Volunteer

Food Preparation

We need volunteers — ages 13 or older if accompanied by an adult (15 or older if unaccompanied) — to help prepare meals and clean up for three-and-a-half-hour shifts: 7:00-10:30AM, 12:30-3:30PM (weekdays), and 11:30AM-2:30PM (weekends).

We can also use help with projects, such as:

• Deep cleaning the kitchen
• Cleaning around our building and the neighborhood
• Washing windows
• Stocking shelves

Teen Center Meals

Volunteers serve three meals a day at our Teen Center, seven days a week. Volunteers, age 21 and older, help prepare, serve, and clean up for breakfast, 7:00-10:00AM; lunch, 10:30AM-1:30PM; and dinner, 5:00-7:30PM. 

Florence House Meals

Volunteers serve three meals a day at Florence House seven days a week. Volunteers help prepare, serve, and clean up for breakfast, 7:45-10:00AM; lunch, 10:30AM-1:30PM; and dinner, 4:00-6:30PM. 

Food Pantry

Every Tuesday-Saturday we distribute food to approximately 400 families in need. We need help 8am-12pm sorting fresh food donations. We also need help 1-4pm setting up for distribution, distributing food, and then cleaning up afterward.

Receiving Center

We provide emergency clothing and toiletries to youth and adults in need. Volunteers help accept and sort donations, fold clothes, restock shelves, and keep the Receiving Center clean and organized.

Before volunteering, you’ll be asked to complete a short volunteer orientation. Orientations happen on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5pm and are conducted over Zoom. Register here!

Click here for a PDF version of the orientation.

For more information, you can contact our Volunteer Program Manager at volunteer@preblestreet.org or 207-775-0026 x 1162.

Unfortunately, most volunteer opportunities involve our very busy commercial kitchens and are not suitable for children. Children must be at least 13 to volunteer if accompanied and supervised by an adult. Children 15 or older can volunteer unaccompanied. We do still encourage families and schools with young children to get involved and have made some suggestions below!

• Do a food drive, a sock drive, a towel drive, or help collect any of the items on our in-kind donations wish list. 
• Organize a community clean-up.
• Help make decorations for our holiday parties or special days throughout the year.
• Have a fundraiser: start a contest to see who can save the most nickels, have a lemonade stand… we know that if you use your imagination you can think of more fun ways to raise money! 

We accept groups of up to 7 people.

To register a group or inquire about group volunteer opportunities, please reach contact our Volunteer Program Manager at volunteer@preblestreet.org or call 207-775-0026 x 1162.

Volunteer expectations are reviewed during the volunteer orientation. Most of all, volunteers are asked to maintain a professional working environment and to be kind, courteous, and polite to Preble Street clients, staff, and other volunteers. 

Volunteers should wear work appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes at all times.

It is important to listen to staff members and follow all food, equipment, building procedures, and safety rules.

For a full list of volunteer expectations, you can click here.