Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Volunteering With Rise
How do I sign up for a volunteer opportunity?
Once your account is created, you can browse and sign up for opportunities through the Volunteer Hub.
Volunteer Hub:
njrise.galaxydigital.com/
You can search for opportunities by program, browse current openings, or view opportunities by date using the calendar.
I want to volunteer with family, friends, or coworkers. How do we sign up together?
Volunteer teams under 5 people
If you are volunteering with a small group of family members or friends, you can sign up together through the Volunteer Hub by selecting "Respond as a Team" and following the instructions to create a team.
Large groups over 5 people
We would love to work with you to host your group for a volunteer event. Please contact us first so we can coordinate with you directly.
Email: volunteer@njrise.org
Does Rise welcome volunteers with special needs?
Yes. Rise is pleased to welcome volunteers with special needs and values creating inclusive opportunities to give back.
Is a parent, guardian, or aide required?
Yes. To ensure proper support and supervision, volunteers with special needs or under 14 years of age, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or aide for the full duration of the shift.
What time are shifts offered for volunteers with special needs?
Volunteer shifts for individuals with special needs are offered at Rise Thrift from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
What should families or support staff with special need volunteers know?
We want every volunteer experience to be positive, safe, and supportive. Having a parent, guardian, or aide present throughout the shift helps us make that possible.
How do I check in when I arrive?
Checking in is simple. Volunteers may check in by:
- Downloading and using the free Causer app
- Checking in on a laptop or tablet at one of our sites
Causer app information:
https://www.galaxydigital.com/for-volunteers-your-new-get-connected-volunteer-mobile-app
It is important that all volunteers check in before beginning tasks and check out before leaving so hours are accurately tracked.
Volunteers Seeking Community Service Hours
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Rise. We appreciate your commitment to serving the community.
What should I know about service hours?
Volunteers are responsible for accurately tracking their hours by checking in and out for every shift.
How do I request a confirmation letter?
Confirmation letters are available for volunteers who complete four or more hours. To request a letter, please provide at least one week’s notice. Requests are processed in the order they are received.
Please email volunteer@njrise.org to request a letter.
Can donation drives count toward service hours?
Yes. Donation drives may count toward service hours if the student signs up for a Rise drive in advance through the volunteer platform.
A maximum of 4 hours will be credited for a standard donation drive.
Donation drive opportunities may be found here:
https://njrise.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=155997
General Questions
How will I know where to go for my volunteer shift?
After signing up through the Rise Volunteer Hub, you will receive a confirmation email with the location and details for your volunteer shift.
What should I do if I cannot make my scheduled volunteer time?
If your plans change, please update your shift through the Rise Volunteer Hub or email us as soon as possible at volunteer@njrise.org.
What happens if there is inclement weather or Rise needs to cancel my volunteer shift?
You will be contacted by email or phone. You may also check Rise’s Facebook page for updates.
Is there a minimum age requirement for volunteers?
Most volunteer shifts require volunteers to be at least 14 years old. Younger volunteers may participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian, depending on the opportunity.
Can I complete court-ordered community service at Rise?
Yes. Contact volunteer@njrise.org before signing up and submit your documentation for review.
Please note that Rise cannot accept all violations or felony cases. Rise will not accept volunteers who have been convicted of:
- A violent crime
- A crime of a sexual nature
- A theft-related felony
- A theft-related misdemeanor
- A misdemeanor drug charge
- A crime where the conviction directly relates to the volunteer position
What if I do not feel well on my scheduled volunteer day?
To protect the health of our clients, volunteers, and staff, please do not come in to volunteer if you have new or unexplained symptoms of a contagious illness or food-borne condition, including:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Where should I store my personal belongings while volunteering?
Please leave personal belongings at home or securely in your vehicle. Rise cannot be responsible for personal items brought on site.
How does Rise protect the privacy of clients and volunteers?
Respecting client privacy is very important to us. We also aim to protect volunteer privacy. Occasionally, events may be documented and shared on social media with consent.
Can you accommodate special needs or transition groups?
Yes. We ask that special needs and transition groups contact volunteer@njrise.org before registering so we can schedule a call and discuss support needs.
Please do not register a special needs group online without first contacting the Volunteer Coordinator.
What should I do if I get hurt while volunteering?
Please report any injury or incident to the onsite supervisor immediately.
Do you need volunteers who speak languages other than English?
Yes. Multilingual volunteers are valuable in our diverse community. Please contact volunteer@njrise.org to discuss how your language skills may help.
Rise Pantry
Where do I park when volunteering at the Pantry?
Please park at 156 Maxwell Avenue. From there, it is a short walk to the pantry at 133 Broad Street.
Who do I report to at the Pantry?
Onsite supervisors will guide you when you arrive. Please remember to check in as soon as you get there.
You can view our Pantry Volunteer Orientation here:
What tasks do Pantry volunteers perform?
Tasks vary from day to day, and flexibility is appreciated.
Volunteer responsibilities may include:
- Sorting and organizing donations
- Unloading pallets of food and supplies
- Preparing shopping carts with food
- Helping clients bring groceries to their cars
- Restocking shelves
- Assembling community food bags
- Helping keep the pantry clean, organized, and welcoming
- Checking food quality for freshness and safety
- Lifting and carrying pantry items, sometimes up to 25 pounds or more
These tasks help the pantry run smoothly and ensure neighbors receive quality service.
What should Pantry volunteers wear?
Please 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 is a parking lot next to the building.
Who do I report to at the Thrift Store?
Please report to Hernan or Will when you arrive, check in and out, and wear a Rise Thrift apron during your shift if asked.
What tasks do Thrift Store volunteers perform?
Tasks may include:
- Sorting donations
- Organizing merchandise
- Supporting retail operations
- Keeping the store clean and organized
What should Thrift Store volunteers wear?
Please dress comfortably and expect to be on your feet for much of your shift. Dress for the weather, as some tasks may take place indoors or outdoors.
Rise 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 may vary by day and may include:
- Administrative support
- Data entry
- Mailings
- Donation support
- Communications projects
- Other office-related tasks
Supporters and Donors
How do I coordinate volunteer time with my company’s matching donation program?
Please contact our Development Director at kcere@njrise.org for information about company matching gift programs.
Where does Rise’s support come from?
Rise is supported through local and corporate donations, along with grants and other community support.
How can I donate to Rise?
You may donate financially through our website or donate items such as food, clothing, and household goods.
Main website:
https://njrise.org/
For additional questions, please contact us at volunteer@njrise.org or (609) 438-3126.
Thank you for being part of the Rise volunteer community.
