MEET JANET
PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY
VOLUNTEER MANAGER 619.269.1424 I first started working at the Kroc Center nine years ago as a Figure Skating Instructor in the Ice Arena. I enjoyed working here so much that I applied to be a full-time employee and am now the Kroc Center’s Volunteer Manager. While I still coach a few days a week, my main focus is growing our amazing volunteer department. The Kroc Center currently has 300 active volunteers who donate their time and talents. My hope is that by the end of 2013 we are approaching 450 active volunteers.
VOLUNTEER Q&A
CHRISTMAS TOY & JOY PROGRAM Serving Families in need with Food & Toy Assistance of each year, The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s 15,000 square foot indoor skatepark is transformed into a Toy & Joy Gift Shop, and is stocked with donated toys and food boxes for our Christmas assistance program. The toys and food come from partnership drives, and community donations in our area. This past Christmas, The Salvation Army Kroc Center offered toy and food assistance to nearly 600 families and 1,400 children in our immediate community. IN DECEMBER
All families who will receive toy and food assistance go through an intake process and are selected in November. Families are given a day and time to come to our Toy n’ Joy gift shop where they are paired with a volunteer, and choose two toys and a stocking stuffer for each of their children from a wide array of unwrapped toys.
This process offers a dignified way for parents to shop and bring home specially chosen gifts for their children. Each family also receives a food box and some receive food cards so they can purchase ingredients for a meal that is consistent with cultural traditions. Some families that demonstrate extreme need or dire circumstances are flagged to be adopted through our Adopt a Family program. Local families, businesses and service groups sign up to adopt these families, and receive a wish list of items not only for the children but also for the parents and household. Often these families need things as simple as socks, beds to sleep in, and jackets for cold weather. Stay tuned to www.kroccenter.org during the holiday season to find out how you can get involved in these Christmas efforts.
Q: Why should I volunteer? A: Volunteering at the Kroc Center is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and give back to the community all at the same time. Q: How do I become a volunteer? A: Becoming a volunteer is easy. First, call the Kroc Center Volunteer Department at 619.269.1424 to schedule a volunteer interview. Interviews are offered once a month. After your interview you will be asked to come in for an orientation and volunteer training. Once you have completed your orientation and filled out the appropriate paperwork we will place you in an appropriate volunteer position at the Kroc Center. Q: What kinds of Volunteer positions do you offer? A: We have so many different volunteer opportunities at the Kroc Center. We offer volunteer experiences in the areas of: administrative support, tutoring, food pantry assistance, coaching sports and everything in between. If you have a busy schedule you can volunteer weekly, monthly or only when special events come up. Check www.kroccenter.org for current opportunities.
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