Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet
GET HELP
DONATE
VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Together, We Make a Difference

Volunteers are the heart of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet.

Our mission depends on the time, energy, and compassion of neighbors who step forward to serve. By volunteering, you help us ensure that families in our community have access to food, clothing, and care when they need it most.

Children ages 10–15 are welcome to volunteer alongside a parent or supervising adult, making service a meaningful experience for families as well.

We offer two main ways to get involved at the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet:

Client Shopping Support
Help families shop with dignity by assisting with selections, bagging groceries, carrying items, tidying, and offering a welcoming presence.

Donation Processing & Stocking
Support our behind-the-scenes operations by unloading food deliveries from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, stocking shelves, recycling boxes, and sorting fresh donations like bakery items, produce, and more.

When you volunteer, you’re not just helping with tasks — you’re helping neighbors thrive.

Register for a Volunteer Shift

The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers. Please use the calendar below to register for a shift.

Volunteer Guidelines

• Volunteers should park and enter at the back of the building.

• Coats and personal belongings should be hung in the volunteer room or left in the car. There are small lockers with keys available for use. The Food Pantry/Clothes Closet is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Every volunteer must wear an apron with a name tag.

• If you are a first-time volunteer, please inform the Pantry/Closet staff so you can receive a short tour and orientation.

• If you need hours to be recorded, please check in with the appropriate Pantry/Clothes Closet staff. It is expected that community service workers will stay until the shift ends.

• Volunteers may need to stay beyond the scheduled time to assist clients, straighten up, or stock shelves.

• Volunteers need to notify us if they need to leave early or have any physical restrictions.

• Please do not eat or drink while in the Pantry/Closet shopping spaces. Water bottles are permitted.

• Please do not use cell phones when clients are in the building except in case of an emergency. Client families deserve our undivided attention.

Food pantry volunteers

• The Pantry/Closet need to be a safe places for everyone. Rude and insubordinate behavior will not be tolerated.

• Any issues or questions that arise should be addressed to the Pantry/Closet Director, or designated Pantry/Closet staff.

• Children/young adults under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

• All Client information is to be kept confidential.

Volunteer FAQs

I heard you moved. Where are you located?
Our new permanent address is 916 First Street, Batavia, IL, 60510.
I have Court-Ordered Community Service. Can I complete my hours at the Pantry or Closet?

Yes! Individuals with non-violent offenses are welcome to complete their Court-ordered Community Service Hours at the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. Please call 630-879-3784 to discuss setting up a schedule to complete your hours.

I am a first-time volunteer. Do I need to come early to complete any special training?
You do not need to arrive early, but please let us know if you are a first-timer! Training will be provided so you will feel comfortable with your tasks. The attire at the Pantry and Closet is casual, but please wear closed-toed shoes.
Where should I park and enter the building?
Volunteers can park at the back of the building at 916 First Street, Batavia, IL. Please note that the drive on the west side of the building is one-way (to the south). You can drive to the back on the west side of the building and park. There is a volunteer entrance at the back of the building. Once inside, follow the blue tape on the floor to the volunteer area. There, you can hang up your coat, get an apron, and pick up your volunteer nametag.
I want to volunteer but my volunteer days/times would not be consistent. Is that ok?
Yes! Many of our volunteers do not have regularly scheduled days and times; feel free to sign up online and give your time when it is available and works with your schedule. We are so happy that you want to volunteer with us!
What type of work will I be doing while volunteering?
If you are volunteering during processing and stocking times at the Clothes Closet, you will be sorting donations from the community, assessing the condition of items, separating them into sizes, and hanging items on hangers. At the Food Pantry, processing volunteers assist us in stocking shelves, processing incoming donations from our grocery store partners and the community, and tidying the Food Pantry to prepare it for shoppers. If you are volunteering during shopping hours, you will be assisting families while they shop; you might also be bagging clothing after shoppers finish, helping in a section of the Food Pantry, or loading items into neighbors’ cars.
Are there age restrictions for volunteers?
Yes! Volunteers aged 10-15 can come in with an adult. Volunteers 16 and over can come independently.