First-Time Volunteer Guide
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST SHIFT
Tommy’s Pantry is 100% volunteer-run. With approximately 120 monthly volunteers, we serve 325+ households each month through food, wellness, and produce distributions. We are so glad you want to join us!
This page covers everything you need to show up confident and ready to make a difference.
How to Get Started
1
Sign Up on SignUpGenius
All volunteer shifts are managed through SignUpGenius. Browse available packing and distribution dates, pick a slot that works for you, and register. You’ll receive a confirmation email with shift details.
2
Review This Guide
Read through the role descriptions, parking instructions, and requirements below so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. First-timers are always welcomed — our team will be there to help guide you through your shift.
3
Show Up & Make a Difference
Arrive at the correct parking area for your shift type (see below), wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, and be ready to lift up to 30 lbs. Most of all — bring your energy and compassion. Your presence directly impacts hundreds of local families.
Volunteer Roles
We currently have five volunteer roles. When you sign up on SignUpGenius, you’ll be assigned a role based on availability and need.
📦
Pack
Help assemble food boxes, wellness boxes, and fresh produce boxes ahead of distribution day. Great for individuals and groups. No prior experience needed — supervisors walk you through the process.
🤝
Distribute
Hand out boxes directly to families during our monthly distributions at the rear of Church of the Ascension. This is a people-facing role — friendly, welcoming volunteers are key to making families feel seen and respected.
🚗
Traffic
Direct the flow of vehicles during distribution events to keep things safe and efficient for recipient families and other volunteers. Expect to be on your feet outdoors — wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
📋
Stock
Organize and stock our inventory of food, wellness items, and supplies between distributions. This role is hands-on and helps ensure packing sessions run smoothly and efficiently.
👥
Supervise
Experienced volunteers are invited to lead and coordinate teams during packing and distribution events. Supervisors help orient new volunteers, keep things on schedule, and make sure every shift runs safely. Not a first-shift role — supervisors are recruited from our regular volunteer pool.
Requirements & Important Information
👤 Age Requirement
Volunteers must be 11 years of age or older for packing sessions and distributions. Full boxes are too heavy for younger children to move safely.
Exceptions may apply for group bookings where additional adult supervision is provided. Please contact us in advance if you are bringing a group with younger children.
💪 Physical Requirements
Full boxes and bags can weigh up to 30 lbs. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Dress in layers if volunteering outdoors.
If you have any physical limitations, please let us know — we will find the right volunteer role for you. No one is turned away.
😷 Safety Protocols
Masks are optional during all Tommy’s Pantry volunteer activities, both inside and outside. (Updated 6/14/23)
We ask all volunteers to stay home if they are feeling unwell. Thank you for helping keep our recipient families and fellow volunteers safe.
Location & Parking
📍 Volunteer Site
Church of the Ascension
630 Silver Spring Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20910
All packing sessions and distributions take place at this location. Distributions are held at the rear of the church.
🚗 Parking — Distribution Events
Please park on the front side of the church building, along Sligo Ave.
⚠️ Do not park behind the church on Silver Spring Ave. The line of recipient vehicles along Silver Spring Ave builds up as early as 6:30 am and parking there will block access for families.
🚗 Parking — Packing Events
You may park along Silver Spring Ave (behind the church) or across the street in the East Silver Spring Elementary School parking lot.
The school lot is available when school is not in session. Please check the school calendar if you’re unsure.
🎓 Students & SSL Hours
Tommy’s Pantry welcomes middle and high school students seeking Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. We provide a supportive, welcoming environment where students can contribute meaningfully and see the direct impact of their efforts.
- Students ages 11+ may volunteer at packing sessions and distributions
- SSL hours are available for qualified school programs — check with your school’s SSL coordinator
- An adult supervisor must accompany any group bringing children under 11
- Group bookings with additional adult supervision may qualify for age exceptions
Questions about student or group volunteering? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help coordinate your visit.
Have a Professional Skill to Share?
Beyond hands-on shifts, Tommy’s Pantry also relies on skilled volunteers who contribute their professional talents. If any of the areas below match your background, we’d love to connect.
Professional Skills
- Grant Research & Writing
- Bookkeeping / Financial Reporting
- Legal Advice for Nonprofits
- Fundraising
- Communications & Newsletter Editing
- Social Media Management
- Photography & Graphic Design
- Website Management
- Spanish Language Support
- Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Project / Partnership Management
Operational Skills
- Packing Supervisor
- Distribution Supervisor
- Liaison with the Religious Community
- Liaison with the Local Business Community
Have a skill that’s not listed? We’d love to hear from you — every talent helps us serve the 325+ households who rely on Tommy’s Pantry each month.
Ready to make a difference? Sign up for your first shift today.