Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Volunteering with Rise

I want to volunteer! How do I sign up to do that?

Excellent! The first step in volunteering is registering for an account with the Rise Volunteer Hub. You may already have an account with us if you registered as a volunteer at Sign-Up-Genius. Please visit our welcome page for step-by-step instructions on getting help registering.

Once registered, you can sign up online for our volunteer opportunities here.

How do I sign up for an opportunity?

Search for opportunities that interest you through the opportunities page or based on the program you're interested in. You can also view opportunities by date using the Calendar.

Individual volunteers: Click the "RESPOND" button and select your shift(s), or scroll down to the shift listing and click the "RESPOND INDIVIDUALLY" next to the shift(s) for which you want to sign up. You must create an account if you do not already have one.

I want to volunteer with family, friends, or coworkers. How do I get us all signed up together?

Volunteer Teams (Under 5 people): Click the "RESPOND AS A TEAM" button, select "CREATE A NEW TEAM", and follow the instructions on the screen to respond to an opportunity with your family, friends, or coworkers. Here's a great helpful article on how to create and manage teams!

Large groups (Over 5+ people): We would love to work with you to host your group for a volunteer event! Please get in touch with volunteer@njrise.org first to schedule!

How do I check in when I arrive?

Checking in is now easier than ever! you can check by:

Downloading the Causer App
Checking in on a Laptop or tablet at our sites.
It's important that all volunteers check in prior to their tasks and check out when they leave.

Volunteers Seeking Community Service Hours

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Rise! We appreciate your dedication to serving the community. Please review the following guidelines to ensure a rewarding volunteer experience:

Commitment to Rise: We encourage students/volunteers to make a long-term commitment to Rise and continue volunteering beyond fulfilling required service hours. Your ongoing support helps us make a lasting impact in our community.

Hour Tracking: It is the responsibility of each volunteer to accurately track their service hours.

Volunteer Letter: Confirmation letters are available for students who complete four or more hours. To request a letter, please provide at least one week's notice. Requests will be processed in the order they are received. Contact volunteer@njrise.org to submit requests.

Donations for Service Hours: Rise donation drives can be counted towards service hours if the student follows these steps:

Sign up for a Rise drive in advance to register for a drive. A maximum of 4 hours will be credited for a standard donation drive. We appreciate your cooperation with these guidelines and look forward to working together to create positive change in our community.

Presidential Awards

Although Rise is not affiliated with or authorized to grant presidential awards, we provide certification for volunteer hours completed at Rise. This certification can be used to demonstrate community service for school, colleagues,court mandated hours, and other programs like the National Honor Society or the Presidential Award programs

General Questions

How will I know where to go for my volunteer service?

Upon signing up on the Rise Volunteer Hub website, you will receive a confirmation email detailing the location.

What should I do if I can't make it for my scheduled volunteer time?

If plans change, please inform us via the Rise Volunteer Hub or email.

What if there is inclement weather or Rise needs to cancel my volunteer time?

You will be contacted via email or phone. Check the Rise Facebook volunteer page for updates as well.

Is there a minimum age requirement for volunteers?

Most shifts require volunteers to be at least 14 years old. Younger individuals can volunteer accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can I volunteer for court-ordered community service at Rise?

Yes, please contact Volunteer@njrise.org before signing up to submit proper documentation. Please note we cannot accept certain violations or felonies.

Rise will not accept volunteers who have ever been convicted of a:
Violent crime
Crime of a sexual nature
Theft-related felony
Theft-related misdemeanors
Misdemeanor drug charges
Crime whereby the conviction relates to the volunteer position

What if I don't feel well on my scheduled day?

To ensure the safety of our volunteers, clients, and staff please do not come to our facility to volunteer if you have new or unexplained symptoms indicative of contagious illness or food-borne diseases (excluding conditions related to seasonal allergies or known non-contagious medical conditions):

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore Throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Where do I store my personal belongings when I volunteer?

We kindly ask that you leave all personal belongings at home or securely in your vehicle, as Rise cannot be held responsible for any personal items. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping us maintain a safe and focused environment. Thank you for your understanding and continued support

How do you protect the privacy of clients and volunteers?

Respecting client privacy is vital, and we also aim to safeguard your privacy. Occasionally, events may be documented and shared on our social media with consent.

Can you accommodate special needs groups?

We ask that special needs/transition groups contact volunteer@njrise.org to schedule a call. Please do not register your group on the online registration system without contacting the Manager first.

What should I do if I get hurt while volunteering?

Report any incidents to the onsite supervisor immediately.

Do you need volunteers who speak languages other than English?

Yes! Multilingual volunteers are valuable in our diverse community. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@njrise.org to discuss how your language skills can help.

Rise Pantry

Where do I park when volunteering at the Pantry?

Please park at 156 Maxwell Ave upon arrival; from there, it's a short walk to our Pantry at 133 Broad St.

Who do I report to at the Pantry?

Supervisors on site will guide you. Please remember to check in as soon as you arrive.

What tasks do Pantry volunteers perform? Do Pantry volunteers need to lift heavy items

Volunteer Tasks at Rise Pantry

Please note these tasks will vary from day to day flexibility to changes is appreciated.

Sort and Organize Donations
Volunteers will assist in sorting through donated food items, ensuring they are organized by type (canned goods, perishables, etc.) and stored appropriately.
Unload Pallets
Help unload pallets of food and supplies delivered to the pantry. This may involve lifting and moving boxes, crates, or bags to designated storage areas.
Load Shopping Carts with Food
Assist in preparing shopping carts with the selected food items for clients, ensuring they receive the right amount based on guidelines or client needs.
Help Clients to Their Cars
Provide assistance by carrying groceries or pushing carts to clients' cars, ensuring they receive help with loading the items into their vehicles.
Maintain Tidiness and Beautification
Help keep the pantry clean and tidy by organizing shelves, sweeping floors, taking out trash, and ensuring the overall appearance of the space is welcoming.
Restock Shelves
Ensure shelves are restocked with food and supplies throughout the day, paying attention to inventory levels and rotating stock for freshness.
Assemble Community Bags
Follow directions from the lead volunteer or staff to assemble community food bags. This task includes ensuring the bags are filled with the correct items in the right quantities.
Lift and Carry Heavy Groceries
Volunteers should be prepared to lift and carry boxes or bags of groceries weighing 25+ pounds.
Check Food Quality
Before distributing food to clients, volunteers will check the quality of items, ensuring there are no damaged, expired, or spoiled goods.

These tasks ensure the pantry runs smoothly and clients receive quality service. Volunteers are essential in helping support community members through this vital program.

What should Pantry volunteers wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for indoor and outdoor work.

Rise Thrift

Where should I park when volunteering at the Thrift Store?

There's a parking lot next to the building.

To whom do I report at the Thrift Store?

Speak with managers Hernan or Will, sign in and out, and wear a Rise Thrift apron as identification during your shift.

What tasks do Thrift Store volunteers perform?

Tasks include retail work, sorting donations, organizing items, and maintaining the store.

What should Thrift Store volunteers wear?

Expect to be on your feet most of the time. Dress comfortably based on the weather, as tasks might be indoors or outdoors.

Home Office

Where do I park when volunteering at the Home Office?

Please park behind the building.

What tasks do Home Office volunteers perform?

Tasks will vary and may change on a sign-up date, volunteers may handle administrative tasks, data entry, and assist with mailings, donations, communications, and other office tasks.

Supporters/Donors

How do I coordinate my volunteer time at Rise with my company's matching donation program?

Contact our Development Director at kcere@njrise.org for information regarding your company's matching gift program.

Where does Rise’s support come from?

Rise is supported by local and corporate gifts, along with grants from the state.

How can I donate to Rise?

You can donate monetarily through our website or donate goods like food, clothing, or household items.

For further questions or inquiries, please get in touch with us at volunteer@njrise.org or 609-443-4464. Thank you for being a part of NJ Rise's volunteer community!