Thanksgiving is a very special time at Open Arms. We give all our clients the option of receiving either a frozen turkey with all the fixings the week before Thanksgiving or receiving a freshly made meal on Thanksgiving day.
To help make these holiday deliveries possible, we need a whole lot of volunteers! Here are the ways you can help throughout November.
1. TOP NEED: Fill a regular meal delivery shift anytime during November
Deliver healthy food right to our clients’ doors! Kids and friends are welcome to ride along with you.
Volunteer details:
Meal delivery shifts are available Mondays–Fridays at 11 a.m. throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers deliver in their own vehicle. One sign up PER CAR is needed.
2. Volunteer as an individual in our kitchen anytime during November
Help us prepare and package our regular client meals and all the Thanksgiving extras!
Volunteer details:
Kitchen shifts are available Mondays–Thursdays 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m.–11 a.m.
3. Fill a group kitchen shift during November
Gather a group of 8-20 volunteers and help us prepare and package meals to support our clients. During the months of November and December we ask all kitchen groups to make a $500 donation in support of our clients and their families this holiday season.
Volunteer details:
Kitchen shifts are available Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays–1:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m. and Fridays 11 a.m—1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
To get started, please email [email protected]
4. Deliver frozen turkeys on November 19, 20, or 21
Clients will receive a frozen turkey and all the fixings ahead of the holiday so that they can cook a Thanksgiving feast with their loved ones.
Volunteer details:
On Tuesday 11/19, Wednesday 11/20 or Thursday 11/21, you’ll deliver frozen turkeys and all the fixings to 2-3 clients living in the Twin Cities metro area. Delivery time is 2 p.m. Volunteers deliver in their own vehicle. One sign up PER CAR is needed.
5. Deliver makeup meals on November 25, 26, or 27
Since we won’t do regular meal deliveries on Thanksgiving and will be closed on Friday, November 29, some clients will need to get their food earlier in the week.
Volunteer details:
On Monday 11/25, Tuesday 11/26 or Wednesday 11/27, you’ll deliver meals to clients living in the Twin Cities metro area. Delivery time is 11 a.m. Volunteers deliver in their own vehicle. One sign up PER CAR is needed.
6. Deliver a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day, November 28
Clients who are unable to cook their own turkey will receive a freshly prepared turkey dinner and all the fixings to enjoy with a loved one delivered to their home on Thanksgiving morning.
Volunteer details:
On Thanksgiving Day, you’ll deliver meals to 1-3 clients living in the Twin Cities metro area, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers deliver in their own vehicle. One sign up PER CAR is needed. Limited availability. Individuals and families only.
7. Help host Thanksgiving deliveries on Thanksgiving Day, November 28
Thanksgiving Day delivery hosts will help with the logistics of Thanksgiving Day at Open Arms, making sure the whole operation runs smoothly.
Volunteer details:
Volunteer positions include greeting kitchen and delivery volunteers, helping to load delivery bags into vehicles, and assisting with traffic control. Delivery host shifts are from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Volunteers may be positioned inside or outside of the building during their shift. Limited availability. Individuals and families only.
8. Questions?
Groups can contact Gabby at [email protected]; individuals can contact Danielle at [email protected]
TO SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT:
Current Open Arms volunteers:
To sign up for any of these opportunities, please log in to the Volunteer Hub>>
New Open Arms volunteers:
To volunteer for any of these opportunities, you will first need to attend a New Volunteer Orientation. Please note that there are a limited number of volunteer orientations before Thanksgiving!
