foodbankHarvard Community Service

at the Freestore Foodbank

Saturday December 4,


 

When?  Saturday December 4, 9 am to 11:30 am.

Where?  FSFB’s Mayerson Distribution Center, 1250 Tennessee Avenue, Cincinnati 45229
What?  We will pack Power Packs (weekend food parcels for food-insecure children), help with food sorting, etc.

Who can volunteer?

Questions?  Kate Molinsky

Our group’s participation will be critical in the work at the warehouse.  Please try to register by November 23 so the FSFB knows they can count on us.  They rely on the work of volunteers to provide food to children, seniors and families.  When volunteer groups cancel, it does make a hardship in meeting the service needs for the community.

Childhood Hunger
Childhood hunger is a reality and it exists in neighborhoods across the region. More than over 80,000 children in our tristate area may not know from where their next meal is coming.

How Hunger Impacts Kids
Research shows that hungry children are more likely to be vulnerable to illness, lack focus, low energy and score lower on achievement tests. These children are more likely to suffer from poverty as adults.

Feeding Hungry Children
Freestore Foodbank has several programs aimed at tackling the issue of childhood hunger and ensuring children are receiving the proper nutrition they need to help them succeed in life.

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Signing up is easy! Below is the link to distribute to your team in order to self-register for your volunteer shift:

Landing Page link: http://vhub.at/xharvardclubofcincinnati

Each volunteer will need to go through and sign up using this process:

First Time Users –There is a 4-step process for users new to Volunteer Hub:

  1.       Click the link above
  2.       Click the “sign up” button on the right side of the webpage.  In the case that your company volunteers often, please inform you team members to look for the date and the team leader’s last name as a point of reference for the event.  It’s in red.

For example:

              Harvard Club of Cincinnati - Molinsky

 

  1.       Create an account – the system will prompt you to log in or create a new account profile. (You will receive a “Freestore Foodbank Account Created” confirmation email once successfully completed.)
  2.       The system should direct you to sign up for the event after creating your profile. If it does not, return to the original webpage via the link given and click the “sign up” button again. (You will receive an Event Confirmation email when completed.)

Returning Users:

  1.       Click the link above
  2.       Log in using your username and password
  3.       Sign up for the event you wish to participate in with your group (See #2 above)

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A Few Friendly Reminders…

Volunteer Activity:   Activities will be assigned by the FSFB Volunteer Coordinator and Warehouse staff based on the needs of the warehouse at the time of service. Generally, Distribution Center volunteers sort canned food donations, assemble Power Packs or assist with large special event needs. Operating or handling power equipment by volunteers is prohibited.

Please review the clothing guidelines.

  • Comfortable, closed toe and heel shoes are required; tennis shoes are ok.
  • No flip-flops or sandals may be worn due to safety regulations.  You will not be able to volunteer in the warehouse if you are not wearing closed toe and heel shoes.
  • Well fitted clothes are required to ensure safe movement.
  • Shirts must have sleeves; t-shirts and short sleeved shirts are acceptable.
  • Jeans or shorts may be worn.
  • During the summer months, the warehouse can be very warm; dress for comfort.

Arrival:   Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time to check in at the registration desk. Follow the signs to the Community Development Center where our Volunteer Coordinator will greet you and sign you in.

Parking:   Volunteers should park in the parking lot to the left of the building or on the street across from the warehouse.  Please do not park on the street on the side of the warehouse as this is now a NO Parking Zone.  Also, please do not park in one of our many loading docks.  Carpooling is encouraged. 

                COVID-19 Volunteer Guidelines

  • All Volunteers must wear a mask while volunteering.
  •  Maintain Social Distance upon entering the building, by standing on the orange Duck Feet, you will be greeted by a Freestore Foodbank staff member to enter the building. 
  • Hand Washing Stations provided throughout our volunteer areas – Please wash your hands upon arrival.  Hand washing should last at least 20 seconds under warm water.
  • Deep cleaning – Freestore Foodbank staff are continuously doing deep cleanings at all of our volunteer locations.
  • Eliminating Handshakes and hugs – Sorry. Elbow bumps are welcomed!
  • Social distancing: accommodations are in place to allow volunteers to perform their duties with reasonable social distancing.
  • Providing Protective Gear – We have hand sanitizer located throughout our various facilities. We also have masks and gloves available for volunteers during their shift. (If volunteer has their own mask, please bring, we will have masks/gloves as needed.) Proper disposal of mask/gloves at the end of each shift.
  • Stay Healthy – If you are feeling under the weather we ask that you cancel your registration and come back and visit us when you feel better.

Thank you for volunteering for at the Mayerson Distribution Center. We look forward to working with you soon.