Volunteer

Volunteers play a critical role in providing community assistance and delivering food and essentials to those in need throughout Howard County. Serve at one of our in-person distribution sites, food pantry, help with inventory, or lend support wherever is most needed.

There are many opportunities at the CCC Pantry Headquarters in Long Reach Village Center

Volunteer Info

🧺 Donation Sorters (at CCC HQ)

Help us keep our community donations organized and ready for families in need! As a Donation Sorter, you’ll assist with sorting, checking for expired items, labeling, and organizing incoming food, household goods, and other supplies at the Columbia Community Care (CCC) headquarters. Volunteers should be prepared to lift light to medium boxes, work collaboratively, and maintain a clean and orderly space. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Your work ensures that donations get to community members quickly and efficiently!

🚗 Donation Bin Pickup

Thank you for helping us transport donations from our community collection bins to the CCC building or storage sites! Volunteers will pick up donations from:

Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church — 3165 St. Johns Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042
BA Auto Care — 9577 Berger Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

After collecting items, please drop them off at our CCC Headquarters (directions in the sign up!). You’ll need access to a vehicle with enough space for bags and boxes of donations. This role is perfect for volunteers who like being on the move and want to directly support CCC’s logistics!

🥕 In-Person Food Distribution Sites

Join our team on the front lines of community care! Volunteers at our in-person food distribution sites help set up tables, unpack and arrange food donations, assist community members as they select items, and help with breakdown and cleanup at the end of the shift. Tasks may include restocking tables, carrying bags, and keeping the site clean and welcoming.

At CCC, we honor the inherent dignity of every human being. Volunteers help create a space where every family feels seen, heard, and truly welcome. Your presence ensures our neighbors receive not only food, but compassion and respect. Comfortable attire and a warm smile are a must!

🌍 Delivery Translator / Dispatch Volunteer

Help ensure that families across our community receive their food deliveries with care, accuracy, and dignity — all from the comfort of your own home!

As a Delivery Translator / Dispatch Volunteer, you’ll serve as the connection between CCC’s volunteer shoppers and families who are receiving deliveries. Using your phone, you’ll contact families to confirm addresses, delivery times, and language preferences, then communicate updates to the volunteer shoppers assigned to you. This position is remote, flexible, and vital to making sure every delivery reaches the right doorstep. Please read position instructions in its entirety within the sign up form.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Shopping and Delivering with CCC

Please watch to see what being a Delivery Volunteer is like!

CCC HQ Operating Hours

Wednesday and Friday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 12:30pm

We are located in the BACK parking lot entrance. When you turn on Cloudleap Court, continue straight past the main village center area, past Deli Town and turn left just before the Timbers Apartment complex. Follow the wooden fence around and you’ll see the back entrance to suite 107.

💬 Volunteer FAQs

Are children able to volunteer?

Yes! We love welcoming families to volunteer together. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Youth ages 14 and older are welcome to volunteer on their own as long as they are self-sufficient, follow directions, and are ready to lend a helping hand.

Can I volunteer for only part of the shift at the sites?

We ask volunteers to commit to the entire shift whenever possible. Each part of the day — from setup to distribution to breakdown — is essential to making sure the site runs smoothly and efficiently. The cleanup period at the end especially needs everyone’s help to reset the space for future use.

What should I wear or bring?

Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a water bottle and be ready to move, lift light boxes, and spend time both indoors and outdoors. A warm smile and positive attitude are the most important things you can bring!

Do I need to sign up in advance?

Yes, please sign up ahead of time using our SignUp.com link above. This helps us plan staffing, supplies, and food distribution more effectively. If you can’t make your shift, let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot.

Can I bring a group to volunteer?

Absolutely! We welcome community groups, school clubs, workplaces, and faith organizations. To make sure we can accommodate your group and assign meaningful tasks, please email us in advance before bringing more than 5 people.

Do I need any special training?

No special training is required. You’ll get a brief orientation when you arrive and work alongside experienced CCC volunteers who will guide you through the process.