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It Starts With You

There are many ways to get involved by giving of your time, energy and talents. Picking up food donations, restocking, office help, coordinating events all help us grow the program to meet the needs of our community.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have staff on-site Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.  We ask that when you schedule, you plan on staying for the full shift.

Daily Operations

Pantry Store Assistance

(Non-Client Hours)
Help with office tasks, donation intake, and online inquiries. Support organizing, sorting, stocking, and sanitizing surfaces.

Time Commitment: 4-6 Hour shifts

Event Set Up 

Grocery Store Setup
Organize, plan, and manage the setup of our “grocery store.”

Leader*: Oversee and guide other volunteers.  *Training provided.

Time Commitment: 4-hour shifts (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

Food Rescue

Surplus Food Pickup
Collect donated food from local restaurants and grocery stores. Typically mornings, with occasional evening pickups.

Time Commitment: 2-4 Hour shifts

Event Hosting 

Client Assistance & Support
Offer personalized guidance to community members while they shop and help maintain a tidy space.

Time Commitment: 4 hour shifts (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

Have other talents you'd like to contribute?

If you have other talents to share that you think would be beneficial to our mission, please get in touch with us via email

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*We have limited staff volunteers, please allow 24 hrs for a response.

Supporting Our Community: The Importance of Financial Contributions

At Porchlight, we invite you to play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. Your commitment to volunteering helps us provide essential services and empowers you to be part of a larger movement for change.

 

With over 10,000 nonprofits in San Diego, many organizations face significant funding challenges while striving to meet diverse community needs. As a volunteer-led organization, with 90% of our operations powered by dedicated volunteers and just two part-time staff members, we rely on community support to thrive.

 

To enhance your volunteer experience and ensure effective coordination of our events, we ask for a modest coordination fee. This contribution helps cover the logistics and staff time necessary to create meaningful and organized experiences for everyone involved.

 

By combining your time and efforts with financial support, you play a critical role in sustaining our mission and fostering a culture of mutual aid and social responsibility. Your involvement extends beyond volunteering; it signifies an investment in initiatives that uplift our community and promote a thriving environment for all.

 

We truly appreciate your willingness to contribute in this way and look forward to partnering with you to create positive change together!

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Volunteering as an Individual?

Steps to signing up:

  1. Select the appropriate membership below:

    • Free for regular volunteers

    • $5 one-time fee for court-ordered or school-required paperwork processing

  2. Fill out the individual volunteer form with your details.

  3. Once your form is submitted, you’ll receive an email with a link to schedule your volunteer shift.

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Volunteering as a Group?

Steps to signing up:

  1. Select the appropriate membership for your group below:

    • $100 one-time fee for groups of 1-10 volunteers

    • $200 one-time fee for groups of 11 or more volunteers

  2. Fill out the group volunteer form with your group’s details.

  3. Once we review your application, we will email you to schedule a day for your group to volunteer.

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Membership Types

  • Individual Volunteer

    0$
    Perfect for volunteers who want to sign up and access opportunities at no cost. Book volunteer shifts and track your hours as you contribute to our community.
    Libreng Plan

  • Volunteer Tracking

    5$
    This service tracks and verifies volunteer hours for court, school, or work requirements. A one-time $5 donation helps off-set administrative costs, and supports volunteer coordination.
     

  • Group Volunteers (1-10 People)

    100$
    For groups of 1-10 volunteers, a one-time $100 donation supports volunteer coordination and covers administrative tasks.
     

  • Large Group Volunteers (11+ People)

    200$
    For groups of 11 or more volunteers, a one-time $200 donation supports volunteer coordination and covers administrative tasks.
     
Membership Types

Already filled out the form and signed up for a membership?

Click below to book your volunteer shift

  • How does this work?
    Participants come to the distribution location to shop and pick up. Participants receive depending on family size, several bags full of groceries and other household items. Due to space limitations, we ask that only 3-4 participants be in the distribution area at a time and that no children be in the walk through.
  • What can I bring to the event?
    We ask that you bring your own bags, containers or Ziplocs for when we receive Bulk items. Insulated bags help as some items are perishable and require refrigeration. Bulk items may include dry goods, loose grains, liquid oils.​
  • Do you or a family member have food restricted diet?
    In part, our mission is to provide food to community members who have food restrictions due to having an autoimmune condition, allergies, or intolerances. Thus, we’ve made food-restricted diet items accessible at Porchlight Community Services, food pantry. We offer Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, Dairy-Free, and Plant-Based items through our FoodSHARE Program.
  • I am unable to attend; can I get a refund or credit?
    Please notify us immediately! Because all proceeds are used to secure the event, food, and overhead expenses, we do not offer refunds or credits. We distribute based on the number of participants who will attend and do not take anything back. When possible, you can have someone else attend on your behalf.
  • Is there a fee to participate?
    Your contributions help us cover the expenses associated with the efforts of food recovery and provide our low-income neighbors with FREE food access. Not only are you saving the environment while feeding your family, but your support helps pay for those that are struggling financially. The more people participate, the more purchasing power we have.
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