Serving with us on a Saturday!

This blog provides an overview of what it looks like to serve on a Saturday morning for the outreach event. We are only able to function as a ministry because of our volunteers whom we welcome from a wide variety of organizations, churches and service groups as well as individuals who hold an interest in giving back

to their community.

Volunteering can sometimes be a bit daunting and knowing what to expect can be helpful. To better serve our volunteers here is a step-by-step approach. Upon arriving you can expect to be greeted warmly and directed to

where you will find some gloves as everyone is required to wear them for health and safety. If the vehicles still need to be unloaded, you will be asked to help with that and will be directed as to where items should be placed. Tables are removed from a trailer and arranged by their size and use.

The first order of business is the set up which includes wiping down the picnic table where the food is served. Unfolding and arranging the plastic tablecloths. (not used if raining). The pans for serving eggs and potatoes (cooked on site) are set out with serving utensils. Box for potato chips is opened and chips arranged in a plastic container for easy access in serving line. Condiments are set out, salsas poured into containers with serving

spoons. The corn tortillas are taken out and placed in a warming container from on top of the refried beans. Flour tortillas are warmed on the grill and placed in a larger holder made especially for them. Then also placed on the picnic serving table. Beans are removed from warming holder just prior to serving and placed on picnic table. Along with the cheese container found on top of the carrier.

Should volunteers wish to assist with cooking they need to be at least 16 years old. Long hair should be tied back, and any loose clothing secured as cooking is over an open flame. The food we serve other then what is cooked on site sometimes varies and volunteers may be asked to help with distributing those such as

rice and sometimes soup. We provide bags for those who request them at the end of the serving

line, and some may require assistance bagging up their food. We also prepare sandwiches on site and volunteers can sometimes help with that, and will be directed by the weekly sandwich makers as to the

details of those tasks.

Once the food has been served it is very much appreciated if the volunteer can help with packing up any left-over foods. Minor clean up including wiping down tablecloths before they are folded and put away.

Rinsing containers as directed and wiping out pans used for cooking. Everything is then loaded back into vehicles and the trailer, and any assistance with that process is greatly appreciated.

Please do not hesitate to ask how to help as this is a short list of potential ways our volunteers can be a blessing.

For more information on volunteering please email: ptwm.mry@gmail.com or visit https://www.passthewordministry.org/volunteer

Mara Cole

Pass The Word Ministries Board Director