volunteer custom post – Volunteer FAQ (19793)

Parking is available inside of the fence and in front of the building. While the main entry door is at the top of the stairs, a wheelchair accessible ramp is available inside of the fence.

DRESS COMFORTABLY! Our warehouse is not climate controlled and can be a little hot on summer afternoons and a little cool in the winter. We suggest comfortable, closed-toe shoes and layers, when appropriate. Please feel free to wear branded attire from your company or organization if you’d like and of course, festive attire is always welcomed during the holiday season.

Due to very limited secured storage space, please minimize the loose valuables (purse, bags, etc.) that you bring into the warehouse. We are not responsible for any personal items that might be lost while you are volunteering at ESF.

Proceed to the Volunteer Check-In area where a volunteer supervisor will check you in and give you an assignment.

• From April through September, volunteers help with all aspects of school supply kit assembly, from opening and sorting products to packing supplies into backpack kits, and filling online store orders from teachers and our Nonprofit Procurement Partners.
• From October through December, volunteers pick and pack holiday gift orders.
• From January through March, volunteers help clean up, organize and inventory the warehouse so we can do it all again!

Sure, we welcome youth volunteers who are at least 10 years of age! But for safety reasons, volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Empty Stocking Fund spends every dollar we possibly can on toys, gifts, and school supplies so we are unable to provide food and drinks for volunteers. We do have bottled water on site and if you would like to bring food and drink (or have it delivered), you are welcome to do so. We have a volunteer break area with tables and chairs, a refrigerator and a microwave available for your use.

Masks are optional when volunteering in the ESF warehouse. We do ask that volunteers who are not feeling well, are testing positive for COVID, or have been exposed to someone with COVID within five days of their volunteer shift to refrain from entering the warehouse. If you are experiencing any of the following, please cancel your volunteer registration and plan to join us when you have recovered from these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Cold- or Flu-Like Symptoms
• Loss off Smell/Taste
• Nausea

The uniqueness of ESF is that we purchase new school supplies, toys, and gifts in bulk to distribute to local children – this ensures the consistency and quality of the items we offer families in need. While we don’t accept donations of individual items, you’re welcomed to sponsor a child or raise funds for ESF at any time throughout the year.

If you need to cancel your volunteer shift, please use the link in your confirmation email to access your personal volunteer page and make any necessary changes. Should you have additional questions about volunteering at ESF, please contact Joy Graham at [email protected].

On behalf of the 30,000 students who receive Student Supply Kits, the 2,000 teachers at Title I schools who are given an opportunity to shop for more than $500 in supplies and materials for their classrooms, and the parents and guardians of the 30,000 children who receive holiday gifts from The Empty Stocking Fund each holiday season, thank you for your support!