We Love our Volunteers!
What Does it Mean to Volunteer at FROM?
FROM relies on volunteers in all parts of our organization. We have volunteers that answer the phone, help in our programs and run Treasures Thrift Shop. We love our volunteers and couldn’t help as many of our neighbors in need without them.
In fact, FROM was founded by volunteers and the organization didn’t have any paid staff for the first 10 years. Even though we have grown and expanded to better serve our community, we still rely on volunteers.
We are blessed to have over 300 volunteers donate their time at FROM each year, but we always have open volunteer positions.
How Can I Volunteer at FROM?
Want to find out more about volunteering at FROM? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form below and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you directly. When you submit the form below you consent to a background check and to having our Volunteer Coordinator contact you directly regarding volunteer opportunities at FROM.
Check out our Current Volunteer Needs below and then RSVP to attend an upcoming Volunteer Orientation! Volunteer Orientations are a time to learn more about FROM, hear about open positions and see if volunteering at FROM is a good fit for you.
Orientations are held three times a month on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m., the third Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m., and the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Please click here to check our calendar for exact dates.
Current Thrift Shop Volunteer Opportunities
Thrift Shop Cashier
Days/Times Available: Tues, Wed, Thurs or Fri 1:00-4:00 p.m. or 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00- 2:00 pm.
Thrift Shop Cashier: Must be friendly and willing to interact with customers while operating touch screen and scanner- based cash register. Work in teams of two for a 2 to 4 hours shift. Requires ability to stand. Can volunteer once a month, once a week or more. Must be at least age 15.
Thrift Shop Donation Room Sorters
Days/Times Available: Mon, Thurs or Sat afternoons
Thrift Shop Donation Room Sorters: Must be willing to greet people as they drop off their donations and be able to assist donors with removing items from their vehicles. This role will maintain order in the donation room, sort donated items, and deliver them to the appropriate departments for cleaning/testing and pricing. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
Great opportunity for a men’s or women’s group, college student, stay at home parent, or a recent retiree. Also perfect for those who work a 2nd or 3rd shift or are home during the afternoons.
Thrift Shop Clothing Sorters
Days/Available Times: Sat 10:00- 2:00 p.m.
Thrift Shop Clothing Sorters: Sort through donated clothing to separate into departments (children’s, men’s women’s, etc.). Look for items that are in good shape and able to be re-sold (i.e. free of stains, rips, tears).
Current Program Opportunities
Food Pantry/Office Cleaning
Days/Times: You choose the time sometime before the Food Pantry opens either Tuesdays before 2:00 p.m., Wednesdays before 5:00 p.m. or Friday before noon. Volunteer one or two hours a week or every other week.
Food Pantry/Office Cleaning: Keeping the hallways and some specific rooms vacuumed. Dusting, washing tables, door knobs, window ledges etc.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Want to volunteer as a church, work or social group? Click here to send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator or call (616) 897-8260 to find out more about Group Volunteer Opportunities. We’d love to have your group help us make a difference in our community!
Have Questions?
Have questions and want to connect with someone before attending a Volunteer Orientation? Click here to send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator or call (616) 897-8260. We’d be happy to connect with you to answer your questions or give you more information about volunteering.
Mission Statement
FROM’s (Flat River Outreach Ministries) mission is to be the Greater Lowell community hub where hope, resources, and gifts are shared.
Contact Information
Main Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Food Pantry Hours
Tuesday 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Treasures Thrift Shop Hours
Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Treasures Thrift Shop Donation Room Hours
Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.