Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Turlock community? The We Care Program Turlock is seeking compassionate volunteers to help us provide nightly dinners to those in need. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals we serve.
We invite you to join our mission by purchasing, preparing, and serving dinner. To find a date that works for you, please check our dinner calendar below for availability. Simply input your name, email, preferred date, and the number of participants in your group. We will respond to your inquiry promptly to confirm your volunteer slot.
[Insert Dinner Calendar Link Here]
For any further questions or clarifications, please don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page. We are grateful for your interest in supporting the We Care Program Turlock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
We understand you might have questions about volunteering to serve meals. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you get started:
Can I Provide Food Without Serving?
Yes, absolutely! If you wish to contribute by providing a meal but are unable to serve, you can still sign up on our dinner calendar for your preferred date. Please bring the prepared food to the shelter by 5:45 p.m., and our staff will gladly handle the serving of the meal to our guests.
Where Should I Prepare the Food?
For your convenience and to ensure food safety, we recommend that meals be prepared off-site, preferably in your home kitchen or a commercial kitchen if you are a larger group. Our on-site kitchen facilities may have limited cooking utensils that might not fully accommodate your needs for meal preparation.
How Many People Will We Be Serving?
When you volunteer to provide dinner, your family or group will be responsible for purchasing, preparing, and serving a meal for approximately 50-55 individuals. This number may vary slightly, but you can generally expect to cater to this many people.
How Many Volunteers Can Participate in My Group?
We welcome groups of various sizes! Your volunteer group can consist of anywhere from 4 to 10 people from your family, friends, or organization. This allows for a manageable and effective team to prepare and serve the meal.
What Kind of Food Can We Bring for Dinner?
Volunteers have the flexibility to bring a variety of food items to create a balanced and satisfying meal. You can contribute main dishes, flavorful side dishes, fresh vegetables, bread rolls or loaves, delightful desserts, and refreshing drinks. Your culinary creativity is encouraged!
Should We Bring Hot or Cold Meals?
Considering the comfort and well-being of our guests, especially during colder weather, we highly suggest providing hot meals. Many of the individuals we serve spend their days outdoors and a warm meal can be especially comforting and nourishing.
What Drink Options Can We Provide?
You can bring a selection of beverages to accompany the dinner. Drink options that are always appreciated include milk, soda, juice boxes or jugs, warming hot chocolate, bottled water, or tea (iced or hot). Providing a variety ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What Time Should We Arrive to Serve?
Volunteer groups should aim to arrive at the serving location no earlier than 6:40 p.m. This allows time for a quick setup before dinner service begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please be ready to set up and begin serving at 7:00 p.m.
Can We Donate Breakfast Food Too?
Yes, breakfast donations are also greatly appreciated! If you’d like to provide breakfast for the following morning, you can bring breakfast bags. We recommend including easy-to-eat and nutritious items such as energy bars, fresh fruits, bottled water, and juice boxes.
Do We Need to Bring Gloves for Food Handling?
No, you do not need to worry about bringing your own gloves. We provide latex gloves on-site for all volunteers who will be handling food. For food safety and hygiene, it is mandatory for everyone involved in food handling to wear gloves during the serving process.
We hope these FAQs have addressed your questions and inspired you to volunteer with the We Care Program Turlock. Your support in providing meals is invaluable to our mission. Sign up today and become a part of our caring community!
