Since the beginning of the pandemic, Network of Community Ministries has seen a steep decline in volunteers. With volunteer numbers down, Network has relied on a program that connects unemployed service industry workers with nonprofits to serve and provide hunger relief to communities. As of Nov. 15, funding for that program will no longer be available so Network expects to lose volunteers, essentially leaving 36 open shifts per day needing to be filled.
The decrease in volunteers has been accompanied by an increase in demand for Network’s services. Prior to COVID, Network was serving about 150 families per week in its food pantry, a number that has grown to 700 per week due to the pandemic.
Network accepts volunteers ages 16 and up. Volunteers are needed Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-noon and Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Safety protocols are in place with temperature checks and mask and glove requirements and background checks are required. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
Website: www.thenetwork.org
