The Open Door

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Group Volunteering

Volunteer With Your Group

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Open Door! To ensure the best possible experience for everyone, we have different opportunities tailored to your group’s size.

For Small Groups (3-6 People)

Due to limited space in our pantry and warehouse our on-site volunteer opportunities are best for smaller groups. Your team can make a hands-on impact in a variety of ways!

Common activities for small groups include:

  • Stocking shelves at our Eagan Pantry
  • Preparing for our Mobile Food sites
  • Helping with cleaning and organization

Ready to get your small group involved on-site? Apply below!

Small Group Volunteer Application

 

For Large Groups (7+ People) 

Have a larger group? You can make a huge impact by hosting an off-site event! These flexible and fun team-building activities provide essential supplies that we distribute directly to our clients.

Here are some fantastic ways your large group can help:

Host a Snack Packing Party

We are ALWAYS in need of pre-packed snack packs for our Mobile Lunchbox program and school distribution sites. Gather your team to assemble these crucial items! Learn more about Snack Packing Parties by clicking here.

Please contact Nicole Tyrrell at nicole@theopendoorpantry.org with your planned drop-off day and time, especially for large donations.

Decorate Paper Bags

This is a perfect activity for all ages, especially kids! Gather your group to decorate paper grocery bags with cheerful drawings and positive messages. These decorated bags add a personal and uplifting touch for the families we serve.

Organize a Food & Fund Drive

Rally your office, school, or community to organize a food and fund drive. These drives are a powerful way to provide the specific items we need most and ensure our shelves stay stocked throughout the year. Learn more about Food & Fund Drives by clicking here.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should our group volunteer at The Open Door?
Volunteering with us is a fantastic way to make a real, tangible difference right here in our community. Not only will your team be on the front lines fighting hunger, but it’s also a wonderful team-building experience. You’ll work together, have fun, and leave knowing you helped put food on your neighbors’ tables.
What types of groups do you accommodate?
We love welcoming all kinds of groups! Whether you’re a team from a corporation or small business, a congregation from a local church, a service organization, a school club, or just a group of friends who want to give back, you’re welcome here.
Where would we volunteer?
Most of our on-site group opportunities happen at The Pantry, located at 3000 Ames Crossing Road, Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55121. Depending on the season and our needs, your group might also help out at one of our Mobile Food sites across Dakota County!
What is the ideal size for a volunteer group?
Because our space is limited, the sweet spot for on-site volunteer groups is 4-6 people. This size allows your team to work together effectively without being too crowded. If your group is larger, we have some awesome off-site opportunities like snack-packing parties or food drives that make a huge impact!
Can kids volunteer in groups?
Yes, they can! We love inspiring the next generation of community leaders. For the safety and nature of the tasks, we recommend volunteering for students in grades 6 through 12. All youth groups must be accompanied by adult supervisors for the entire shift.
When are group volunteer shifts available?
We have a variety of shifts available to fit your group’s schedule. Our typical group volunteer hours are:

  • Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Tuesday & Thursday Evenings: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
What kind of work would we be doing?
You’ll be right in the heart of the action! Most activities are food-related—you might be sorting fresh produce, packing food boxes for families, or organizing shelves. In the spring and summer, you could also be helping in our gardens. Our staff will choose the activity for your group based on what’s most needed that day, but we’re always happy to chat with your group leader beforehand!
What does a typical group volunteer shift look like?
We want you to have a great and meaningful experience! A typical shift lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and flows something like this:

  • 5 min: A warm welcome and introductions to our team.
  • 10 min: A quick tour of our space so you can see your impact firsthand.
  • 30-70 min: The main event: your volunteer activity!
  • 5 min: Time for a group photo to celebrate your hard work before we say our goodbyes.
Our group is ready to volunteer! What's the next step?
Awesome! We can’t wait to have you. The first step is to fill out our online Group Volunteer Application. That gets the ball rolling and helps us find the perfect project for your team.
I want to volunteer by myself, not with a group. How do I do that?
That’s great, too! We rely on our amazing individual volunteers every single day. Please head over to our Individual Volunteer page to see current openings and sign up.

 

For more information, feel free to contact our Volunteer Program Manager.
Contact: (612) 505-4338 or volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org


P.S. Are you looking for individual volunteer opportunities? Click here!

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3000 Ames Crossing Rd. Suite 100 Eagan, MN 55121 | Phone Number 651-686-0787

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