Volunteer

HOPE in  Lancaster, Inc.

HOPE could not exist without the many faithful and hard-working volunteers that help make the organization successful in supporting the communities of Lancaster County and Fort Lawn.

Ways to Serve at HOPE

If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, meet new people, educate yourself on the greatest needs of individuals, families, and seniors,  or participate in projects that provide service with a sense of purpose,  then HOPE is the right place!

Face-to-Face

Receptionist

Answers the phone and provides support to clients and staff by answering client questions and directing calls to the appropriate staff person or program.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu-Fri 9:00-11:30

Intake

Assists client when they come into HOPE to seek assistance, request information, or drop off information.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed 8:45-11:30

Advocate

Meets directly with and discusses with clients to identify the client’s needs and possible resources for assistance.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed- 8:45-11:30

Clerical Support

Supports the program staff by answering the phone; gathers and verifies the information provided by the client when they apply for assistance, assists staff in managing client communication and files.  Needs: Mon-Wed-Fri 1:00-4:00

Choice Pantry

Assists clients receiving food assistance by bagging their food pantry orders according to their choices and delivers food orders to the client’s car.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed- 8:45-11:30

Senior Pantry-Intake

Receives, welcomes, and assists senior clients when they receive their monthly support of food and over-the-counter products by verifying client home information, setting next appointment, and checking wellness of client.  Needs: Tue-Thu 8:30-12:15

Senior Pantry-Food

Prepares, bags, and delivers the senior client’s choices directly to the client’s car.  Needs: Tue-Thu 8:30-12:00

Behind the Scenes

Food Courier

Supports staff by picking up and delivering to HOPE deli, produce and frozen meat products from retail stores

  • Needs: Food Lion/KJs Mon-Tue-Wed 9:00-10:30
  • Food Lion           Thu-Fri 9:00-10:00
  • Food Lion           Sat-Sun 11:00-12:30 (Can be picked up as late 1:00)
  • Publix – Subs                     Wed-Thu-Fri 8:00-9:00

Rotation is available- for example choose to sign up for every Thu at one location or just the third Thu for a location

Receive & Stock

Supports the Choice Pantry volunteers and Food Pantry staff by receiving, processing and stocking food donations ensuring quality, expiration dates, and packaging of all donated products perishable and non-perishable.  Needs: Tue-Wed-Fri 1:00-4:00

Senior Pantry Stocking

Supports the Senior Pantry volunteers and Food Pantry staff by assisting in preparing, stocking, and bagging products to be given at the Senior Pantry.  Needs: Mon-Wed 9:00-12:00

Administrative Support

Supports the Staff by filing, office support, data entry, preparing reports, office projects, and mass mailings. Can also include use of various office support software such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Network for Good, and Charity Tracker.  Needs: Based on assignment and your availability, usually include a 2-3-hour commitment either weekly or bi-weekly

HOPE offers opportunities throughout the month and year that require limited committed committment and the use of a variety of volunteer giftst.

Events, Seasonal , & Other Volunteer Fun!

Surplus Food Distribution

Our Surplus Distribution is a way to connect with your communtiy; see a program from start to finish; all while helping serve those in need!

Healthy Teaching Kitchen Classes

Volunteers serve alongside participants at the Teaching Kitchen when we are having classes and assist Teaching Kitchen Coordinator with prep and clean-up.

Annual Ward Faulkenberry Sr Christmas Basket Program

Each year we begin preparations for our Annual Christmas Basket program. Volunteers are needed to pack food, make gift bags and help prepare for our annual Christmas Party.

Delivering a message of hope, through a new toy at Christmas!

Toys for Tots - Lancaster SC

Volunteers will assist in receiving and distributing pre-sorted toys to approved recipient families at a no-contact, drive-through delivery-event.

HOPE has additional projects and events thoughout the year for volunteers to serve.  Follow us on Facebook and sign-up for our newsletter for updates and notifications of what is going on at HOPE and additional service opportunities.

Sign-Up links will be available when volunteers are needed.

Why are Volunteers special partners of HOPE

Our Volunteers represent all parts of our Community, bringing unique ideas and perspectives to HOPE.  Each and every volunteer hour helps HOPE be the best steward of the resources donated and provided to us. One hour of your time provides HOPE with $24.01 in labor savings.  Our annual savings with volunteers like you  equals $360,500!  This savings are dollars that are used to serve more people in the community.

Volunteers

Volunteer Hours

Cups Of Coffee

DOLLARS SAVED FOR PROGRAMS

From Our Volunteers

“After retirement I had a lot of free time.  Through my relationship with God I felt led to volunteer at a faith-based organization.  I love the comraderie of the volunteers and the staff.  Volunteering at HOPE motivates me and grounds me knowing I am doing the Lord’s work. ”

Larry Bynum

Advocate since 2018

“I enjoy volunteering at HOPE.  It helps keep my mind and body active.  I love what HOPE stands for and does as an organization for the community.  I felt led to volunteer because my church, First United Methodist, was a founding church of HOPE.”

Feliste Ellis

Administrative Support since 2007

“I love to volunteer because it serves a bigger cause than myself.  As a Christian I feel led to serve and it makes an immediate impact on people’s lives.  It is great fellowship that I can take back to my job and express the call to action that’s needed in the community”

Brett Fisher, VP Finance at Founders FCU

Thursday Distribution since 2020

“In my life I have always dealt with the less fortunate through my job as an infectious disease doctor for 35 years.  After retiring I decided I needed to fill the void in my life and decided to come to HOPE.  I receive an eternal satisfaction from helping people by not judging, only serving”

Dr. Carlos Leon

Choice Pantry Since 2017

Tim Howard

Tim Howard

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Hotline

803-288-7684

Email

thoward@hopeinlancaster.org

Let’s Have A Conversation
Say Hello!

If you have questions or would like further information please complte the contact form below and submit.  HOPE’s Volunteer Coordinator, Tim Howard would love to have a conversation with you.