Opportunities From: Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services

Clothing Closet volunteers have two primary responsibilities. The first is to assist neighbors during their shopping experience by offering support and guidance. The second is to help sort, organize, and maintain the clothing donations we receive.

This position is just a weekly replenishment of the items in the pantry. 

This position is just answering the phones and occasionally interacting with neighbors as they drop in.

This position is just answering the phones and occasionally interacting with neighbors as they drop in. 

Helps welcome and check in neighbors and guide them through Outreach services, including helping them meet with a case worker, visiting the clothing closet, and accessing the food pantry. Volunteers track where neighbors are in the process using Charity Tracker software and Google Docs.

Training with Sammie Varghese is required before signing up. If you are interested or have questions please contact Sammie at 248-302-9943.

Food room volunteers assist the neighbors with their pantry shopping experience. Volunteers will do light re-stocking and on certain days will be responsible for putting away food deliveries. 

Over the weekend, clothing donations often accumulate in the space in front of our donation bin, which can block the front door and create safety concerns. Volunteers in this role help clear that area by bagging clothing and moving items to the appropriate location, including Goodwill bins, indoor storage, or trash when needed.

This role involves standing, lifting, and carrying bags of clothing weighing up to 50 lbs. Volunteers should be comfortable with moderate to heavy physical activity and working as part of a small team. Your support helps keep our entrance clear, safe, and welcoming for everyone who comes through our doors.

This is a temporary shift to cover the front desk for May/June

Check-In Volunteers support Senior Box Day (every second Tuesday of the month) by helping track distribution and checking seniors off as they receive their food boxes. This role is essential for ensuring accurate counts and a smooth, organized distribution process.

This is a trained position. If you have not previously served as a Check-In Volunteer, please call or text Sammie at 248-302-9943 before signing up so training can be provided.

This role is best suited for volunteers who are comfortable with simple tracking tasks, attention to detail, and interacting with our senior neighbors in a calm and friendly manner.

Check-In Volunteers support our Senior Health Initiative by marking attendance and helping ensure the program runs smoothly. This role includes checking seniors in as they arrive, assisting with late attendees, and helping put away chairs after the session concludes.

The Senior Health Initiative runs from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Volunteers should plan to be onsite from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm to assist with setup, check-in, and wrap-up.

This role is ideal for volunteers who are organized, friendly, and comfortable helping guide seniors through the check-in process while supporting light physical tasks during cleanup.

Senior Box Runners support our senior neighbors during Senior Box Day, held every second Tuesday of the month, by helping carry food boxes from the distribution area to their cars. This role helps ensure seniors receive their boxes safely, comfortably, and with a friendly face.

Volunteers may also assist with produce, cheese, and meat distribution as needed during the event. This role involves lifting boxes weighing up to 40 lbs, though carts are available to help reduce strain. Volunteers should be comfortable with moderate physical activity, walking short distances, and working as part of a team.