Description: While we no longer operate a pantry at the Lakeforest Mall, we're still just as committed
to serving the Gaithersburg community. At our established Outdoor Lakeforest Food Distribution located in Montgomery Village. Every Wednesday So What Else provides free food to over 500 people in the parking lot behind the Lakeforest Transit Center and next to Odendhal Ave with the help of our incredible team.
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.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm: 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 "9670 Lost Knife Rd, Montgomery Village, MD" into your GPS. This will take you to the main intersection next to the parking lot's entrance. Look for the parking lot behind the Lakeforest Transit Center Bus Stop on Lost Knife Road. You can park anywhere close by that is open. After you park, walk towards our van, find a member of our team, 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.
