Help local students start the school year with confidence!
Join Rise as we prepare hundreds of local students for a successful school year through our annual Back-to-School Backpack Distribution!
This year, we're excited to introduce a choice model, allowing families to select the school supplies that best meet their children's needs while creating a more personalized, welcoming, and dignified shopping experience.
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers 16 years of age and older who are reliable, detail-oriented, friendly, and able to follow directions. Since each family has a scheduled appointment and supplies are limited, volunteers play an important role in ensuring every family receives the correct number of school supplies so there is enough for everyone.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers may assist with:
Greeting and welcoming families
Assisting shoppers as they select school supplies
Monitoring supply quantities and purchase limits
Restocking school supply tables throughout the event
Organizing inventory and keeping the distribution area tidy
Helping families carry supplies to their vehicles as needed
Assisting with event setup and cleanup
What We're Looking For
We're seeking volunteers who are:
16 years of age or older
Reliable and punctual
Friendly and welcoming
Detail-oriented and able to follow instructions
Comfortable working as part of a team
Able to stand, walk, and lift school supplies (up to approximately 25 pounds)
Event Location
Rise Pantry
133 Broad Street
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Parking:
Please park at 156 Maxwell Avenue and walk over to the pantry.
Volunteer Shift Dates
Choose one shift—or volunteer for multiple days and shifts if space is available!
Tuesday, August 25
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 27
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, August 29
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
You are welcome to sign up for multiple days and multiple shifts as long as openings are available.
When You Arrive
Please check in using the Causer App or the volunteer check-in station upon arrival. A Rise staff member or volunteer leader will provide a brief orientation and assign tasks for your shift.
Make an Impact
Every backpack filled, every family greeted, and every volunteer hour donated helps ensure local students begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
Thank you for helping Rise make a difference—one student at a time!
