Inspire HOPE TODAY…

Volunteer!

HOPE could not exist without the many faithful and hard-working volunteers that help make the organization successful in supporting the communities of Lancaster County and Fort Lawn.

Volunteer Application

Ways to Serve at HOPE

If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, meet new people, educate yourself on the greatest needs of individuals, families, and seniors,  or participate in projects that provide service with a sense of purpose,  then HOPE is the right place!

Face-to-Face

Receptionist

Answers the phone and provides support to clients and staff by answering client questions and directing calls to the appropriate staff person or program.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu-Fri 9:00-11:30

Intake

Assists client when they come into HOPE to seek assistance, request information, or drop off information.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed 8:45-11:30

Advocate

Meets directly with and discusses with clients to identify the client’s needs and possible resources for assistance.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed- 8:45-11:30

Clerical Support

Supports the program staff by answering the phone; gathers and verifies the information provided by the client when they apply for assistance, assists staff in managing client communication and files.  Needs: Mon-Wed-Fri 1:00-4:00

Choice Pantry

Assists clients receiving food assistance by bagging their food pantry orders according to their choices and delivers food orders to the client’s car.  Needs: Mon-Tue-Wed- 8:45-11:30

Senior Pantry-Intake

Receives, welcomes, and assists senior clients when they receive their monthly support of food and over-the-counter products by verifying client home information, setting next appointment, and checking wellness of client.  Needs: Tue-Thu 8:30-12:15

Senior Pantry-Food

Prepares, bags, and delivers the senior client’s choices directly to the client’s car.  Needs: Tue-Thu 8:30-12:00

Behind the Scenes

Food Courier

Supports staff by picking up and delivering to HOPE deli, produce and frozen meat products from retail stores

  • Needs: Food Lion/KJs Mon-Tue-Wed 9:00-10:30
  • Food Lion           Thu-Fri 9:00-10:00
  • Food Lion           Sat-Sun 11:00-12:30 (Can be picked up as late 1:00)
  • Publix – Subs                     Wed-Thu-Fri 8:00-9:00

Rotation is available- for example choose to sign up for every Thu at one location or just the third Thu for a location

Receive & Stock

Supports the Choice Pantry volunteers and Food Pantry staff by receiving, processing and stocking food donations ensuring quality, expiration dates, and packaging of all donated products perishable and non-perishable.  Needs: Tue-Wed-Fri 1:00-4:00

Senior Pantry Stocking

Supports the Senior Pantry volunteers and Food Pantry staff by assisting in preparing, stocking, and bagging products to be given at the Senior Pantry.  Needs: Mon-Wed 9:00-12:00

Administrative Support

Supports the Staff by filing, office support, data entry, preparing reports, office projects, and mass mailings. Can also include use of various office support software such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Network for Good, and Charity Tracker.  Needs: Based on assignment and your availability, usually include a 2-3-hour commitment either weekly or bi-weekly

Events, Seasonal , & Other Volunteer Fun!

TEFAP Distribution

Partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to help supplement food monthly to qualified low-income households

Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri 8:30-11:30 am

Annual Ward Faulkenberry Sr Christmas Basket Program

Each year we begin preparations for our Annual Christmas Basket program. Volunteers are needed to pack food, make gift bags and help prepare for our annual Christmas Party.

HOPE has additional projects and events thoughout the year for volunteers to serve.  Follow us on Facebook and sign-up for our newsletter for updates and notifications of what is going on at HOPE and additional service opportunities.

Sign-Up links will be available when volunteers are needed.

Why are Volunteers special partners of HOPE

Our Volunteers represent all parts of our Community, bringing unique ideas and perspectives to HOPE.  Each and every volunteer hour helps HOPE be the best steward of the resources donated and provided to us. One hour of your time provides HOPE with $24.01 in labor savings.  Our annual savings with volunteers like you  equals $360,500!  This savings are dollars that are used to serve more people in the community.

Volunteers

Volunteer Hours

Cups Of Coffee

DOLLARS SAVED FOR PROGRAMS

From Our Volunteers

I inspire HOPE by volunteering

Volunteering to facilitate the Getting Ahead class through HOPE’s Bounce Back program has been incredibly meaningful to me. Having the opportunity to share this program with teens as the as well as other members of the community has reinforced something I deeply believe in, that education and opportunity can truly change lives, no matter who you are. Being able to invest in people in the Lancaster area, help them better understand the dynamics of poverty, and support them in building pathways forward is something I feel both honored and grateful to do. Facilitating this class isn’t just about sharing information, it’s about empowering individuals and strengthening our community. I feel blessed to continue the work so many before me started, and I learn something from my co-facilitators and the participants every single time!                Stephanie King, HOPE inspiring HOPE since 2022

I inspire HOPE by volunteering

I chose volunteering with HOPE primarily due to my childhood experience. Having grown up in a family that needed to live off the food from our local food pantry, the impact of not always having enough food to eat hit home with me at an early age. I still remember the powdered milk, 5 lbs of cheese, and other canned items that allowed us to get through some tough times. As a volunteer, my role has changed and I’m able to give back just a little back to others in similar situations. Having food security is not only a physical need. It impacts a person’s mental abilities and can be a source of stress and embarrassment at school with peers. By helping provide food to those in most need, I hope that these impacts can be minimized if only a little bit.                        Justin Francis, inspiring HOPE since 2021

I inspire HOPE volunteering

I volunteer at HOPE because they provide immediate, direct, and a wide range of assistance to individuals in the local community.  Knowing that I was personally able to assist someone in need, hearing their stories, and seeing the relief and gratitude on their faces is especially rewarding.  I also enjoy working with other volunteers and staff who are doing it for the same reasons.   Each person I’ve worked with is different and just as important as the any other.  Seeing that a small act of kindness goes a long way in helping someone get through a difficult time is meaningful and memorable.                     Michael Barry, inspiring HOPE since 2025

I inspire HOPE by volunteering

Serving at Hope is such a joy to me!! I go to serve but somehow end up being blessed each week. Hope really does provide a hand up to our community and I’m so grateful to be a small part of the team each week.                 Renee Funderburk, inspiring HOPE since 2024

I was helping load groceries for a client, and he noticed one of his items was a cake from a local grocery store bakery.  His face lit up as he said, “That works out perfectly!  We’re celebrating my grandbaby’s birthday this evening, and we only had a little ice cream for dessert.”  I often think of that family’s get together and how our actions can benefit others even in small, unexpected ways.             Andrew Josie inspiring HOPE since 2025

Tim Howard

Tim Howard

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Hotline

803-577-5466

Email

thoward@hopeinlancaster.org

Let’s Have A Conversation
Say Hello!

If you have questions or would like further information please complte the contact form below and submit.  HOPE’s Volunteer Coordinator, Tim Howard would love to have a conversation with you.