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What to Expect When Volunteering

Please note that we are currently (February – June 2012) undergoing a major renovation of our Lexington distribution center. This construction poses no physical danger to you as a volunteer, but you should be prepared for the ways in which it will impact your time at our facility. Review the following list of FAQs, which has been adapted so that information specific to the construction period is in red.

Can I just show up to volunteer or do I have to schedule in advance?
All volunteers need to register ahead of time so that we can ensure enough work is available to be done. We are currently scheduling volunteers up to six months out.

Can I volunteer as an individual?
Absolutely, though we encourage you to bring a friend or two with you. Volunteering tends to be more fun when you know some of the people there!

What is the maximum group size?
Typically, we can accept groups of up to 30 people. If your group is larger than that, please contact Mandy Brajuha at (859) 288-5324 to discuss scheduling a larger volunteer session.

What should I wear?
For safety reasons, we require all volunteers to wear closed-toe shoes. Casual clothing like shorts or jeans and t-shirts (in the summer) or sweatshirts (in the winter) is recommended. Our facility is not temperature controlled, so dress according to the temperature outside.

Do I need to bring anything with me?
In addition to a positive attitude (!), we ask that each volunteer bring any verification forms you need filled out AND at least one nonperishable food item for our emergency food pantries in Fayette County. Priority items include canned meat, canned fruit, canned or dry beans, peanut butter, pasta and rice, cereal, and hearty soups. Please limit all other personal belongings, especially food or drinks, which are prohibited in the warehouse.

What if I need to cancel my volunteer session?
No problem – but do let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot(s).

Do volunteers under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult?
In some cases, yes. High school-age students can volunteer self-supervised. Students under the age of 13 need to have one adult supervisor per five youth.

Do I have to attend a training session prior to volunteering?
Upon arrival, all volunteers are welcomed by one of our volunteer coordinators and receive a brief introduction to God’s Pantry Food Bank’s mission, history, and programs. We will then begin orientation on the project at hand. This process generally takes 20 minutes.

How do I get to the distribution center?
Our facility is located at 1685 Jaggie Fox Way in Lexington. From New Circle Road, take exit 8 for Georgetown Road and head north towards Georgetown. Drive about half a mile, pass Imani Baptist Church on your left, and turn left at the traffic light onto Sandersville Road. Follow Sandersville to the four-way stop and turn left onto Jaggie Fox Way. Ours is the second parking lot on the right. Enter at our Welcome Center. Get lost and need directions? Call (859) 255-6592 and select option 1.

During the construction period, volunteers should not enter at the Welcome Center. Instead, look for the wide concrete ramp under our covered dock area immediately behind the Welcome Center. Enter through the marked door at the top of the ramp.

Is there parking available?
Yes! We have a small parking lot for staff and visitors. If that lot is full, please park on the street. On evenings and weekends, you may park in the spots beside our warehouse (past the Welcome Center and covered dock area). Never park in the large Butler Company parking lot across from our warehouse or your vehicle may be towed.

What if I arrive late?
Please do your best to arrive on time or a few minutes early. The new, temporary volunteer entrance will be kept locked and does not have windows or a doorbell. If you arrive late, please knock very loudly and someone will let you in as soon as possible. Please be patient – this may take several minutes.

What are the physical demands of volunteering?
Volunteers should be prepared to stand for the entire volunteer session and will engage in some light lifting and bending. Several individuals in each session may be asked to do some lifting of up to 50 lbs. During construction (February – June 2012) we will not have access to our existing Welcome Center, which means volunteers will have no heated break room and restroom facilities. A portable restroom will be available for volunteer use in the warehouse.

Can you accommodate volunteers with special needs?
For safety reasons, we have to evaluate all situations individually, but we are happy to try and accommodate special needs. To discuss your needs, please contact Mandy Brajuha at (859) 288-5324.

What if I need to complete community service hours for school, work or do court-ordered service?
Individuals who are volunteering for school or a place of worship do not need advanced approval from God’s Pantry Food Bank. Most court-ordered volunteers, however, do need advanced approval. The only exception to this rule is individuals completing community service for minor traffic violations through the Fayette County Attorney’s Traffic Diversion Program. To determine if you are eligible to volunteer with us, please contact Mandy Brajuha at (859) 288-5324. Please do not register for any volunteer sessions until we have followed up with you.

What happens in the event of inclement weather?
The health and safety of our volunteers is of utmost importance. If ever you feel that coming to volunteer would threaten your personal safety, please stay home. Otherwise, here’s how to determine if your volunteer session will be canceled due to poor weather or road conditions:

  • Weekday, daytime volunteer sessions: Given that God’s Pantry Food Bank is both a emergency agency, our facility rarely closes in the event of inclement weather. In the event your group would like to cancel the session, please let us know as soon as possible.
  • Weekday, evening volunteer sessions: We will notify you via phone and/or e-mail by 12 p.m. the day of your session.
  • Weekend volunteer sessions: We will notify you via phone and/or e-mail by 8 a.m. the day of your session. You may also call (859) 288-5323 after 7:30 a.m. to check for a message from one of our volunteer coordinators.