Volunteer Opportunities with the Not Just A Food Program and LIFE Community Project
The Not Just A Food Program has been a great success, and it’s expanding to offer even more support to those in need in Oshawa. We are thrilled to announce that, in addition to providing free meals, the program now includes two free lunch deliveries each week along with essential items to support individuals in our community.
This growth has opened up exciting new volunteer opportunities, and we invite you to get involved! As a volunteer-driven and donation-supported initiative, together we are making a real difference in the lives of those facing challenges in our community.
Weekly Volunteer Opportunities
Tuesdays and Fridays
We need volunteers to help with preparing and delivering free lunches, as well as organizing essential items for delivery.
- Sandwich Making (10:30 AM - 12 PM): Join us to make sandwiches for the weekly meal deliveries.
- Packaging (12 PM - 1 PM): Help package the sandwiches and other necessities that will be delivered to those in need.
After packaging, our growing team of volunteers will deliver the meals and essential items directly to participants in the program.
Online Volunteer Opportunities
We also offer flexible online volunteer opportunities for those who prefer to contribute from home. Volunteers can connect with individuals in the Not Just A Food Program each week to:
- Confirm meal delivery availability.
- Check in to see what additional items can be included with the meals, such as socks, hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.), and other essentials.
This volunteer role allows you to build meaningful connections with a small group of individuals, learning about their current needs and helping them feel supported. While we cannot make promises, our team works together to source additional items and support beyond the free lunch, including through collaborations with other organizations.
Clothing and Necessities Drive
As we expand our efforts to support those in need, we are launching a Clothing and Necessities Drive. We need volunteers to:
- Pick up donation items: Help collect donated items from various locations.
- Deliver items: Help transport the donations to our central drop-off location.
Pick-up and drop-off times are flexible, making this a great option for those who want to volunteer on their own schedule.
Collaboration with Community Partners
We are also excited to be working alongside incredible organizations that share our mission of supporting those in need. Our partners include:
Front Porch Mentors: This peer support organization offers life coaching, peer support services, and additional items like clothing, snacks, and bottled water. Together, we are providing free lunches to those without access to delivery and working to increase awareness of our volunteer opportunities. If you’re interested, connect with Mary, the founder of Front Porch Mentors, to learn about their own volunteering opportunities.
SOCKS: SOCKS collects new socks and distributes them to local groups and organizations. Founded in Oshawa in 2014, this organization has provided over half a million pairs of socks to those in need. As part of our Clothing and Necessities Drive, we are proud to work with SOCKS to collect new socks for their distribution efforts. You can also connect with Terrol McFarlane Maciver to explore opportunities to support SOCKS' collection stations in Ontario.
More Opportunities Ahead
The work doesn’t stop here! As we continue to grow our programs and expand our support network, we will offer more opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference. Stay tuned for new projects and initiatives that we are launching in the coming months.
Get Involved Today
Volunteering with the Not Just A Food Program and the LIFE Community Project is a powerful way to give back and create lasting change in our community. Whether you can help with meal preparation, deliver essential items, or connect with individuals online, your time and effort will have a meaningful impact.
Join us today and become part of this community-driven effort to help those most in need. Together, we are stronger, and with your support, we can make a big difference.
LIFE - Love Is For Everyone!
