How to Volunteer at Soup Kitchens

If you are looking for a way to make a difference and help those in need, volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great way to spend your free time.Soup kitchens are also called bread lines. Most homeless shelters are soup kitchens, serving a free, hot meal to those who need it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Local phone book or internet access
• Transportation
• Spare time
• Desire to help those in need

Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen

1. Browse through your local phone book to find homeless shelters near you.
2. If you don't have a phone book, do an internet search.
3. Once you've located homeless shelters in your area, call each shelter to see when they serve meals to the homeless and if they need volunteers. Make a list to determine which opportunities will fit into your schedule.

Volunteering

4. After you've identified a soup kitchen that needs your help, contact the volunteer coordinator to arrange for your first volunteer stint.
5. Arrive at the designated location early so that you can receive your instructions and meet the other volunteers.
6. Man your assigned station and serve food to those who pass by.
7. Smile! You're making a big difference in the life of someone who needs it.
8. If you enjoyed the experience, repeat it.

Tips & Warnings

• Soup kitchens need help all year long.
• If serving isn't for you, see if there are other ways you can assist, such as mingling and talking with the diners.