Meal Calendar

Volunteer Update – June 3, 2021

Imagine going from vending machines and hospital food for days, weeks and even months on end to a delicious home-cooked meal! The meal volunteer program is a great opportunity for individuals or groups to get together and serve our families. Whether it’s your co-workers, classmates, family, friends, or teammates, you are guaranteed a worthwhile experience planning and preparing a meal to our families. Schedule a time to make breakfast, lunch or dinner for our families. We have a beautiful gourmet kitchen where you can prepare a meal or bring a already prepared meal from your own kitchen. We also have a fully stocked pantry and you are welcome to use any items that we already have on hand to prepare your meal. You are typically preparing a meal for approximately 6-10 people.

As safety remains a top priority for everyone who enters the Children’s Hope House, we are implementing the following rules and procedures. These MUST be followed in order to volunteer at this time.

Volunteer hours for the Lutheran House:
10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday only (meal ready by 4:00pm latest)
12:00-3:00pm Saturday & Sunday(meal ready by 4:00pm latest)
Volunteer hours for the Dupont House:
4:00-6:00pm Monday-Friday (meal ready by 7:00pm latest)
12:00-3:00pm Saturday & Sunday(meal ready by 4:00pm latest)
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Volunteer groups are limited to 4 people at this time.
All volunteers must sign an annual waiver before volunteering after June 29.
All volunteers will be screened at the Hope House regarding recent exposure and symptoms.
Volunteers are asked to take their temperature at home before arriving to the Hope House.
Volunteers must wear a mask and gloves while inside the Hope House. Gloves will be provided.
Guest meals have resumed self-service as buffet style.
Volunteers must thoroughly clean the entire space and products used once the food is packed away. We will provide all cleaning materials.

I look forward to seeing you back in the kitchen soon!

Sara Binkley,
sara@childrenshopefw.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I/we have to prepare the meal at Children’s Hope House?

If the meal is not prepared in our kitchen, then it must be catered by a restaurant, come prepackage from a grocery store (i.e. Gordons, Costco, Kroger, etc), or prepared in a commercial kitchen. These are the guidelines from the Allen County Department of Health that we are required to follow.

We have a beautiful kitchen that is perfect for meal preparation. We have all the equipment needed to help you and your group prepare a wonderful meal. We also have a fully stocked pantry and we welcome the use of any of the items in our community pantry.

Can I utilize items in the Children’s Hope House pantry?

Yes! We welcome our Hometown Chef’s to get creative and utilize items we have on site. Often our Chef’s utilize a combination of items in our pantry and purchase the remaining items needed to prepare a complete meal. It’s basically like being an Iron Chef…well pretty much.

How many people do I need to cook for?

We recommend preparing a meal for about 8 individuals. Our volunteer coordinator, Sara, will be in touch a few days prior to your volunteer date to confirm the expected amount.

Can we eat with the families?

At this time, there will be no communal dining taking place. Guests are asked to eat outside while maintaining social distance or take the food back to their room. If a guest comes through the kitchen as you are preparing, you are welcome to converse as long as social distance is maintained and masks are worn.

What time should we arrive with the meal?

Volunteer hours for the Lutheran House:

10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday only (meal ready by 4:00pm latest)

12:00-3:00pm Saturday & Sunday(meal ready by 4:00pm latest)

Volunteer hours for the Dupont House:

4:00-6:00pm Monday-Friday (meal ready by 7:00pm latest)

12:00-3:00pm Saturday & Sunday(meal ready by 4:00pm latest)

What about dietary restrictions?

Don’t sweat it. Our families know their needs best, they will regulate their own dietary needs.

What if I arrive and the door is locked?

We are sorry we missed you. You’ll see staff phone numbers posted at the front door.

What about cleaning up?

It’s a messy job, but someone has to do it. If you cook in our kitchen, please clean utensils and other equipment needed during the cooking process. Please wipe down materials using the products provided. You do not need to clean up after our families.

Is it OK to leave food out?

At this time, we ask that volunteers divide the food into the provided personal containers.