items or treats.
Do you carry allergy-friendly food or food for medically restricted diets?

Because we source surplus food, we cannot predict or guarantee that we will always have everything in stock. However, we do our best to accommodate everyone's needs. While we aim to offer items like gluten-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, and plant-based foods, as a food rescue organization, we cannot guarantee the availability of every item or a full variety like what you might find in stores. By offering you the power of choice in selecting foods that work best for you, we hope to make food access more flexible. If you'd like to see more allergy-friendly options, consider volunteering to help us reach out to manufacturers or specialty vendors. Your support can help expand the variety of foods available to those with dietary restrictions.
I am unable to attend; can I get a refund or credit?

We understand that plans can change and kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible. Since all proceeds are used to secure the event, food, and overhead expenses, we are unable to offer refunds, credits, or carry-forwards. Our distribution is carefully planned based on the number of participants, and we cannot take items back once allocated. If you’re unable to attend, you are welcome to have someone else participate on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding and support of our mission!
How much can I take while shopping?

We have limits in place to ensure everyone has equal access. Our goal is achieve food security, and we typicaly give in abundance. Taking more than allocated means others may go without.
What Should I Expect at My Shopping Visit?

You will receive a guided shopping experience. You cannot roam freely. The inventory is based on available rescued food. Our space is organized like a grocery store, but we cannot guarantee the presence of all items typically found in stores. We encourage respect for the designated shopping area to ensure a safe and pleasant visit for everyone.
If I Don't Need food, can I Donate Food?

Absolutely! We believe in community support and solidarity. If you have extra food or groceries you'd like to donate, we welcome your contributions. Together, we can help our neighbors and reduce food waste. Please reach out to us for donation guidelines!