The Utah County Food and Shelter Coalition desperately needs volunteers to help serve meals to homeless and low-income people.
"The homeless population is much smaller in Utah County than in Salt Lake City, but the people we serve are so grateful for any help we can give them," said Sheila Underwood, Food and Shelter Coalition director.The shelter needs volunteers in the kitchen on weekdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Volunteers help reheat and serve the prepared food donated by the community.
The shelter serves an average of 60 people per meal. Small groups of five or fewer volunteers are ideal, though no one will be turned away, Underwood said.
Food and Shelter also needs volunteers to help work in the office from noon to 6 p.m. Office volunteers help with clerical work, answer phones, greet clients and perform basic office shifts.
Besides helping at the meal site, volunteers are also needed to donate food to the coalition. Precooked meals may be brought in to be warmed up for dinner, sack lunches may be donated (the coalition needs between 10 to 50 each day) and individual items are needed.
Volunteers interested in becoming involved with the coalition should call the United Way Volunteer Center, 374-8108. Other community volunteer projects or opportunities include the following:
- The Office of Social Services needs volunteers to transport children or youths to and from appointments.
- The Provo Youth Detention Center needs workers to make single-size quilts for youths staying at the center.