Kitchen Volunteers

Each day, the kitchen is run by two (2) crews - a cooking (opening) crew and a serving/cleanup (closing) crew. Each crew consists of three or more people.

The shift for the opening crew is from 4:00 to 6:15 p.m. The volunteers meal schedule/available food for that day, the number of clients signed up for that day’s meal and they prepare the dinner accordingly. They also make lunches for the next day, wash any dirty utensils and wait for the closing crew to arrive.

The shift for the closing crew is from 5:45 to 8:00 p.m. They serve dinner; distribute lunches; wash the cooking pots/utensils; trash the disposable plates, cups and utensils; mop the floors; wipe down the tables; and secure the house when they leave.

Each volunteer is assigned to a crew for a specific day of the month and they are asked to make an ongoing commitment for that same day each month (e.g. 1st Monday of each month, 2nd Tuesday of each month, etc.). Most volunteers work one day a month. However, some volunteer for additional days. Those volunteers who are unable to make a long-term commitment, may request to work as a substitute on either crew on an as-needed basis.

How to Volunteer

Click here for volunteering details.

Community Service

Because of space limitations, the volunteer coordinator does not usually schedule volunteers who want to do community service. The coordinator suggests that community service volunteers call Elizabeth House (301-776-9296) after 4:00 p.m. on the day they wish to work and ask the shift supervisor if they need any help.