Volunteer with FISH
A special thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers!
FISH is an all-volunteer organization. We currently have more than 120 dedicated volunteers working as dispatchers, drivers, and with our food pantry, clothes closet, and assistance programs for rent and utilities.
Join us! Volunteer opportunities exist in all parts of the organization. Every volunteer is trained to ensure that our client needs are met. Here are some of our volunteer opportunities:
DISPATCHERS – At the heart of the FISH organization are the dispatchers. Every Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., a volunteer answers telephone calls that come to FISH. While some callers are asking for general information, most are asking for assistance with food, rent, rides, clothing, utilities, gasoline and general information. Dispatchers direct these requests to FISH coordinators who are the link between those in need and the services FISH provides.
DRIVERS – After fulfilling the DMV and insurance requirements, our volunteer drivers provide rides in their car to medical appointments . Those in need of a ride are picked up at their home, delivered to the medical appointment and returned home. Drivers accept driving assignments dependent upon their schedules and are generally asked to drive once a week.
CLOTHES CLOSET – Volunteers sort through donations, size clothing and keep the shelves and racks stocked
with clothing. Volunteers also assist clients in finding clothing and monitor the amount of clothing taken. Although Spanish is not required, some Spanish is helpful in talking with visitors to the Clothing Closet.
FOOD OPERATION - The largest and most diverse volunteer opportunities support our Food Program.
Picking up Food: A car is needed for this volunteer opportunity picking up food from stores, agencies, and various locations.
Packers: Packing nonperishables, shelving donations and making note of groceries needed for the daily food boxes.
Dispensers: Adding the perishable items to the food boxes and distributing them to the people who request food assistance.
Food Delivery: Twice a month, generous food boxes are delivered to a list of clients who have no transportation and cannot leave their home to pick up items.
Special Projects: Help is needed accepting, unpacking and shelving the morning food deliveries. In May and November two huge food drives, The Post Office Stamp Out Hunger Campaign and November’s Scouting for Food result in large amounts of food that need transporting and sorting. December’s FISH Holiday Food Basket Project are always in need of volunteers.
BILINGUAL – Since many of our clients are Spanish speakers, bilingual volunteers are needed to help take calls and assist in interviews for rent and utility assistance.
