Don't forget to register for the 2026 Backpack giveaway!

Get Help

Volunteer with Merrick

Grow with us. Make it Tangible.

Connect your talents and passions with us. We could not do the work without your help, we hope to see you soon.

Start Volunteering

Why Volunteer with Us

Volunteers at Merrick provide invaluable service, allowing us to reach beyond the constraints of time and capacity.


See Your Impact Firsthand

Volunteers see the difference they make in real time. Whether stocking the food shelf, delivering Meals on Wheels, or supporting community events, you’ll witness the immediate impact of your time and compassion.

Flexible Commitment

We understand that life is busy, so we offer volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Giving a few hours a month, weekly or a one time event, every contribution makes meaningful change.

Build a Community

Volunteers at Merrick are cultivating new and meaningful connections while doing amazing work. Every volunteer brings unique talents and experiences and together we create a stronger more connected community.

Food Shelf Volunteering

Learn more about roles, shifts, and what to expect. No experience is needed—we’ll show you everything you need to know on your first shift, or you can contact us to schedule a tour.

Food Distribution

What you’ll do
  • Stock shelves for participant shopping.
  • Unload and organize boxed food and fresh produce.
  • Help with participant check-in and grocery carts.
  • Keep the food shelf neat and ready for a welcoming shopping experience.

Good fit if: You don’t mind being on your feet, doing some lifting, and greeting participants. Accommodations are always available.

How often: Flexible signup for available shifts

When: Mondays, 12–5 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 a.m.–noon

Shift length: Minimum two-hour shift

Before you sign up: You’ll need to complete an application and pass a background check.

Meals on Wheels Volunteering

There are two ways to help. Choose the role and schedule that work best for you.

Delivery Driver

What you’ll do:Deliver hot and frozen meals to homebound participants, offer a friendly face and a quick hello, and serve a route near your workplace or home when available.
Good fit if:You have a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and enjoy being out in the community.
How often:Minimum monthly commitment
When:Monday–Friday, with routes from 10:45 a.m.–noon
Before you sign up:You’ll need to complete an application and pass a background check.

Kitchen Helper

What you’ll do:Prepare and pack meals for volunteer drivers by following meal lists, heating food, and organizing route bags.
Good fit if:You prefer steady, hands-on work behind the scenes.
How often:Minimum monthly commitment
When:Monday–Friday, 9–11 a.m.
Before you sign up:You’ll need to complete an application and pass a background check.

Group Volunteering

Bring your organization, family, school service group, scout troop, workplace, or faith community. One leader fills out the Group Volunteer Application, and we’ll plan the rest together.

Plan a Group Project

Best for: Food Shelf projects, special events, cleanup days, and other pre-planned opportunities

Group size: 8–12 for Food Shelf projects; 30–50 for special events and cleanup days

Typical activities: Sorting food, bagging produce, organizing toys and backpacks, and seasonal yard cleanup

Scheduling: Group opportunities can be arranged throughout the year with Merrick’s volunteer manager.

Before you sign up: Choose one primary group contact to complete the application.

Share an Idea

Have your own way to help—a food or toy drive, a small-group activity, or another project that could benefit Merrick participants? Tell us your idea and timeline, and we can shape it together.

Share your idea

Other Opportunities

Not finding the right fit above? Here are a couple more ways to help, especially if you have a particular skill to share. Fill out an application and we’ll be in touch.

Computer Lab Monitor

What you’ll do:Help participants with computer skills, résumé building, job searches, and basic programs such as Word, Excel, and internet tools.
Good fit if:You’re comfortable with computers and enjoy patiently helping others learn.
How often:As needed based on participant needs
When:Flexible schedule arranged with staff
Who to ask:Alison Hruby · 651-243-6725 · ahruby@merrickcs.org

Spring/Fall Yard Clean-Up

What you’ll do:Help clean up yards for homebound seniors by raking, trimming, bagging debris, and completing general outdoor cleanup.
Good fit if:You enjoy working outdoors with a small group. Youth groups, employee teams, friends, and church groups are welcome.
How often:Seasonal opportunities in spring and fall
When:Typically mid-April and early/mid-October; exact dates are determined each season.
What Merrick provides:Rakes, bags, some tools, participant addresses and yard needs, and compost pickup.
Who to ask:Amy Votel · 651-348-6568 · avotel@merrickcs.org

Have Questions?

Brad Cairns  ·  651-219-5535
bcairns@merrickcs.org

Ready to Volunteer?

Fill out the application form and we’ll connect with you.

Apply Now

Volunteer Event

Holiday Share 2025

Each year Merrick has held the Annual Holiday Share event. Our participants are filled with joy as they choose gifts alongside many helpful volunteers and staff that make it an incredibly special day of giving.

Learn More

Stories from our participants and volunteers

Stories from our community. 

,000
Participants served annually
,152
Meals delivered
,113
Volunteer hours
Serving the community

Volunteer FAQs

Do I need to commit to a regular schedule?

Yes and no. We only ask that you commit to volunteering once per month, though we hope to see you more often!

Can I volunteer if I have a disability or accommodation need?

Absolutely. We have a variety of positions that can accommodate all physical and cognitive abilities.

Do I need a background check?

Yes. If you are applying to volunteer for community service hours, we will also require a short interview to discuss your program requirements and whether the opportunity fits our policies, as we work with vulnerable people in our building.

What are the age requirements to volunteer?

Meals on Wheels volunteers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and working vehicle. In our other programs, you may be able to volunteer as young as 14 with parent or guardian permission and a tour. For some larger events, please ask about opportunities for youth accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can I volunteer in multiple areas of Merrick?

Yes. We encourage you to get involved in any areas of Merrick that interest you!

Join Us

Start Your Journey Today

Take just five minutes to complete our volunteer application and get started. A staff member will reach out to you in a few business days.

  • Choose any role
  • Accommodations upon request
  • Flexible scheduling
  • We hope to see you soon!

Prefer a call or tour?

651-348-6568
Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

    Step 1 of 2

    Please complete all required fields before continuing.
    Volunteer interests *
    Are you applying as an individual or a group? *

    Step 2 of 2

    Individual volunteer details
    Group volunteer details
    Are any volunteers under age 18? *
    Privacy Settings
    We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
    Youtube
    Consent to display content from - Youtube
    Vimeo
    Consent to display content from - Vimeo
    Google Maps
    Consent to display content from - Google
    Spotify
    Consent to display content from - Spotify
    Sound Cloud
    Consent to display content from - Sound
    Save
    Get Help