VOLUNTEER WITH US!

JUST A FEW HOURS OF YOUR TIME CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE WE SERVE

VISALIA EMERGENCY AID UTILIZES OVER 18,900 VOLUNTEER HOURS EACH YEAR

Our food and family assistance programs continue to be successful because of our amazing volunteers!

Food Pantry Volunteers

Sort, Pack & Distribute Food: At VEAC, we make it a priority to ensure that every item we distribute is safe, nutritious, and ready to eat. Most donations to our Food Pantry need to be carefully sorted and packed before they reach families, seniors, and veterans in our community. Volunteers play a key role in this process, helping us make sure our neighbors receive quality food they can count on. Training is provided, and while this role is open to most volunteers, it may not be suitable for children under 13.

Visalia Emergency Aid Thrift Store Volunteers

Our VEATS retail outlet offers new and gently used clothing, furniture, housewares, jewelry, shoes, and more—all to support VEAC’s mission of serving local families in need. Volunteers at VEATS play an essential role in keeping the store running smoothly. Tasks may include organizing merchandise, assisting customers, assembling products, stocking shelves, pricing items, cleaning, and accepting donations.

Race Against Hunger Volunteers

Our Annual Race Against Hunger is the Central Valley’s largest 5K run—thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who make it possible every year! From day-of registration and packet pickup to traffic control, the Kid’s Race, t-shirt distribution, set-up, and tear-down, volunteers are essential to keeping this beloved community tradition running strong. By joining us, you’ll not only help create a safe and successful event—you’ll also make a lasting impact in your community.

Group and Corporate Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering with VEAC is a powerful way to build teamwork, strengthen employee morale, and give back to the community. We create meaningful opportunities tailored for businesses, clubs, and churches—opportunities that are vital to keeping our food pantry running strong.

In 2021 alone, more than 1,500 volunteers contributed over 18,900 hours of service. Your team can be part of that impact. Whether it’s helping at our Thanksgiving Race Against Hunger, distributing holiday food baskets, or assembling bikes for kids, there are countless ways your group can make a difference.

By volunteering, you’re not just giving time—you’re helping change lives for families and individuals right here in our community. Call us at 559-732-0101 to learn more about group opportunities for your business or organization.

Sign-Up Here!

A Visalia Emergency Aid staff member will contact you within the next few days during normal business hours.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VOLUNTEERING WITH VEAC

When: Opportunities are available year-round—whether during the summer, at holiday distributions, or at our annual Race Against Hunger.

Who: Volunteers can join us individually or as part of a group.

Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Dress Code: For safety reasons, volunteers at the food pantry or thrift store must wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops). Please dress comfortably and appropriately for a warehouse environment.