The song says it’s the hap-happiest time of the year, but for Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB), it’s also the busiest. Last year, generous North Texans donated more than 141,000 pounds of food in November alone – more than double the average monthly donation. That’s why TAFB relies on Holiday Helpers to swoop in and spread good cheer to those who need food throughout the season.
Holiday Helpers are volunteers that sort and pack food for distribution, unload and weigh donations from the public and provide a big smile and a big thank you to donors. Bring out your inner elf by volunteering at TAFB during November and December. Here’s a helpful Q&A to help you pick the right volunteer opportunity for you:
Quality Control Holiday Helpers
Q: What is “Quality Control”
A: The Quality Control area is where food donations are sorted and packaged by volunteers. It’s located at TAFB’s Distribution Center at 2600 Cullen Street in Fort Worth, Texas.
Q: Can kids volunteer in Quality Control?
A: Yes. One adult chaperone is required for every three children 12-13 years of age. One adult chaperone is required for every ten kids 14-15 years old.
Q: Can groups volunteer together?
A: Yes! We love groups and can accommodate up to 35 people per shift. Just check to make sure the day you want to volunteer is open, then fill out the Group Volunteer Request form.
Q: What are the shift hours?
A: Shifts are available Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – Noon, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. On Saturdays, Holiday Helpers are most needed for the 9 a.m. – Noon shifts.
I’m ready, Santa! Where do I sign up?
Just click here: November Quality Control Holiday Helpers | December Quality Control Holiday Helpers
Food Drive Holiday Helpers
Q: What does a Food Drive Holiday Helper help with?
A: Food Drive Holiday Helpers greet the public at the loading dock and help them unload and weigh their food donations. Then, they provide a receipt, a smile and words of thanks for helping TAFB feed hungry people.
Q: How old do you have to be to be a Food Drive Holiday Helper?
A: Food Drive Holiday Helpers must be at least 16 years of age.
Q: Is their lifting and carrying involved with being a Food Drive Holiday Helper?
A: Yes. Volunteers need to be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Q: Will we work in a warehouse and if so, is it temperature controlled?
A: Food Drive Holiday Helpers will report to TAFB’s Distribution Center located at 2600 Cullen Street in Fort Worth. It is a warehouse environment that is not temperature controlled. The Distribution Center is also under construction so extra safety precautions need to be followed this holiday season.
Q: What shift hours are available and how many Food Drive Holiday Helpers are needed per shift?
A: Four volunteers are needed per shift and the shift hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – Noon, Noon – 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Shifts are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
I’m ready, Santa! Where do I sign up to be a Food Drive Holiday Helper?
Just click here: Food Drive Holiday Helpers
On behalf of everyone at TAFB, thank you for becoming a Holiday Helper, making sure no one has to go hungry this holiday season!
