The mission of WARM is vital for our community, and our volunteers are integral in carrying out that mission. Volunteers contribute to our day-to-day operations, corporate service projects, programs and special events throughout the year. WARM relies on volunteers to function!

As we navigate through the COVID19 pandemic, WARM is committed to continuing its dedication to both serving our clients, and keeping volunteers and clients healthy. There are still opportunities to volunteer and, rest assured, all health and safety measures are strictly enforced.  

Below is additional information, some answers to frequently asked questions, and how to sign up to volunteer.

Please keep the following in mind when planning to fulfill your hours:

• WARM cannot guarantee that there will be enough service hours available in the time-frame you need them. Please fill out your volunteer application as soon as possible and have patience with us as we try to meet your needs.

• Another way to get community service hours and help Westerville residents is by organizing a food drive! Track your hours and tasks and we will sign for you.

If you have additional questions, please contact: 

Julia Smith
Manager, Volunteer Services
614.899.0196, ext. 220
julia@warmwesterville.org 

Visit the page link: Volunteer Roles for a list of potential volunteer responsibilities and positions.

Please note:  All volunteers are scheduled in advance. Most volunteer opportunities are scheduled through our online sign-up. Contact Julia Smith, julia@warmwesterville.org, for details.

There are many ways you can get involved:

• Organize a food drive! WARM depends heavily on individual and group donors who take the time to gather needed food items – any amount of food makes a large impact! Hosting a food drive is easy! *Please contact the Development and Communications Department to inquire about our latest marketing materials and logo files to benefit your food drive publications at 614.899.0196.

• Volunteer at Special Events! Throughout the year, WARM holds a number of Special Events which rely on volunteers for their success. Below is a list of the annual events hosted by WARM - please consider how you can give a few hours to help at one of these events, and then contact Volunteer Services for more information or to be added to our volunteer distribution list. We couldn’t do it without you!

  • WHAT ARE SOME SPECIAL EVENTS HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

    WARM holds and/or benefits from many special events throughout the year. Below are some examples:

    • MLK Day - Family volunteer Event (January)

    • Community Prayer Breakfast (May)

    • July 4th Parade (July)

    • Pastor’s Appreciation Luncheon (October)

    • Thanksgiving Blessing Day (November)

    • Rotary Holiday Food Drive (December)

    Inquire about special events by contacting Julia Smith, Volunteer Services Manager at julia@warmwesterville.org. 

    Service Project Groups 
    Do you work at a company or organization with a yearly service day? Want to volunteer with your church group to make a difference in the community? Does your school or honor society require service hours? Is your club or team trying to meet its service quota? Come serve at WARM through our Service Project Group program! We host groups to work in our facility that are safe distanced and appropriate for every age – work can be scaled to all abilities, and safety protocols are observed. Please contact Julia Smith at julia@warmwesterville.org to schedule a project!

• Volunteers serving in the pantry and distribution center have shifts available Monday through Friday, between 9am - 4p.m.

• Volunteers serving in other capacities may be scheduled any time Monday through Friday, 9am - 4 pm.

• Special projects are scheduled individually and may include additional hours/days.

• All regular volunteer shifts are currently managed by an online sign-up mechanism.

Complete and return an application for details.

Yes you can! Please indicate “court-ordered service” on your volunteer application and consider taking the time to fill out the application, interview and begin serving well in advance of your service deadline.

Note: Food drives do not count towards court-ordered community service; you must be scheduled and fulfill your hours onsite.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older to serve with WARM. Children ages 13 and under may volunteer with their family at special events and group Service Learning Projects.

• When working in the pantry and warehouse, volunteer dress code is casual: appropriate t-shirt, jeans and comfortable close-toed shoes.

• When working in client services as a resource manager or receptionist, the volunteer dress code is modest business casual: a dress shirt and nice slacks or skirt.

• A name tag will be provided to you, please wear it at all times.

WARM’s food pantry and offices are located at 150 Heatherdown Drive in Westerville (43081).
(Note: Some volunteer opportunities are located off-site.)

To sign up to volunteer, please use the link provided here: Volunteer Application. 

If you have questions, please contact:

Julia Smith
Manager, Volunteer Services
julia@warmwesterville.org
614-899-0196, ext. 211