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Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is your greatest volunteer need?
Generally our greatest need is volunteer delivery drivers. Volunteers will sign up for the route and time they choose via our website and then will come to TABLE at the pre-assigned time. We’ll help you load up your car and give you some instructions and a list of addresses. You just plug those in to your GPS and drop the listed number of bags at the door of each home. If you have flexibility in your day and are willing to be a backup or on-call driver for us to reach out to in a pinch, let us know and we’ll add your name to the list! 

Q:How do I sign up for shifts?
At the top right of this page, click on the Log In/Register button. Follow the instructions on the screen. To complete registration, you must click through our brief training slideshow and check the box to confirm. You can then complete registration! Once you're registered, you'll be taken to the page to sign up for shifts.

Q: If I sign up to volunteer, what is my commitment?
There is no long term commitment when volunteering at TABLE. Feel free to attend one shift to try it out and if it’s not a great fit, you are not under any obligation to return. (But we hope you do!)

Q: I signed up for a volunteer shift, what can I expect when I arrive?
Thanks for volunteering! When you arrive at TABLE, come on in and let someone know it’s your first time volunteering. We’ll help you get signed in using our tablet or you can sign in by logging on to your portal and clicking on the "Check In" tab. We’ll introduce you to the shift leader and they’ll give you instructions and get you started.

Q: Why do I need to sign in for my shift?
TABLE keeps up with the number of hours our volunteers work for a few reasons, some involve budgets and funding but also to show appreciation to our volunteers for the many hours they put in at TABLE. If you’re having problems signing in, see a staff member and we’re happy to help!

Q: Where do I park when I volunteer at TABLE?
We do have limited parking behind our building in the gravel lot at the end of the Wings Restaurant. If you’re volunteering for one of our 12pm bagging shifts, the lot may be full and you may need to park in one of the nearby municipal lots. We recommend the parking deck across the street. If you’re a delivery driver, please pull in back to the gravel lot and we’ll help you get loaded up.

Q: How do I know what to do at the shift? Is there a training?
Before you register as a volunteer, you’ll go through this brief online training. Feel free to sign up for whatever shift you feel comfortable trying out. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a shift leader who will show you the specifics you need to know for that shift and answer any questions you may have. They'll make sure you are comfortable with your tasks. If you want a preview of the shift, click on any of the linked videos on our home page.

Q: Can my 14 year old work a shift without me?
Yes! Anyone, age 14 and up, is welcome to work any of our shifts. Kids under this age are welcome to come with an adult, please just sign up as 1 volunteer and you can work together. 

This does not apply to the kids shift where you would sign up the whole family! (I.e. if you are bringing 3 family members, you would sign up for “3” even if some are under age 14!)

Q: I need to cancel a shift that I have signed up for, how do I do that?
We understand that things come up but our shifts are designed for each person to have a role so if you can’t make it, we have to find someone else to step in. If it’s 2 days or more before the shift, feel free to log into your the website and cancel there. If it’s within 24 hours please log in to cancel your shift AND call or text 919-636-4860 and let us know. In addition please try to find a substitute volunteer to send in your place.  

*If you need to cancel your group shift, please email volunteers@tablenc.org. We may also request that you cancel your group shift if you expect to have 3 or fewer people attend

Q: How long does a delivery route usually take?
Although they vary, most drivers can complete the entire route, including the time at TABLE loading your car, in under 2 hours. If you do the same route at a later date, you’ll find it’s even quicker because the first time generally takes the longest.

Q: Do you reimburse for gas?
Yes! If you volunteer as a delivery driver more than 3 times per month, you are eligible for gas reimbursement at 30 cents per mile. Email volunteers@tablenc.org and include your mailing address to enroll.

Q: What volunteer opportunities do you have for groups?
On our homepage you'll find descriptions of group opportunities as well as information about scheduling.

Q: Do you have any internship opportunities?
Yes! TABLE has fall, spring and summer internships. Interns will get to know the inner workings of a non-profit organization and get hands-on and leadership experience. Fall and spring interns should plan to work about 8 hours in the office and summer interns should plan to work about 20 hours. Internships are unpaid. More information is found at this link.

Q: I have court-appointed or school service hours, can you help me report those hours?
Absolutely! Just let us know what you need. You can view your hours on your volunteer profile page (the link to the page is found on any recent email from TABLE Volunteers). Some programs may allow you to screenshot that image to submit. We can also send you a letter on TABLE letterhead or sign a form as needed. Email volunteers@tablenc.org to get started. Please allow at least 48 business hours turnaround time for any letter we generate.

Q: Why are you asking me for a background check?
We ask all of our shift leaders and delivery drivers to have background checks done every 2 years. This is to ensure the safety of our volunteers and families! After your 3rd delivery shift, you’ll be prompted via email to confirm with us that you are willing to have the check performed and once we get that confirmation, you’ll receive an email directly from the background check company. You won’t need to share any personal or private information with TABLE.

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