The time you volunteer to the Rural Outreach Center makes amazing changes possible. Volunteers at the ROC mentor parents, support families, help break down transportation barriers, and ensure that everyone who walks through our doors is given the best possible support as they work to change their lives.
Drivers
Description: The ROC’s volunteer drivers help Participants who have limited or no access to transportation. This role often includes picking Participants up, driving them to their ROC or other appointments, and driving them home. Drivers also help the ROC deliver much needed food and personal care items to people unable to leave their homes. As a driver, you will be ensuring that Participants are able to attend the counseling and play therapy appointments that are helping them process their trauma.
How it Works: When you volunteer as a driver, the ROC will add you to our list of approved volunteer drivers. You can indicate days and times that work best for you or when you would prefer not to be contacted. When a Participant is in need of transportation, we look at this list of drivers to see who might be available at that day and time. When you are called about driving, the ROC will provide information on the date and time, where you are going and the expected amount of time it will take. We try to schedule in advance as much as possible. On the day you are driving, you will come into the ROC and pick up keys to our ROC van. We will provide directions on where you are going.
Time Commitment: This role is flexible and can easily be adapted to fit your schedule. We need drivers any day of the week and throughout the day. Generally, if you are asked to drive someone or deliver items to them, it can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on where they live.
Role Requirements: In addition to filling out the standard ROC volunteer form, you will be asked to provide your driver’s license so that you can be added to the ROC’s vehicle insurance. You must be at least 18 years old in order to volunteer for this role.
Winter Prep Organizer
Description: Each year, the ROC distributes over 200 coats, boots, and snow pants to children throughout our service area. We need the help of organized individuals to help sort, label, and distribute these items to our community’s children. As a volunteer, you will be ensuring that children have warm winter gear so they can brave the cold and play in the snow!
How it Works: When you sign up for this volunteer role, you will be asked your availability. We will have volunteers come in shifts once the Winter Prep items have been shipped to the ROC. You will be given a child’s sizing information and will find the items they need in that size, then bag and label those items with the child’s name. On our distribution days, you will be asked to help families find their child(ren)’s winter gear.
Time Commitment: There will be 1 and 2 hour shifts available on sorting days. You can choose how long you would like to volunteer for and how many shifts you would like to sign up for.
Role Requirements: You will be asked to fill out a volunteer application. Please be aware that this volunteer role can include a lot of standing and movement. Children ages 12 and up are welcome to volunteer in this role as well so long as they are accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in one of these volunteer positions or in learning more about other volunteer opportunities, please contact the ROC at 240-2220. We are so thankful for the time you are willing to give to those living in rural poverty.
