Volunteer Details
Total Monthly Volunteers: 120
Volunteer Tasks
We currently have 5 types of volunteer opportunities available:
Pack
Task: Pack
Description:
2 people: make empty boxes up in the Parlor; bring supplies into the hallway; open cases and remove packaging from things like deodorant
5 people: place designated items into boxes
1 person: checks that the items on the packing list match what is in the box; ensure items are upright and tightly packed; fold the top of the box closed
2 people: load the packed and closed boxes onto a cart and then unload them into a designated storage area
2 people: break down cardboard into flat pieces and load the flat pieces into the largest empty boxes you have so they can be carted out easily at the end
Hours: 2
When: 2nd & 4th Saturdays
Where: 630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Sign Up: Sign Up Genius
Distribute
Task: Distribute
Description:
3 people: collect tickets and communicate # of boxes needed for each vehicle; remind drivers of the next distribution
9-12 people: move boxes outside; load boxes into vehicles
2-4 people: assist with consolidating and restocking items; break down packaging; move supplies to areas where they are needed inside the building
Hours: 1-2
When: 1st & 3rd Saturdays
Where: 630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Sign Up: Sign Up Genius
Traffic
Task: Traffic
Description:
4-8 people: file cars into the ESS parking lot; keep intersections open; direct cars to enter the car line at the intersection of Piney Branch Rd and Silver Spring Ave
Hours: 1.5-2
When: Specific Saturdays
Where: 630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Sign Up: Sign Up Genius
Stock
Task: Stock
Description:
4-6 people: unload deliveries; set-up supplies for packing; pick up items at Dollar Tree and transport them to our storage space at 630 Silver Spring Ave
Hours: 1-2
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays
Where: 630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD & Dollar Tree stores
Sign Up: email tommyspantry@gmail.com to ask about the next stocking opportunity
Supervise
Task: Stock
Description:
1-2 people: oversee packing activities; coordinate volunteers at distributions
Hours: 2
When: Specific Saturdays
Where: 630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD & Dollar Tree stores
Sign Up: email tommyspantry@gmail.com to ask when the next supervisor training will be held.
Age Requirement
At this time, children ages 11 and up may volunteer at our packing sessions & distributions (exceptions apply to group bookings where additional adult supervision is provided). Full boxes are too heavy for younger children to move.
Parking
When volunteering at distributions, please park on the FRONT side of the church building (along Sligo Ave). Traffic behind the church along Silver Spring Ave builds up as early as 6:30 am.
When volunteering at packing events, you are welcome to park along Silver Spring Ave (behind the church) and across the street in the East Silver Spring Elementary School parking lot (when school is not in session).
Safety Protocols (updated 6/14/23)
Masks are OPTIONAL during ALL Tommy’s Pantry volunteer activities (INSIDE or OUTSIDE)
Other Info
Please note our full boxes and bags weigh up to 30 lbs.
