Volunteer Opportunities
Please prayerfully consider the following opportunities to serve those less fortunate in our community. If you feel called to serve, you can email us at caryumc@caryumc.org. The Site Manager will contact you.
Donate Food
A hot dinner and breakfast are provided for our guests, as well as a sack lunch. In addition, we maintain a small Food Pantry at Cary UMC to make sure that all who come in search of a meal are cared for. Unopened non-perishables and packaged foods left over are forwarded to the Cary Food Pantry. Those wishing to help by providing meals can:
- Prepare a hot dinner. Coordinate your donation with the appropriate team.
- Deliver the food between 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Feed the homeless as you would your own family.
- Provide ingredients for breakfast and/or lunch.
Night Manager
The Cary UMC Emergency Shelter partners with other local churches, each volunteering on a given Saturday of the month. The Night Manager coordinates the overall efforts of that team. While the Night Manager is not necessarily expected to work any of the shifts, they are responsible for providing access to the facility for their teams. It is also helpful if the Night Manager spends some time with each team so as to become familiar with all tasks. Additional responsibilities include:
- Train team members.
- Check the facility and supplies. Report any problems to the Site Manager.
- Coordinate with Team Leaders to be sure there are enough Volunteers for each Team.
- Check to be sure all tasks have been verified as completed and turn in paperwork to Site Manager.
Team Leader
For each Saturday night, there are several teams of volunteers put together to better manage the needs of our Emergency Shelter program. These teams include meal preparation, kitchen staff for dinner and breakfast, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shifts, site cleanup and laundry. In addition to team duties and responsibilities, Team Captains are responsible for the following:
- Be the Onsite Leader for your team.
- Train a backup for your position should you be unable to make any given Saturday.
- Make sure your team is fully staffed. Coordinate team efforts with the Night Manager.
- Verify all shift tasks have been completed.
1st Shift: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Set up the sleeping and dining areas.
- Register our guests.
- Collect and store all bags.
- Monitor the area.
- Fellowship with Guests.
Kitchen Staff - Dinner: 6:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Make coffee and other beverages.
- Set up kitchen for service.
- Serve dinner.
- Close kitchen at 8:30.
- Set aside leftovers for late arrivals.
- Wipe down tables and wash dishes.
2nd Shift: 11:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Lights out.
- Monitor the area.
- Make lunches.
3rd Shift: 3:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Awaken our guests at 6:00 a.m.
- Collect used linens and store sleeping pads.
- Return all bags to the guests.
- Monitor the area.
- Fellowship with our guests.
Kitchen Staff - Breakfast: 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Make coffee and other beverages.
- Set up kitchen for service.
- Serve breakfast.
- Wipe down tables and wash dishes.
Cleanup Crew: 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Sweep, mop and sanitize the floors.
- Clean and sanitize the bathrooms.
- Set up tables and chairs.
- Ready the rooms for Sunday School.
Laundry:
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Pickup Sunday, Return Thursday.
- Wash and fold laundry.
- Return to designated storage areas.
