Volunteers packing vegetable boxes

At a particularly busy time in our warehouse, two volunteers have been helping our team with packing vegetable boxes ready for delivery. Here's what they have to say:

 

Max:

“Volunteering in the packing warehouse is rewarding!!! What I like is no bending/digging which gets my back . I feel really proper useful and hugely part of the team . The paid workers work really, really hard and I know for them it's incredibly supportive to have us rolling up in our rested glory and biting the bullet to work hard and taking up the flack!
I like the routine of every week; I like the fact we do all the boxes together, 10 to 4 with a lunch break is fine. We sit outside and chat altogether and then crack on again to try and finish early.
It's made me realise that commitment is really needed; getting to know the whys and wherefores is basically what it's all about and just the sheer proper work load I really like (I am a sucker for that).
So all in all I would say 'do it' if you can afford the time and space and regularity. I am going to stay for longer than my initial promise!”
 

 

Will:

“'You must be mad' was the response of one of my ex-colleagues when I told her that I was volunteering to help pack veg boxes at The Community Farm on a Wednesday. So why do I do it? What's in it for me and why do I find it so rewarding?
The day as a volunteer starts at 10 am being warmly greeted by the team who seem genuinely pleased to have the extra help with what is an ever increasing workload. Then it's straight to work helping to prepare for the days pack sorting out boxes, weighing and pre packing veg and generally helping to organise the area for the main pack. It is physical work and there is always something to do but everyone is really friendly and pitches in and truly work as a team. The main pack is usually finished by around 3.30 pm leaving just some tidying up before finishing around 4 pm.
I really enjoy the day, it’s good exercise (much cheaper than going to the gym). Everyone is really friendly and appreciative of the help. It’s a busy day there is always something to do and time passes really quickly. There is plenty of chat throughout the day and during lunch and tea breaks. I feel that by volunteering I am making a really positive contribution to the success of the veg box scheme and The Community Farm.”
 

A huge thank you to Max and Will for all the help you are giving us. Our warehouse staff have been singing your praises.

We welcome volunteers in our warehouse, at events, and out in the fields.
Read more about volunteering on a regular basis.