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JFS Community-Wide Food Drives

The Jewish Family Service Polack Food Bank is committed to ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food for our most vulnerable neighbors. During this pandemic, households are turning to us for support. In addition to a sudden lack of income, many people also face fear, uncertainty and the potential of going hungry.

Like many other local food banks right now, supply chain challenges significantly impact our ability to procure food. To continue serving our community in this critical time, JFS will begin hosting monthly mini food drives starting in August and running through the end of 2020.

This model will temporarily replace our annual Food Drive & Sort event that traditionally takes place during the High Holidays. These smaller drives will give our food bank a more sure and secure way to keep its shelves full each month. We would like to invite you to join us in this exciting new capacity! We are offering volunteer slots for both individuals and organizations.

For Organizations

Start a collection for your synagogue, school, organization, or company today! Last year, our partner organizations together collected 20,000 pounds of food and toiletries for our food bank. Our goal is to collect even more this year!

For Individuals

This is a great project for individuals of all ages, including teens looking for service hours. This would also work well for birthday parties and mitzvah projects.

Resources

If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@jfsseattle.org.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Coat Collection

Collect new warm, waterproof or water-resistant, winter coats. We need children’s, women’s and men’s. Small and medium are the most needed sizes, but we can use a few large, too.

Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155.
Event Support

Assist with setting up or day-of tasks for events.

Setup Assistance
Typically, on Fridays before an event, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Day-Of Assistance
Duties include event support, leading various stations, assisting staff, general set-up and clean up. Some heavy lifting may be involved.

Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155.
Food Bank Home Delivery
Volunteers will prepare, load and deliver needed items to homebound individuals and families on a designated route. A personal vehicle is required for this position.

This is a great opportunity for families!

Shifts:
- Monday to Friday, except during open Food Bank hours:
  - Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – noon
  - Thursdays, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  - Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – noon.
- Second and fourth Sundays of each month.
Responsibilities:
- Pick up deliveries in the Polack Food Bank at the Capitol Hill Campus.
- Give the individual/family or their JFS caseworker at least two days’ notice before a delivery.
- Deliver at your convenience, except during Jewish holidays.
- Complete necessary paperwork.
- Follow contractual agreement and outlined procedures.
Requirements:
- Age 18 or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Current Washington State driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
- Able to lift 25 pounds.
- Set and politely convey appropriate boundaries.
Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155.
Food Drive & Food Sort

Our annual Community-Wide Food Drive & Sort looks a little different this year, due to COVID-19. But we need your help more than ever to make sure our community has access to healthy and nutritious food! Because gathering in large numbers for the Food Sort won’t be possible this year, we are pivoting to a new, monthly food drive model. Round up your friends and family to launch your own mini food drive, or engage your synagogue, school or company if you’re part of an organization.

Our mini food drives will be taking place each month through the end of 2020. Learn more about the drives and sign up for one today!

Interested in making a smaller, one-time donation? We accept donations year-round and are currently offering contactless drop-offs at our main Capitol Hill campus. Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155 for more information.

Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155.
Glove & Sock Collection

Warm gloves and socks are in high demand during the cold and rainy season in Seattle. Help keep community members warm with these small, but meaningful items. Adult sizes needed.

Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155.
Grocery Bag Collection

The Polack Food Bank needs paper grocery bags with two sturdy handles. People visiting the Food Bank use these bags to carry their items home, and JFS staff use them to deliver food to homebound individuals.

Contact us at volunteer@jfsseattle.org or (206) 861-3155.

Volunteer Events

See what else is happening at JFS.
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