Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to the work we do at Care for Real. Volunteers help with packing groceries, distributing food to our clients, working in our warehouse, sorting our clothing donations, providing administrative support and so much more.
New Volunteers
- Start with filling out an application. You can view the volunteer waiver here.
- The page will say Account Awaiting Activation until you complete the steps in the e-mail automatically sent to you after submitting your application.
- Read the email with information on activating your volunteer account, preparing for your first shift, signing up for shifts, and orientation information. This email will come from b02@b.volunteerhub.com and the subject will be Welcome to Care for Real.
- You can review our Volunteer Manual here.
Existing Volunteers
- We recently transitioned to a new VolunteerHub site. We sent an email inviting you to click Complete Registration. You will then choose a new password. If you are having challenges logging in, please double check the username included in the e-mail you received. If you did not receive the email, please click Create Account. Please note that an account must be created for each volunteer, including youth participants. For help using VolunteerHub, please check out our updated VolunteerHub FAQs or send us an email at volunteer@careforreal.org.
Group Volunteers
- To schedule a group to volunteer with us, please create an account here and under the Affiliations checkboxes, be sure to click, “I want to organize a group of volunteers.” Reply to the automatic email with the necessary information and a staff member will get back to you. If you are a member of a group and would like to attend your group’s activity, please use the Group Link we provided to your group contact.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Current Volunteer Opportunities
We have volunteer opportunities seven days a week between CfR’s two locations. Roles include:
- Food packing: packing bags of groceries such as dry goods, bread, produce, meat, refrigerated goods
- Food distribution: load carts of groceries and bring to clients outdoors
- Marie’s Clothing Closet: sort donations and organize clothing closet, support client closet visits
- Warehouse support: stock shelves and unload deliveries, including GCFD delivery day
- Home Delivery: pack or deliver groceries to home delivery clients
- Administrative, Event Support, and More
Where do I go for my volunteer shift?
Care for Real Edgewater – 5339 N Sheridan Come to the door on the front of the building at the 5339 N Sheridan door and ring the doorbell inside the vestibule. If the vestibule is locked, please call 773-769-6182 for entry. Care for Real Rogers Park- 1545 W Morse at the United Church of Rogers Park Enter through the church’s entrance on Morse and head down the stairs to the basement.
What do I need to know for my first shift?
When you arrive, be sure to let someone know you are there for your first shift. They will show you how to sign in and help you get a nametag. If you need a locker, please ask for one. We ask volunteers to limit what they bring with them (especially valuables), as locker space is limited. When serving a morning shift, we ask that volunteers do not arrive earlier than 8:30am. Please wear comfortable clothing that you can bend and lift in and closed-toe shoes. Be sure to dress for the weather. Please be aware that some shifts take place outside, and that we often have doors propped when we are distributing groceries or unloading deliveries. Dressing in layers can be helpful. Feel free to bring your own bottled water, coffee, or whatever you like to have along with you. If you’d like to bring a lunch with you for days when you are serving a longer shift, feel free to put your lunch in the volunteer fridge. Ask a staff member if you are not sure where this is. All training will take place during your first shift.
What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
To get started volunteering, please fill out an application at careforreal.org/volunteer. After you apply, we will email you with information on how to get started volunteering and orientation materials. All volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance.
Can clients serve as volunteers?
Clients are welcome to volunteer with us, but it is not expected or required in any way. We ask that clients do not serve during the shifts they typically receive services.
Can I complete required volunteer hours at Care for Real?
We welcome students, athletes, and members of other programs that require service-learning hours. Please fill out an application to get started. For volunteers in need of court-ordered community service, please send us an email to find out if we have space available in our court ordered program. Please note, we cannot accept volunteers in need of community service hours for violent crimes, harassment, or theft.
What is the age requirement to volunteer?
We love working with youth volunteers. When filling out the application, please be sure to check the Affiliation checkbox for Youth Volunteers. Volunteers aged 15+ can volunteer without a parent or guardian after completing a Volunteer Orientation and a waiver. We have select opportunities for middle school age volunteers to come without a parent or guardian. Younger volunteers can come to specific shifts with parents when scheduled in advance. Email us at volunteer@careforreal.org for more information and availability.
Where can I park?
There is no parking available at our sites. Please do not park behind the Edgewater location to avoid being towed. Street parking is available at both locations are easily accessible via CTA.
Can my group volunteer at Care for Real?
To schedule a group to volunteer with us, please create an account at careforreal.volunteerhub.com and under the Affiliations checkboxes, be sure to click, “I want to organize a group of volunteers.” Reply to the automatic email with the necessary information and a staff member will get back to you. If you are a member of a group and would like to attend your group’s activity, please use the Group Link we provided to your group contact.