Community Thanksgiving Feast Volunteer Descriptions
Here are some overall notes related to many of our volunteer needs. A link to our signup forms is listed below. Please take a moment to become familiar with the various needs, age limits and times.
Food Preparations/Cleanup
General Information: Help in the preparation – and/or clean up – of our Community Thanksgiving Feast. This area also includes signups for Thanksgiving Day itself. Age Restrictions: 18 and older.
Wednesday Setup for Thanksgiving
General Information: This role begins at 2 pm with planned finish no later than 5 pm. Areas to sign up for include general setup help, blanket making and flower/craft assistance. Age Restrictions: 15 and older without an adult; Youth 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
A maximum of 4 people per application.
Thanksgiving “Day Of” Needs
"Entertainers":
General Information: This is a wonderful opportunity to share your talents (singing, dance, instruments, DJ, etc.) Performances run from approximately 8:50 am to 2 pm on Thanksgiving Day. Deadline to apply is October 31st.
"Table Host"
General Information: Table hosts offer the opportunity to enjoy food and fellowship with our guests. As a family, group or seated with other singles, you will be a part of 240 dining room tables. For more information on table hosting, download this document.
"Bus Ambassadors"
General Information: This is a great role for those who would like to finish early. Work singularly or in pairs on GRTC buses - welcoming riders, providing free bus tickets, and sharing information about the Thanksgiving Feast. Age Restriction: 18 and older for single riders; 13 and older for pairs (must be accompanied by an adult). This position generally runs from 7:30 am to 1 pm and will meet at the GRTC Downtown Transportation Hub.
"Service Area"
General Information: Service roles cover a variety of duties: Volunteer Check In, Door Assistants, Food Plating, Dessert Service and many other positions. Age Restriction: 25 and older.
"Distribution Area"
General Information: Volunteers in our Distribution Area will join our dining room for lunch prior to the opening of this area to the public. Examples include Food or Toiletry Bags, Clothing, Craft and Flower Areas. Age Restriction: 19 and older (we recommend first serving in our Youth Ambassador area).
"Haircut/Resources"
General Information: This area will work a "split" shift opportunity....serving guests before and after dining. In addition to haircuts, we welcome those who would like to present information and other opportunities to guests and volunteers alike. Age Restriction: 18 and older. Stylists must be licensed. Resource providers can seek permission for those under 18 if their presence in your area is essential to what is being offered to our guests.
"Youth Ambassadors"
General Information: Youth Ambassadors assist in a variety of duties, including the seating of guests, providing cold beverages and serving meals. Community service is offered upon completion of duties. Free t-shirts will be provided to all participants. For more details, download this document. Age Restriction: 14 to 24 by Thanksgiving Day. Please note that Youth Ambassadors MUST remain available from 10:00 to 3:30 pm. Parents should note this all-day need and plan accordingly.
Volunteer Forms Now Available. PLEASE NOTE: This link DEFAULTS to a "filing cabinet" with different tabs on the top. It brings you initially to the Bus Ambassador page but if you scroll along the top, you will see other areas. Click on them to explore any openings.