Convoy of Hope’s next volunteer opportunity to sort and pack supplies for those in need is tomorrow evening. Now in its 21st year of helping the impoverished and providing disaster relief, the Springfield-based nonprofit has helped more than 70 million people. Much of that impact is made through its volunteer opportunity, Hands of Hope.
“We couldn't do what we do without those volunteers,” says Molly Erickson, director of Public Relations with Convoy of Hope. “We really encourage anyone that can in the area to come join us and volunteer.”
Working with as many as 250 people at one event, Hands of Hope participants pack between 10,000 and 50,000 meals at each packing opportunity. Volunteers are distributed throughout the facility depending on which items need sorted out or packaged for delivery to either local or global destinations.
“The work that our volunteers are doing at Hands of Hope reaches across the world. It may be for things that we’re supplying here in the United States, or it may be for things that we’re donating and giving out as far as Nepal where we’re responding to the earthquake there or the Philippines where we have a feeding program,” Says Erickson about the reach of the organization.
While volunteers are always welcome to drop in when they have available time, new volunteers are asked to arrive a little early so that they have time to fill out the required paperwork. Youth volunteers, age 13 to 17, are accepted but need a signed release from their parent or guardian. If you’d like to become a part of this opportunity, Hands of Hope runs every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8: 30 p.m.
For more information, visit Convoy of Hope's website.
