Chicago Fun Volunteers

Help unload and sort donated food from the Food Rescue program at the Redeeming Grace Church Food Pantry, located in the West Pullman neighborhood. Volunteers will help unload food off the delivery truck and help sort the items, and then store the food properly, which will be distributed the next day on Saturday. The boxes can weight 20 to 40 pounds, and we will work in teams so you do not have to lift anything heavier than you are comfortable of lifting. We will also do our best to accommodate you if you cannot do any lifting. There are small and light items that needs individual sorting, like bread and can goods.

This is a weekly recurring event every Friday morning, from 11 am to around 3 pm. Shift time is flexible. If you cannot stay the whole 4 hour shift, any time you can give will be helpful and much appreciated. The truck's estimated time of arrival is 11 am, but it can be a little early or late, depending on weather, traffic, and other variables. So please be prepared to do some waiting, and help out with other tasks until the truck arrives. Your flexibility is much appreciated. No open toe shoes allowed. Please wear non slip shoes, like sneakers.

There is free street parking around the church.

The food is distributed on Saturday at noon. You can sign up for the food distribution event if you would like to interact directly with the clients. See separate post on the Chicago Fun Volunteer calendar.

Redeeming Grace Church client choice food pantry is a non-profit 501(c) located at 11801 S, Sangamon Chicago Il. Our Mission: To strengthen the community by distributing food to families in need. No families should have to face hunger. Every Saturday we serve the community of 60643 and 60628 zip code and neighboring communities. Serving people is not a job it a joy. We also have pet food for the client’s pets, when it is available. The Mission Department goal is to serve. NO families should go without food. Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays from 7 pm-9 pm and Fridays from 8 pm to 9 pm. The food pantry is set up like a Grocery style setting where the clients choose and bag their own food, first come, first served basis. For further information you may contact Food Pantry Coordinator Valerie Brown at [masked] Thank you sincerely for caring about the hunger.

Transportation and Car pooling: We encourage our volunteers to be green whenever possible or practical. Public transportation (bus, train, bike, walking) are easy at many locations, but other sites are remote or end late at night and can use some car pool planning. If you do not drive and need a ride, post below and ask about car pool possibilities. State what town and intersection you can be picked up. If you do drive, please consider helping a fellow volunteer that lives near you or along your way. Post where you are coming from and offer to pick up a fellow volunteer along your route. You will make some new cool friends even before you get to the volunteer event.

Honor your RSVP commitment: Keep your RSVP status up to date. Event organizers depend on an accurate volunteer count to plan their assignments correctly. If you RSVP Yes to help an event, please honor your commitment and attend the event to help. Arriving on time and staying for the full duration of the volunteer shift is expected, unless stated by organizer that shift time is flexible, and you emailed ahead to both agree on a different time. Most events have limited volunteer spots; don't waste one by being a no-show. All event hosts are grateful for volunteers' help and will try to accommodate your schedule if you are sincere in helping.

You have the option to change your RSVP to "No" if you no longer can attend. We understand volunteers also have jobs, school, and family, and unexpected things happen. Please cancel with at least 48 hours notice before the event time so other volunteers on the waiting list can have enough time to adjust their own schedule to participate. Don't wait until the last day to cancel on an event, unless it is serious emergency. If you are sick with a cold of flu, then of course stay home to rest and recover. Taking care of your health is important. Going to an event when you are sick will only spread your germs and get more people sick. Most of the people we serve are vulnerable populations with a weaken immune system (seniors, children, homeless). We must be mindful to keep them safe and healthy.

Want to help those in need during the pandemic? Putting together bagged meals is a great way to make a difference.
The Chicago Help Initiative coordinates volunteers to make and deliver thousands of bag meals every week to different sites throughout the city.

As of August 2021, demand for meals is growing but donations are dropping. Your contributions will truly make a difference during a time of need for so many.

What’s in a bag meal?
• Sandwich
• Piece of fruit (soft fruits preferred like bananas or oranges)
• Snack (Chips, granola bar, etc)
• Drink (bottled water or juice)
• Feel free to add more or get fancy!

This is an “on your own” event to maintain social distancing. You will purchase the components and assemble the meals in your home on your own time. Feel free to be creative – turkey with cranberry sauce, hot paninis, or plain PB&J – all are appreciated!

Drop off at the locations listed below, or we may be able to pick up your fully assembled bagged meals at your location. (Message the event organizer in advance to arrange pickup). Drop off sites maintain social distancing….pop your trunk and an on-site volunteer will take the prepared bagged meals directly from your vehicle.

Where, when, and how to deliver your bag meals:
9:30am – 10:30am Wednesdays – 1301 N. LaSalle
9:30am – 10:30am Saturdays - 721 N. LaSalle Street

Sign up with the number of bagged meals you plan to make here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49A8AD29A0FDC34-make

For more about the Chicago Help Initiative, visit http://chicagohelpinitiative.org/

Contact the Meeting Organizer if you have any questions....happy to chat through the logistics!

Help distribute food to clients and neighbors in need in the West Pullman neighborhood in the South Side of Chicago. Volunteers will help set up food on shelves and tables and assist clients in picking out the food they like to eat. This is a client choice food pantry, they only take what they want so no food is wasted. This is a weekly recurring event every Saturday morning, from 11:00 Am to 1:00 Pm. Shift time is flexible. If you cannot stay the whole 5 hour shift, any time you can give will be helpful and much appreciated. Please be prepared to help out in any way to help the event run smoothly, like cleaning, sweeping, breaking down boxes for recycling, etc. Your flexibility is much appreciated. No open toe shoes allowed. Please wear non slip shoes, like sneakers. There is free street parking around the church. We also have another opportunity to help this food pantry on Friday mornings to help unload food from the delivery truck. See separate post on the Chicago Fun Volunteer calendar. Redeeming Grace Church client choice food pantry is a non-profit 501(c) located at 11801 S, Sangamon Chicago Il. Our Mission: To strengthen the community by distributing food to families in need. No families should have to face hunger. Every Saturday we serve the community of 60643 and neighboring communities. Serving people is not a job it a joy. The Food Pantry Staff goal is to serve. NO families should go without food. Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays from 7 pm-9 pm and Fridays from 8 pm to 9 pm. The food pantry is set up like a Grocery style setting where the clients choose and bag their own food, first come, first served basis. For further information you may contact Food Pantry Coordinator Valerie Brown at [masked]. Thank you sincerely for caring about the hunger. Transportation and Car pooling: We encourage our volunteers to be green whenever possible or practical. Public transportation (bus, train, bike, walking) are easy at many locations, but other sites are remote or end late at night and can use some car pool planning. If you do not drive and need a ride, post below and ask about car pool possibilities. State what town and intersection you can be picked up. If you do drive, please consider helping a fellow volunteer that lives near you or along your way. Post where you are coming from and offer to pick up a fellow volunteer along your route. You will make some new cool friends even before you get to the volunteer event. Honor your RSVP commitment: Keep your RSVP status up to date. Event organizers depend on an accurate volunteer count to plan their assignments correctly. If you RSVP Yes to help an event, please honor your commitment and attend the event to help. Arriving on time and staying for the full duration of the volunteer shift is expected, unless stated by organizer that shift time is flexible, and you emailed ahead to both agree on a different time. Most events have limited volunteer spots; don't waste one by being a no-show. All event hosts are grateful for volunteers' help and will try to accommodate your schedule if you are sincere in helping. You have the option to change your RSVP to "No" if you no longer can attend. We understand volunteers also have jobs, school, and family, and unexpected things happen. Please cancel with at least 48 hours notice before the event time so other volunteers on the waiting list can have enough time to adjust their own schedule to participate. Don't wait until the last day to cancel on an event, unless it is serious emergency. If you are sick with a cold of flu, then of course stay home to rest and recover. Taking care of your health is important. Going to an event when you are sick will only spread your germs and get more people sick. Most of the people we serve are vulnerable populations with a weaken immune system (seniors, children, homeless). We must be mindful to keep them safe and healthy.
WE WILL BE CHANGING OUR DAY INSTEAD OF FRIDAY WE BE THERE ON THURSDAY 10AM-1PM

HELP IN SERVING THE CLIENTS