Opportunities for Groups and Families

WHAT'S A GROUP?

We use the old saying, “Two’s company and three’s a group,” (or something like that).  So if you and at least 2 (but less than 100) others are coming together, then you are best suited for the opportunities below.  All we ask is that you remain flexible as your group could be divided (though we try not to), that you notify us in advance if your numbers are going to change by more than three from your original estimate, and that you call us if you need to cancel.  Our staff puts a lot of work into preparing volunteer opportunities—please do not squander their efforts by simply not showing up.

• Kitchen – The tasks are outlined on the Individual Short-Term Opportunities page.  Ideally, we’d like to have 8 volunteers in the kitchen at all times though we can take as many 10.

• Environmental Services – Did you ever wonder who cleans our campus?  Volunteers do!  This may not be your first choice, but without volunteers, the safety, cleanliness, and beauty of our facilities would quickly deteriorate.   The ideal number is 6 volunteers, though we can take a few more if available.

• Warehouses – Throughout the year and especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, the surrounding community generously gives an abundance of food, clothing, toys, and other assorted goods.  To be good stewards of what’s been entrusted to us, we need your help to sort through the items. 

   
  • Thrift Store Warehouse– This is where our food is stored.  We need 10-15 volunteers daily to categorize the food by type and expiration date.
  • Francis Street Warehouse – Located on the north end of the campus, 10-15 volunteers are needed daily to sort through clothing, shoes, hygiene items, books, and other donations. 

• Outreach – You’ve read about Outreach, now you can volunteer there.  Typically 120 families visit Outreach daily, but the numbers vary depending on the day, time, and weather.  A good size group would be 5 volunteers though 10 is not unheard of.

• Evening Resident Programs – If your group is only available in the evenings, then you might consider putting together a special event for our resident children (grades K-5).  We’ve got groups that host monthly birthday parties, holiday celebrations, Sunday Fun Days, and puppet shows to name a few.  You provide the creativity and we’ll provide the crowd.  (School year only; times subject to change.) 

  • Mon, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Child Evangelism Fellowship Bible Study 
  • Tues, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Girl's Night
  • Wed, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Boy's Night
  • Thurs, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Surprise Night
  • Fri, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Family Fun Night (for ALL residents)  

• Children's Programs - In some cases, we are able to place a small group in our nursery during the day or in PromiseLand after school from 2:00-6:00 where there are over 30 children who would love to play games with you, color, or just listen to a story.

• Special Projects – These occur frequently, but with little advanced notice.  A group could find themselves painting, constructing a playground, raking leaves, cleaning a roof, or even washing vehicles.  

• Special Events – Like special projects, these occur throughout the year.  Examples from 2009 include:  Feed the Children with golf pro Lee Janzen, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Easter meals, Sanctuary Ribbon Cutting with Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Bridge Builders with singer Amy Grant, Uplift-U Graduation, and Backpacks of Hope.  So don’t be surprised if you call and we ask you to help with one of these high-profile activities.  It is sure to be a win-win opportunity for all.

• Seasonal Events – The Holiday Tent is our trademark event.  Up from October through December, it takes almost 1,000 volunteers daily.  Individuals and groups may find themselves registering clients, sorting donations, stocking our market, assisting clients with their shopping, playing with their children, cleaning, leading a prayer time, or even performing on our stage.  A separate shift schedule will be posted so be sure to include this in your annual volunteer planning.

How to Schedule – Contact Scott at 813-209-1251 or scott.bedrosian@metromin.org.