GENERAL VOLUNTEERS
When can I volunteer?
You can volunteer any day, Monday-Friday at the Community Kitchen. Volunteers need to be here by 10:00 a.m. and will be finished by 12:45 p.m. Lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. If you are able to stay and clean, you should be finished by 1:30 p.m. Cook teams are asked to arrive by 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering at the Backpack Warehouse those hours vary each month.
How do I sign up?
To sign up to volunteer, please contact Lorraine Swagger at lswagger@thecornertable.org or call 828-464-0355 ext. 102.
How do I get to the community kitchen?
We are located at the corner of E 2nd Street and N Main Avenue in downtown Newton. We are located in the same strip as Dana's Fine Jewelry. Our address is 122 N Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658.
Where do I park?
Volunteers are encouraged to park in Parking Lot 1 behind our building if capable. Free public parking signs are posted around downtown. Handicap spots are available in front of our building. View map below for free public parking lots:
Why volunteer?
You will make a difference! Our guests often tell us the friendly greetings and warm smiles of volunteers and staff brighten their day. Volunteering is a great way to give back and to meet new people from all walks of life. From those who come every day to those who visit just once, it’s always an inspiring and memorable experience.
Do I need special skills or training?
No special skills are needed. You only need to bring yourself and a willingness to work. Many young people enjoy volunteering here, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
How big can my group be?
We consider groups to be 5-20 individuals, but we can create special volunteering opportunities for larger groups. For more information about groups and group bookings, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at lswagger@thecornertable.org or by calling 828-464-0355 ext. 102.
Can I make a donation to help the community kitchen?
We are supported by the generosity of churches, individuals, corporations, and organizations in our community. Financial donations are gratefully accepted and you can make a donation in advance or on the day you volunteer.
What will my volunteering day be like at the community kitchen?
You'll arrive on site at 10:00 a.m. to sign in. You will then see the Volunteer Coordinator for your preparation assignment. Once all preparation is complete, the Volunteer Coordinator will assign lunch serving duties. Food service begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 12:30 p.m.
What should I wear?
There are no specific requirements, but volunteers should wear something they don’t mind getting dirty. Shoes with a good grip are also important in case of spillages or wet floors. Aprons and gloves are provided.
Where can I store my belongings?
We provide a number of lockers for volunteers to store their belongings during community kitchen service. Each volunteer is ultimately responsible for the key and the safety of their possessions, so please bring only what you need.
What will I be doing at the community kitchen?
You can be assigned one of many tasks, such as greeting guests, preparing plates, serving food or beverages, etc.
I'm doing community service. How many hours of credit will I be awarded?
Each community service volunteer is different based on the hours they need and the amount of time they have to complete them. We have community service logs available, but if your service is court mandated, additional information will be requested to sign-off on your hours. For information on community service credit, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator in advance at lswagger@thecornertable.org or 828-464-0355 ext. 102.
COOK LEADERS AND TEAMS
When can I volunteer as a cook leader or team?
You can volunteer any day, Monday-Friday. Cook leaders and teams need to be here by 9:00 a.m. and will finish with the meal by 11:00 a.m. Cook leaders and teams are encouraged to stay and volunteer during the lunch hour.
How big can my cook team be?
Cook teams usually range from 2-6 individuals, but we can create special volunteering opportunities for larger groups.
How do I sign up?
To sign up to volunteer as a Cook Team, please contact Lorraine Swagger at lswagger@thecornertable.org or 828-464-0355 ext. 102.
Do I need special skills or training?
No special skills are needed. You only need to bring yourself and a willingness to work. Our Food Service Manager will assist you on cook day!
How are meals decided?
Meals are decided based on the food available at the community kitchen. Our Food Service Manager will work with cook leaders and teams to decide the perfect meal. We do not purchase food items for specialized meals for certain leaders or teams. Leaders or groups who wish to cook something different then what we have on hand, cover the cost for those items. We also have cook leaders and teams who opt to cover the full cost of the meal by making a donation or purchasing all items for the meal.
What will my volunteering day be like?
You'll arrive on site at 8:30 a.m. to sign in. You will then see our Food Service Manager to begin preparation of the meal. Once all preparation is complete, the Volunteer Manager will assign lunch serving duties to the leaders and teams, if they are available to stay. Food service begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 12:30 p.m.