How can you help?

Volunteer Help

Who is needed?

DEAM needs volunteers to help as outside greeters, in the office and as pantry guides.

What are some things I might be expected to do?

  • Greeters will briefly interview clients to determine their needs and eligibility and assist as needed
  • Pantry volunteers will guide clients through our client choice pantry and assist as needed
  • Office volunteers answer the phone, assist clients with utility bills, update computer entries, and make referrals to other agencies.
  • Our Wednesday volunteers stock the food pantry and prepare food and supplies for distribution to client. They also repackage dry products such as rice, bundle tea, sugar packets and laundry detergent into re-sealable plastic bags. This volunteer position also helps unload ACFB deliveries
  • After - hours volunteers assist in purchasing food and supplies from local grocery stores

Will l be trained?

Volunteers are carefully trained on job procedures and are always paired with at least one other volunteer while on duty. 

How often will I be expected to help?

Volunteers are asked to work at least one morning a month.

Who can be a volunteer?

Volunteers come from several surrounding counties. You may fill out a volunteer application form below. A volunteer coordinator will contact you and provide many more details about the volunteer positions we currently have available. Must be at least 18 years old.

DEAM Volunteer Information Form

(All fields are required.)

To ensure appropriate boundaries, at least two years must elapse between the time a client receives DEAM services and the time she or he becomes an active volunteer. Therefore, if you volunteer, you cannot accept aid from DEAM.

Statement of Truth:
I certify that all of the information I have provided here is true and complete. I understand that any misrepresentation or omission of facts on this application may be cause for non-selection or later dismissal.

Please enter your name below with the understanding that it is considered your digital signature.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form

Ongoing Items Needs

Donations of non-perishable food items that are especially needed on a continuing basis:

  • canned fruit 
  • pasta sauce
  • hearty soups
  • condensed soups
  • powdered (or pods) laundry detergent**
  • corn muffin mix
  • cereal
  • toiletries
  • feminine hygiene products
  • toilet paper
  • small paper bags/paper grocery bags
  • reusable cloth bags

**Economy-sized boxes of these are most welcome.

How to Donate Items

Items can be donated between 8:30am and 11:30am on Wednesdays, since our staff will be re-stocking and unloading deliveries during that time frame.

  December 2024 Most Needed Items:

  • toiletries for the unhoused: small deodorants, toothbrush/toothpaste (travel size), tissues, small soaps, etc.
  • canned peaches, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail (15 oz cans please)
  • cream style corn
  • canned beef Stew - 14-15 oz.
  • canned chili - 14-15 oz.
  • peanut butter crackers for the unhoused
  • toothpaste (large size for families and small size for homeless)
  • canned collard greens - 14-15 oz.
  • canned spinach - 14-15 oz.
  • maxi pads

Financial Donations

DEAM buys many canned fruits and vegetables from the Atlanta Community Food Bank at pennies on the dollar, so financial donations are always greatly appreciated to help fund these purchases and maximize the benefit of your donation dollars. 

Financial Donations are always much needed and greatly appreciated. In addition to helping stock the food pantry, DEAM relies completely on your contributions to fund financial aid for prescriptions, prevention of loss of water, gas and electricity services.

DEAM is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity so all contributions are tax deductible.

Ways to Give:

1. Click on the "Just Giving" button to donate directly to DEAM.

We've made it easy for you to support DEAM's ministry and mission! Just click on the button to provide financial assistance on a secure website.

What a great way to honor or memorialize someone!

2. Write a check to DEAM and mail it to:
DEAM
Holy Trinity Parish 
515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA  30030

3. Designate DEAM as your charity choice when you shop at Kroger.

Earn donations for DEAM shopping at Kroger. Register at krogercommunityrewards.com .

In the account summary, add Decatur-Area-Emergency #0566 as your Community Rewards partner. NOTE: This designation will need to be renewed annually to continue donations to DEAM.

Use your Kroger Plus card to earn dollars for DEAM whenever you shop. Shoppers still earn all their own points while also earning dollars for DEAM.

4. DEAM has a brokerage account so we can accept stock donations. Please email our office for details.

How DEAM Donations Fight Hunger and Homelessness

DEAM donations fund food and financial contributions directly to Decatur-area residents to prevent homelessness and hunger.