The Orange Heart
Powered by Volunteers. Driven by Compassion.
“Volunteers come for the mission and stay for the friends they’ve made.” – David Bayer
Welcome to The Orange Heart!
Food Share’s Volunteer Newsletter
So much has happened since our last newsletter. Between a record number of volunteer groups in November, our 14th Annual CAN-tree Food Drive and the exciting launch of our Feeding Our Future capital campaign, the months flew by in a blur of bins, boxes and big milestones. It’s good news – all that busy means more food sorted, more neighbors served and more impact made! And we’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Our Community Engagement Team is gearing up for Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20–25. We’ll have goodies all week long, plus raffles and prizes to celebrate YOU, the heart of Food Share!
In May, we are partnering with the National Association of Letter Carriers for the 33rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (details below)—one of the largest single-day food drives in the country. We hope you’ll sign up to help us celebrate the letter carriers and collect the food from our generous community.
Thank you for your energy. And most of all, thank you for showing up. 🧡
Volunteer Impact
2026 so far!
Volunteers
Volunteer Hours
$
Value of volunteer hours!
At 75, Louise from Port Hueneme had always worked hard to stay independent. But when degenerative wrist pain forced her to stop her part-time job and federal benefits were cut, she suddenly found herself facing an impossible choice between rent and food.
“I made a good salary,” she shared, “but after paying $1,450 in rent, there’s just not enough left for food some months.”
Louise discovered Food Share while looking for volunteer opportunities. She began attending distributions to supplement her diet with fresh produce and pantry staples—rice, beans, and vegetables that stretch her limited budget. “It’s been a godsend,” she says. “What I don’t use, I share with neighbors or bring to my church.”
Having access to healthy food means Louise can stay in her home, tend her small garden, and keep her dignity. “Without Food Share,” she admits, “I’d probably have to move again. I like where I live. It’s safe, and it gives me peace.”
To the people who donate and volunteer, Louise’s gratitude is simple but profound: “You’re such good people. God bless you. You don’t know how much of an impact this makes for those of us who are struggling and frightened.”
What’s Fresh at Food Share
Feeding Our Future Capital Campaign
You are the heart of Food Share—and now you can help build its future. Feeding Our Future will expand our capacity to serve more neighbors. Join us at a Food For Thought to discover more or learn about the campaign here and help spread the word.
Congrats, Carlos!
We are thrilled to announce that Carlos Perez has been promoted to Volunteer Operations Coordinator. You will recognize Carlos from his previous position as Facilities Assistant.
We’re excited to welcome Carlos to the Community Engagement Team!
March to a Million Meals
You help power every meal we distribute, now help us multiply the impact. March to a Million Meals unites our community to fund one million meals. Share it. Champion it.
Spotlight on Service!
“I volunteer at Food Share because there is a huge need in our community and it is so fulfilling”
— Barbara Stoliker
“I wanted to give back, and help our community.”
— Curtis Gostanian
“I want to help out our community, and I have so much fun doing it.”
— Vikki Diaz
Volunteer Group Highlights
Ventura Housing
Ventura Housing staff had a blast at their Give Back Day! Teams packed 1,800 USDA bags, 480 Senior Kit boxes, and sorted rescued food, competing to see who could finish fastest. Laughter and friendly rivalry made for a fun and meaningful day. They can’t wait to return next year!
Soroptimist International of Oxnard
Six volunteers from Soroptimist International of Oxnard joined us at our College Park drive-thru food distribution. Now they are hooked! They’ll be volunteering quarterly, helping us keep our community fed. They told us that it was so rewarding to work with other volunteers, share smiles, and make a real difference.
Ojai Valley School
Teacher Fred Alvarez and Interim Head of School, Craig Floyd have been longtime champions of Food Share, bringing dozens of students and staff to volunteer with us monthly. Ojai Valley students have packed fresh produce, sorted rescued food and assisted at our College Park drive-thru food distribution. It’s inspiring to see kids giving back and seeing firsthand how their efforts help our neighbors.
Livingston Memorial’s Living Life Widowed Group
Nine volunteers from Livingston Memorial’s Living Life Widowed Group joined us to sort donations from the CAN-tree Food Drive. Together they processed 3,560 lbs of food – that’s 2,967 meals for our neighbors, showing how a small group can make a huge impact. Volunteers truly shine when giving back!
Other Ways to Help
Bread Route Drivers & Helpers needed
Early morning shifts (7 AM to 09:30 AM) on various routes. For more info. please contact Laura at lthomson@foodshare.com
NALC Stamp Out Hunger
We need your help with the Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 9! Find a volunteer shift that fits your schedule: Click here
College Park
Meet new friends while distributing food at our College Park drive-thru food distribution! Unable to lift food items? No problem, you can help direct traffic and greet our neighbors! For more info click here.
Mark Your Calendar!
We Want to Hear From You!
Your Voice Matters
What do you think of The Orange Heart? Too much? Not enough? Want to see something added? We’d love your feedback—help us make this newsletter even better! 🧡
Email us your thoughts:
volunteer@foodshare.com
Your Community Engagement Team
LAURA THOMSON
Volunteer Events
Coordinator
LILIE GURROLA
Volunteer Engagement
Coordinator
CHARLIE BERTOK
Volunteer Operations
Coordinator
FRANCISCO AVILA
Volunteer Operations
Coordinator
CARLOS PEREZ
Volunteer Operations
Coordinator
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can volunteer at Food Share?
Anyone 12 years and older can volunteer! Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Yes. All volunteers must register in advance through our online volunteer portal.
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
Tasks vary by shift and may include sorting and packing food, assembling boxes or bags, and helping at food distributions. There is a description of activities when you register, and training will be provided on arrival.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required. Dress comfortably with clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and be ready to work in a warehouse or outdoor environment. Layers are recommended.
Do you offer community service hours?
Yes! Food Share is happy to verify volunteer hours for school and clubs after your shift is completed. For court-mandated service, please email Lupita Rodriguez grodriguez@foodshare.com
How long are volunteer shifts?
Most shifts are 2–3 hours, though times can vary depending on the project or event.
Can groups volunteer together?
Absolutely! We welcome corporate, school, faith-based, and community groups. Group leaders should contact us in advance to schedule.
Do I need special skills or training?
No experience is needed—just a willingness to help and lift the required weight per volunteer description. We’ll provide all the training and guidance you need during your shift.
Where do volunteer activities take place?
Most shifts are held at our warehouses in Oxnard, but we also have off-site opportunities at food distributions and events across Ventura County.
How do I sign up?
Visit our volunteer page at Volunteer Opportunities – Food Share of Ventura County to view opportunities and register for a shift.
Have Questions about volunteering? We’ve Got Answers! Email us at volunteer@foodshare.com
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