Make a Difference, Get Involved!
Looking to make a difference, meet new friends and neighbors, and help build a community without hunger? There’s a place for you at CORA!
CORA’s work would not be possible without an amazing team of volunteers. Join a fun, dedicated, caring community of volunteers. You can volunteer at CORA’s Pittsboro and Siler City pantry locations.
To get started, email volunteer@corafoodpantry.org to sign up for a volunteer orientation session. Orientation is offered at CORA’s Pittsboro and Siler City pantries.
We have a minimum age requirement of 16 years old to volunteer at CORA.
At CORA, we’re committed to ensuring that every volunteer feels confident, informed, and supported in their role. Our training and clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) help volunteers serve with compassion, consistency, and respect for all. To review our full volunteer SOPs, please view them here.
Sort & Stock
If organization and a workout sound like a great way to spend the morning or afternoon, sorting and stocking is for you. Accept donations, stock similar items together, and maintain a clean and safe environment. Must be comfortable lifting 20+ pounds.
Neighbor Check In & Intake
Check in families and update their family information in our database. You must shadow two shifts before signing up.
Shopping Assistant
Assist neighbors one at a time in shopping around the pantry, helping them choose their food items and navigate the space. You’ll call neighbors in from the lobby and coordinate with other shopping assistants to keep track of who is next. You can discuss potential recipes, actively listen, and support their shopping experience.
Retail Recovery and Culling
Retail Recovery
CORA has established relationships with select grocers and local restaurants to receive food close to its retail lifespan but still in great condition and safe for families. Recovery Experts visit a pre-determined location and shuttle food from grocery stores or restaurants to CORA. Must be comfortable lifting 25+ pounds.
Retail Recovery Culling
Volunteers sift through donated groceries and differentiate which food is in good condition and of good quality to offer to families we serve.
Grocery Delivery
CORA offers home delivery for some Chatham County residents who face barriers such as medical conditions, disabilities, or lack of transportation. Volunteers work in pairs to deliver groceries to 4-5 families throughout Chatham County on Friday afternoons. It’s a great time to volunteer with a partner or friend. If you are interested in delivering groceries, please email Mackie Hunter at mackie@corafoodpantry.org.
Organize a Food Drive
Get your family, friends, and neighbors together to collect food items. Food Drives are a great way to raise awareness about those needing food assistance in Chatham County and inspire others to take action. If you would like to organize a food drive, please get in touch with Rebecca Hankins at rebecca@corafoodpantry.org.
Morning Set Up
Assist with setting up vegetables and food needed for morning service. Fill vegetable bins with fresh produce, bread in shelving, and any last minute items so that the Pantry is ready for morning neighbors.
Community Connector
This volunteer role will manage the lobby area and tend to the families we serve. You will help check in with neighbors upon their arrival to maintain the order of families in line. During your shift, you will also help keep the lobby tidy, ensure that the lobby refrigerator is stocked with water, and have conversations with neighbors.
Car Loader
This volunteer will take the carts full of groceries down the ramp outside to the waiting neighbor’s car and help load the food in their vehicle. The volunteer will be responsible for keeping track of carts and ensuring their return. Must be comfortable lifting 25+ pounds.