Description: While we no longer operate a pantry at Lakeforest Mall, we're still just as committed to serving the Gaithersburg community. Our food distribution operations have moved to South Lake Elementary School. Every Tuesday, So What Else, with the help of our incredible team, provides free food to over 500 people. Volunteers can park in the parking lot that is to the right down the hill close to the playground at the school.
Volunteers will help with the following tasks: setting up tables, setting up tents, preparing produce, sorting produce, helping with line control, breaking down boxes, cleaning up, and more. Volunteers should plan to arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for a quick orientation. Volunteers should be able to stand for long periods, lift large boxes, and do a considerable amount of movement. This shift involves interacting with clients, other volunteers, and So What Else team members. Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and clothing they can both move around in and get dirty( NO CROCS ALLOWED). This event is entirely outdoors so please dress accordingly and bring both water and a snack to your shift. This is a great opportunity for SSL hours, and children above 10 can participate as long as their parent/guardian accompanies anyone under 16.
AGE RESTRICTION: This is a great opportunity for children aged 10 and above to participate. A parent or guardian must accompany children aged 10-15, and if they arrive without one, their parent or guardian will be contacted. Volunteers aged 16 and above can participate independently without the presence of a parent or guardian.
10:30 am to 2:30 pm ( 4 Hours): Volunteers will assist in setting up the distribution, breaking down empty boxes, cleaning up, and assisting with the distribution breakdown.
We encourage you to sign up for any shift, even if you can't stay for the entire time. Simply inform the site lead upon arrival so our team can accommodate your schedule.
To get to our distribution site for your shift, Type "South Lake Elementary School, 18201 Contour Rd, Gaithersburg, MD" into your GPS. This will guide you to the school. For parking, please use the lot located to the right, down the hill, near the playground. After parking, walk up toward the distribution area and look for the So What Else van or team setup. Locate a team member and let them know you are there to volunteer at the distribution.
Contact Person: Jorge Yanes | jyanes@sowhatelse.org | (240) 644 7823
Please feel free to contact Jorge with any questions about our volunteer opportunities.
If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please notify us by emailing jyanes@sowhatelse.org or canceling your reservation. As a volunteer-driven organization, we rely heavily on your support to help distribute over a million meals to families year-round. Thank you for making a difference!
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.
