Last year, volunteers donated thousands of hours for leadership and governance, direct services to our neighbors in need, operation of four church-based Food Pantries, and the Lord's Dinner which provides a free, served meal to roughly 100 men, women and children each Sunday evening as well as many seasonal programs throughout the year.

CONTACT OUR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
If you feel led to serve at WSC or have questions about volunteering please contact Deb Mitguard, Community Resource Coordinator at 719-389-0759 ext 108 or via email. Someone from Westside CARES can come and talk to your congregation, small group, or civic group about volunteering at WSC.

OFFICE SERVICE VOLUNTEER
(Every Tuesday 9:00am-12:30pm, or every Wednesday 9:00am-12:30pm)
Our Office Service Volunteers are responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere as neighbors come in seeking services. They also answer phones, help with filing, accept donations and assist neighbors and other volunteers as needed.

NEIGHBOR ADVOCATE
(Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm and Thursday evenings from 4:30pm-6:30pm)
A Neighbor Advocate meets one-on-one with people who come to Westside CARES in need of emergency assistance. Neighbor Advocates listen attentively, help extend our culture of hospitality and grace, provide assistance and/or referrals, and complete necessary documentation. The individual must be committed to connecting with and helping others in need, in order to support the mission of Westside CARES. (Full job description)

FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEER
Our Food Pantry Volunteers distribute food to families and individuals in need through our four church-based food pantries. These pantries operate five days a week.

SEASONAL PROJECTS
Opportunities for one-time volunteers exist through our seasonal projects. The Back-to-School Backpack Project collects school supplies into new backpacks for children and youth. Our Thanksgiving Basket Project collects all the holiday foods that help make Thanksgiving special and distributes these baskets through west side schools. Our Christmas Adopt-A-Family helps make Christmas a bit brighter for families in need. Dozens of volunteers are needed to help make these unique programs a success.

• Children's Care Package Project
• Host a Fundraising Event
• Organize a Food or Coat Drive
• Volunteer in one of our Food Pantries
• Seasonal Projects
• Volunteer at the Lord's Dinner

Here are some great ideas from our volunteers: Hold a Walk-A-Thon, a Raffle, a Bake Sale, a Car Wash, a Rummage Sale, or maybe even a Flower Sale. How about a neighborhood dance, or an Office Dress Down Day, or a Movie Night?

• Warm Winter Coats, especially in Men's and Women's sizes.
• Shelf stable foods, in particular: Rice-A-Roni, Hamburger Helper, Spaghetti Sauces and Noodles, Peanut Butter, Canned Beans, Canned Fruit. We also welcome fresh meat and produce.

• Old Town Guest House, See November-December 2010 newletter
• The Mason Jar Restaurant, See March 2009 newletter

Employee Volunteering
There are many opportunities for your employees to volunteer as individuals or as a group. Contact us to see how you can make a difference.

Business and Community Partners
Thanks to the collaborative efforts and generous financial support of many local businesses and corporations, Westside CARES is able to provide programs and services that empower low income individuals and families to be fully contributing members of the community. Learn more about the services we provide, or make a donation to Westside CARES.

For more information on business or community partnership and support, contact Deb Mitguard.