Volunteers are a crucial part of the Christmas Store. On the days of the store, volunteers serve across a variety of areas, in shifts of 2.5 hours. A brief orientation and training session is offered at the beginning of each shift. Below is an overview of the store’s operations, with volunteer roles described and the role name in bold type:
When the Christmas Store begins and clients arrive, they are checked in for their appointment (client check-in) and then then treated to holiday music, decorations and refreshments. Clients for whom English is not their primary language may receive assistance (Spanish interpretation). Free child care is provided for clients who bring their children (childcare). Volunteers then assist clients in locating the toys for the particular age group and gender of each registered child (customer service). The supplies of toys for each age group and gender are restocked throughout the store (inventory). Once all of the client’s toy selections are gathered, the cart is delivered to a “pod” for wrapping (gift wrapper). Once all the toys in the cart are wrapped and ready, volunteers assist the clients and their carts to their car (toy loader). (Floater) is the volunteer role for those who wish to help in the area that has to most need of volunteers. Floaters will be assigned a volunteer area upon arrival. For clients who miss their Christmas Store appointments, volunteers on Monday morning after the store (Monday morning elf) select and bag toys for registered children before clients arrive that afternoon for pick-up.
Due to the pace of the Christmas Store and the nature of the store’s activity, it is not suitable for children younger than 12. Children who are 12 and older may volunteer in any area with a parent or guardian immediately alongside the child at the same time in the same area. To serve without a parent or guardian immediately alongside, a child or teen must meet the minimum age requirement for that particular area.
Volunteer Shifts:
Friday, December 9, 2022:
- 1:30pm – 4:00pm
- 3:30pm – 6:00pm
- 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, December 10, 2022:
- 8:30am – 11:00am
- 10:30am – 1:00pm
- 12:30pm – 3:00pm
- 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Monday, December 12, 2022:
- 9:30am – 11:30am
Volunteer Registration:
Volunteer registration is closed, as the store’s roles and shifts are filled for this year. Thank you for your interest in serving at the Christmas Store!
Volunteer registration for next year’s Christmas Store (Dec. 8-9, 2023) will be available by November 1; please join in next year’s store if you can!