Volunteer Opportunities

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP

Bountiful Basket relies on the generosity of over 160 regularly scheduled volunteers to operate and care for our neighbors facing food insecurity. We are incredibly grateful for our volunteer’s support!

Please note: the need for volunteers varies throughout the year – even month-by-month and week-by-week.

If you’re interested, please fill out an application and our Volunteer Manager will contact you with more information.

Regular/Weekly On-Site Volunteer Opportunities:

• Regular on-site volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

• Most positions require the ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

• Volunteers must commit to at least one regularly scheduled shift per week.

• Volunteer shifts range from 3 to 4 hours.

• All positions are active and require volunteers to stay mobile and engaged in a fast-paced, busy environment for the duration of their shift.

• Must be able to stand and stay mobile for a three hour period.

• Front Desk Receptionist – Greet shoppers, answer phones and schedule appointments.

• Client Assistance – Assist and be a friendly presence to individuals as they shop at Bountiful Basket. Great way to meet shoppers as well as fellow volunteers.

• Mobile Food Packing – Help pack mobile food orders. Deliveries made the first and third Tuesday of each month to community residents as well as the second Wednesday of each month to senior apartment buildings.

• Warehouse/Shelf Stocking – Sort and organize incoming donations. Ensure that food shelf shelves remain fully stocked. Break down cardboard boxes and bring to recycling bin. Lifting 25+ pounds regularly required.

• Food Rescue – Pick up donated food from local grocery stores in Chaska and Chanhassen. Lifting up to 50 pounds required.

  To sign up to be a regular Bountiful Basket Food Shelf volunteer, please fill out an application here. Once we receive your application, a staff member will get in touch with you to set up an orientation and get you scheduled!

  Questions? Contact volunteer@bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org

Children and Volunteering:
We understand there are many families with young children, youth groups, sporting teams, clubs, etc. that would like to get their kids involved. While we would love to have them onsite, due to liability and workflow, all regular volunteers must be fifteen or older. The following are some fun and impactful ways to get younger kids involved, get some hands on experience and receive a tour of the food shelf.
 

1. Organize a Food and/or Fund Drive

Plan and promote a drive through your workplace, congregation, school, or community group.

Suggested steps:

• Plan your drive and choose a collection timeframe

• Promote the effort within your group to encourage participation

• Collect food and/or financial donations

• Drop off donations during Bountiful Basket’s regular operating hours

• Contact Bountiful Basket if you would like a custom QR code to track cash donations or need marketing materials

2. Birthday Celebration Bags

Note: Thanks to the generosity of our community, we currently have enough.

Help make someone’s birthday special! Each bag should include:

• Cake mix

• Frosting

• Candles

• Plates & napkins

• A small toy or birthday trinket

3. Senior Care Kits

Create small gift bags to brighten the day of seniors we serve through monthly deliveries to four local senior buildings.

Suggested items:

• Chapstick

• Lotion (unscented or lightly scented)

• Cozy socks

• Notepads & pens

• Hard candies or sugar-free treats

• Tea bags or instant coffee

• Small puzzle books

Optional: Add a cheerful note or drawing.

4. Mobile Delivery Cheer Gifts

About 25 home deliveries go out twice a month (1st & 3rd Tuesdays). Include a small, thoughtful surprise such as:

• Mini snack packs (nuts, trail mix)

• A themed bookmark or decorated magnet

• “Warm wishes” packet (tea, cocoa, or cider)

• Packet of flower seeds in spring

• A kindness card with a positive message

5. Feminine Hygiene Kits

A vital and appreciated project.

Each kit may include:

• Pads or tampons

• Panty liners

• Travel-size wipes

• A small pouch or zip bag

6. Seasonal Joy Kits

(Optional to organize by season or holiday!)

• Spring: Seed packets or small decorated pots

• Summer: Sunscreen sample & lemonade mix

• Fall: Hand warmers or small notebooks

• Winter: Hot cocoa packet & fuzzy socks

7. Emergency Bags

Provide essential food for families in need. Each bag should include:

• Pasta

• Pasta sauce

• Rice

• 2 cans of vegetables

• 2 cans of fruit

• 2 cans of beans

• 2 cans of protein (chicken or tuna)

8. Kits for Young Kids

Create activity kits to keep children busy while shopping or to take home. Examples include:

• Coloring books and crayons

• Simple puzzles

• Small craft projects

• Sticker sheets or activity sheets

9. Meal Kits

Put together recipe-based meal kits with all ingredients needed to make a complete meal:

• Include a recipe card with instructions

• Provide non-perishable or safely packaged fresh ingredients

• Consider simple, family-friendly meals

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• Questions? Contact info@bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org