4,200 volunteers · 220k+ hours

We genuinely value volunteers as much as donors. Volunteers + donors are both essential. Volunteers are recognized publicly, in our annual report, in newsletter features. Many volunteers consider Riverbend their second home.

Warehouse + sorting (most-needed). Driver + delivery. Events + community engagement. Skills-based pro bono (legal, IT, marketing, finance, HR, communications). Volunteer Ambassadors program. Different paths for different people.

Weekday + weekend shifts. 1-time, occasional, or weekly. Solo, family, friends, or workplace teams. Most volunteers find shifts that fit busy life. Some volunteer 1x/year; some 3x/week. All valued.

Many volunteer roles welcome kids 12+ (with parent/guardian). Younger kids welcome at family events. Many regular volunteer relationships are multi-generational families. Volunteer + bond + impact your community together.

Volunteers form lasting friendships. Lots of volunteer-volunteer connections. Volunteer events + lunch breaks + holiday gatherings. Many of our long-term volunteers describe Riverbend as their second community.

Volunteer work has direct, measurable impact: meals sorted, families served, kids fed. Not abstract. Not symbolic. Tangible outcomes. Many volunteers describe the satisfaction of seeing concrete impact as their primary motivator.

Sort donated food, pack family boxes, prepare partner deliveries. Most-needed shift. Active physical work — lifting up to 40 lbs. Most volunteers love this role; tangible work + immediate impact.

Saturday shift. Family-friendly (kids 12+ with adult). Workplace teams especially welcome. Often booked solid; book 2-3 weeks ahead.

Pick up donations from grocery stores + farms. Deliver to warehouse. Need vehicle + driver’s license + clean driving record. Saves us substantial transportation costs.

Thanksgiving + Christmas meal sorting + distribution. Heavy volume during these months. Many one-time volunteers help during holiday season.

Food drives, fundraising events, community engagement. Variable schedule depending on events. Particularly useful for people with limited regular availability.

Lawyers, accountants, technologists, designers, marketers, communications specialists. Project-based work. Coordinated through volunteer@riverbendfoodbank.org. Particularly impactful for our operations.

Orientation, mentorship from experienced volunteer, supportive team. We don’t throw new volunteers into deep end. Most first-time volunteers leave saying ‘I’ll come back.’

Kids 12+ welcome (with parent/guardian). Family-friendly tasks. Many family volunteers describe it as best family activity they’ve done. Multigenerational impact + bonding.

8-25 person team-building volunteer days. Specific projects suited for groups (specific food drive, specific warehouse tasks). 4-hour blocks typical. Coordinated through volunteer@riverbendfoodbank.org.

Middle + high school groups. Educational + service component. Tour of warehouse + volunteer work + reflection. Coordinated with school counselors.

Many senior volunteers; we love them. Lighter physical work available. Regular weekly schedule typical. Many seniors form their primary social community here.

Long-term volunteers (50+ shifts) become Volunteer Ambassadors. Recognized publicly. Lead orientations for new volunteers. Liaise with specific partner organizations. Volunteer leadership track.

Tangible, measurable contribution to feeding Portland-area neighbors. Most volunteers find this profoundly satisfying. Not abstract; not symbolic. Real meals + real people.

Connection with other volunteers + staff. Many volunteers describe it as their second community. Friendships often last decades. Annual volunteer holiday gatherings.

Annual volunteer recognition events. Personal thank-yous. Profiles in newsletter + annual report. Volunteer Ambassador program. We genuinely value volunteers; we say it + show it.

Pro bono professional roles develop skills (board governance, project management, fundraising experience, communications). Useful for career development + resume. Some volunteers transition to nonprofit careers.

Mileage deduction for volunteer driving. Some out-of-pocket expenses (gas to drive between locations, supplies for events). Document for tax purposes. Consult tax advisor.

Volunteers receive verification of hours for: court-ordered community service, school service requirements, professional certification requirements, employer programs. Documented + provided on request.