December 1, 2021 | Volunteering
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DECEMBER VOLUNTEERING
Happy Holidays, Volunteers!

The year may be winding down but we are still hard at work, and our partner organizations are, too! Lend a much needed hand this holiday season with food and clothing distribution, food recovery, and much more to ensure everyone in our community has a safe and healthy winter. Below you can find a list of new and ongoing volunteer opportunities for the month of Demember.

As always, to sign up for an event this month and receive a month of free Garbage to Garden service, RSVP by email, and we will help answer any questions you may have. Remember, events are first come, first served. 

Happy Composting,


Help us bag compost!
We are at risk of running out of bagged compost early this winter if we are unable to find more help bagging compost!
Come lend a hand! Compost bagging starts around 9am, weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. We can accomodate volunteers with minimal notice. Spend 1.5 hours with us bagging compost in exchange for one month of free service!  

Email Alex to schedule a time to come bag compost!
Support School Vaccination Sites
United Way of Southern Maine is working with the Portland Public Schools to support their vaccination sites through December. They are seeking assistance at elementary and middle schools the week of December 13-17. They are looking for 4-5 volunteers per shift.
Volunteers may be asked to perform a variety of tasks which could include check-in, sitting with children following a vaccine shot, and simple record keeping.  
Shifts generally run 8:30 -11:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., but there is flexibility. 
Volunteers must provide proof of vaccination.
Food For Thought
Portland Public Schools will begin delivering two meals a day to students who have to quarantine due to COVID-19.This will maintain an important connection between families and the school during this two week period, and will provide relief for families experiencing food insecurity. 

Volunteers will be helping with meal deliveries:
  • Pickup between 8am-10am from the local school cafeteria where the kids go to school.
  • Each volunteer will have 5-10 families on their delivery list which will change every 10 days.
  • Please consider selecting anywhere from 1-5 mornings a week. 
Would you be interested in being a part of making these deliveries happen? 
Any bit of your time is so very appreciated!

Email Naila for more information!
Maine Needs
Maine Needs volunteers fulfill requests from caseworkers, teachers, in-home visiting nurses, and community organizers on behalf of their clients. Shifts may involve organizing and sorting donations, fulfilling requests and assembling packages, or even deliveries!
Current shifts are Monday-Saturday 9am-12pm and 12pm-3pm. 
"We would love more volunteers at Maine Needs, as we expand our space. We are gearing up for winter clothing and basic needs for individuals and families throughout Maine. Join us as we sort through our donations and fill requests. It’s a great place to volunteer!"

Boys & Girls Clubs
of Southern Maine
As fall programs resume, BGCSM Clubhouses rely on the tremendous support of volunteers. Each clubhouse location (Portland, South Portland, Riverton Park, Sagamore Village and Auburn/Lewiston) has reengaged the youth of Maine and is seeking dedicated volunteers to support the great work done every day.
If you are looking to get involved, their volunteer program has the following opportunities:


Monday-Friday BGCSM operates After School Programs in the Arts, Academic Success, Health and Wellness, and Leadership for elementary, middle and high school members.

• Volunteer shifts at the Clubhouses are between 2:00-8:00 PM and can be in 2, 3 or 4 hour shifts.

• Each Clubhouse has specific program needs, and Luke can assist you in finding the best fit for your volunteering time (find his email linked below).

Thanks to the determination and service of volunteers, BGCSM has helped countless kids discover their potential, learn, grow and find a home in their clubs. Thank you for answering the call to serve our community!


Please email Luke for more information or to submit a volunteer application!
Gleaning Opportunties
Throughout the growing season, Cumberland County Food Security Council announces opportunities to help glean fresh produce on local farms to reduce food waste and make sure this food makes it into hungry mouths!

If you sign up for any gleaning opportunities, email us at volunteer@garbagetogarden.org to find out how to receive credit.

The Locker Project
The Locker Project provides children and families at risk of hunger with reliable access to healthy food.
Volunteers help arrange produce on tables, then assist children and parents with bagging the 
foods they choose.

If you are already a Locker Project volunteer, you can use their sign up genius. Otherwise, you can sign up on their website here.

Wayside Food Programs
Rescue Ranger
Seeking someone passionate about rescuing food to be shared with our community! This volunteer opportunity will send you to nearby Hannaford and target stores to pick up weekly food donations. Must be able to lift 20 lbs, be on your feet for a minimum of two hours, and ride in the passenger seat of the truck or van with a staff member. 
Grocery Box Packing
Volunteers assemble grocery items into boxes that will be shared with the community. Must be able to lift 20 lbs, be on your feet for a minimum of two hours, and love sharing food with our community!

Seeds of Hope 
In need of kindhearted volunteers to help with prep and distribution of food. Seeds of Hope is open weekdays for breakfast and lunch, and serves bagged meals at the door for those who do not wish to come inside. 
Masks required inside at all times (except when seated and eating/drinking). 6ft social distancing required.
Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: 35 South St, Biddeford, ME 

Email Michael for more information or to get involved!
First Baptist Church of Portland Food Pantry
The FBC food pantry serves hundreds of individuals each month by collaborating with local fresh food sources and distributing to families in need. FBC is seeking volunteers to organize/distribute food and/or break down and clean up. They are operating a 'no contact' food pantry for the safety of volunteers and patrons. 

Wednesdays: 10:30am - 1:30pm 
Location: 360 Canco Road, Portland, ME

Garbage to Garden Curbside Composting
352 Presumpscot St, Portland, ME 04103
Phone: (207) 332-0277
Email: info@garbagetogarden.org


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