Volunteering

In-Store Jobs

Stocking

Daily tasks assigned to a volunteer may involve the pricing and stocking of goods received. The volunteer works under the supervision of a staff member and may be instructed in the use of pricing guns, reading of invoices, and proper placement and facing of goods on the store shelves. While stocking, the volunteer may be required to handle bags or boxes of goods that can weigh up to 40-50 pounds, making the use of the hand cart a necessity.

Stocking is a critical volunteer task. Instructions are posted around the store to assist with this task. Volunteers are expected to make sure that each item is priced and/or has a bar code, that a shelf tag is in place, and that items are placed in the space in which they belong, facing the customer.

Cleaning

General and specific cleaning projects need to be accomplished on a regular basis. Cleaning priorities will be determined for the volunteer, and instructions in the use of proper cleaners and cleaning utensils will be given by the staff.

Food Preparation and Packing

A significant amount of food product needs to be prepared, packaged, weighed, and labeled before stocking. Cheese-cutting crews and packaging crews may be organized by the staff in order to accomplish these tasks as needed. The volunteer will be instructed by the staff in the proper method of food handling, packaging, weighing, labeling, and stocking. Infection-control techniques such as hand-washing and the wearing of hats and plastic gloves are emphasized.

Cashiering

The following is required of volunteer cashiers:

A member must volunteer in the store for at least two to three months before learning to cashier.
After application with and approval by the management, a new cashier must be trained before signing up for a cashier shift.
All cashiers must volunteer at least two shifts per month.
Volunteers who wish to cashier should have good customer service skills, accuracy on the register, and dependability.
Cashiers are expected to stock products or clean and tidy the cashiering area when there are no customers.
Cashier shifts are three hours lo ng. The store needs four days' cancell ation notice; it is the cashier'sresponsibility to use the cashier list to find a replacement when necessary, or notify a coordinator if finding a replacement proves difficult.

Special Jobs

Pick-Ups and Deliveries

Hampden Park Co-op orders goods from a few companies that do not have a delivery service and require pick-up and delivery. Access to a vehicle is a must for volunteering in this area. Some pick-ups are regularly scheduled and some are one-time jobs as needed. The volunteer needs to be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Arrangements for these jobs are made with a coordinator. Volunteer credit is determined by the length of the trip and the amount of goods transferred.

Food Demos and Educational Opportunities

Many of our members are interested in foods and are looking for new ideas in food preparation and use. Volunteers can do a food demonstration and share their expertise with others. Arrangements need to be made with the general manager.

Volunteers may also assist with classes, outreach events, and the planning of special events. Arrangements should be made with the membership coordinator.

Board and Committee Work

All Hampden Park Co-op volunteers are eligible to serve on the HPC Board or on board committees. It is board policy that members who serve on the board or on a committee must also volunteer in the store. Opportunities and committee openings will be posted in the store and may be listed in the newsletter.

Volunteer Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of volunteers to do the following in order to maintain their volunteer status.

Sign up for volunteer shifts on one of the five posted calendars (morning, afternoon, evening, cheese cutting/packaging, or cashier). Names should be written clearly on the calendars, which are located on the volunteer bulletin board in the lobby of the store.
Call the store at least 24 hours ahead of time if it is necessary to cancel a shift. It is best to speak directly with a coordinator rather than leaving a message. Cancellation of a cashier shift requires four days' notice.
Report to the on-duty coordinator at the beginning of the shift. Wear comfortable, casual clothes. This is the member’s time to contribute to the store. Please do shopping before or after the shift. Volunteers should notify the coordinator of any physical restrictions.
Use appropriate hygiene techniques, including washing hands, wearing hats and plastic gloves, and protecting food products from contamination.
Clean the work area at the end of the shift. Give any pertinent information concerning unfinished tasks to the coordinator and, if possible, to the next volunteer.
At the end of the shift, the volunteer should ask the coordinator to record volunteer credit (number of hours and date) on his/her file card, to initial the file card, and punch the wallet card if necessary. Make sure all information is current on the file and wallet cards.
When purchasing goods, the wallet card must always be presented in order to get a discount and to track patronage.

Volunteer Policy

Volunteers at Hampden Park

Co-op will have certain responsibilities and duties that are integral parts of establishing and maintaining current work status. The volunteer should expect to accomplish a variety of tasks during a shift. However, a degree of experience in certain tasks may lead to a particular interest in those areas. This may result in those tasks being assigned to that volunteer on specific days, especially if he or she volunteers more frequently in the store.

The on-duty coordinator will assign tasks, letting the volunteer know what needs attention and indicating where the last volunteer left off.

Performance Review Policy

We encourage volunteers to try various shifts and tasks in order to find a suitable fit. If a coordinator determines that a volunteer’s performance needs improvement, needed changes will be pointed out, and a review of the volunteer's performance will occur in the future.

If a member’s conduct violates the guidelines for member conduct found in the Hampden Park Co-op Bylaws and Policy Manual, the management may, at its discretion, place limits on the member’s volunteer time and/or participation in the store.

The Hampden Park Co-op community is committed to providing a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone as both a customer and a member. Any suggestions and concerns are welcome and can be directed to any members of management or the board of directors.

Hours & Location