Meal Preparation

Rockford Rescue Mission serves approximately 500 meals each day, and we need your help to provide not only food and nutrition but a friendly face!

Note: The shift times listed include extra time for getting ready before serving. 

Qualifications for this opportunity:

• A servant's heart, a good work ethic and a positive attitude.
• Able to do manual labor for at least one hour, work well with others, listen to instructions and carry out assigned tasks with minimum supervision.
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or adult while serving.
• Children under 13 may serve beverages and/or help bus tables in the Great Room or roll silverware in our small dining room with an adult. 

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• Parking, Entrance, and Check-In/Out:

  • During office hours: If you arrive on a weekday when our offices are open (8:00am-4:30pm), you may park in the lot directly across the street from our front door – 715 W State St – and check in with our receptionist. 
  • Outside of office hours: You may park in our small parking lot at the back of our building on Mulberry St. Ring the doorbell on the outside wall to gain entrance to our Food Service Department. Let the kitchen staff know that you are there to volunteer. (This entrance should only be used outside of office hours.) 

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• Check-In/Out: Please Check-In and Check-Out by using the tablet/computer on the front/kitchen desk.

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  • When you arrive:

    • Please Check-In by using the tablet/computer on the front/kitchen desk. 
    • Purse and other valuables should be locked in car trunks out of sight. 
    • Baseball caps are allowed as an alternative to wearing a hairnet.
    • Wash hands, grab a “stylish” hairnet, an “even more stylish” apron and a pair of gloves. Hairnets and gloves are on the counter. Aprons are in the upper cabinet.
    • The staff will guide you through everything. Any questions, just ask.

     
    

  • Before you leave: 

    • Please Check-Out by using the tablet/computer on the front/kitchen desk.
    • Let the cook know that you are leaving.
    • Check apron pockets and place your apron in the laundry room hamper.

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Important Information: 

• Attire: Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and shirts with sleeves. Please dress modestly. 
• Interaction with residents: Always offer a smile and hello! Use discernment as to how to interact with guests of the opposite gender. Please do not exchange contact information.
• Photography and videography: You are more than welcome to take photos of our buildings and your volunteer group, but photographs/videos including guests and residents are not permitted.
• Cell phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone while volunteering as this can distract other volunteers and staff. If you need to use the phone, let the staff know and they will direct you to another area. Please do not wear earbuds or headphones during your volunteer time. 
• Personal belongings: Please leave belongings in a locked vehicle and out of sight. The Mission is not responsible for lost or stolen property. 
• Gifts: Do NOT exchange money or gifts with anyone. Instead, please donate to the Mission.
• Be Flexible: We ask that you come to your scheduled volunteer time with a patient heart and extend flexibility if your opportunity does not go as anticipated. 

Thank you so much for serving with us! See you soon!