Get Involved
Find Help
Caritas helps families, individuals, and veterans in need through emergency services and case management programs.
Make A Donation
Caritas is able to provide hope to those in need, due to the generosity of community partners and donors like you. Before the pandemic, 26% of Waco families were living in poverty and unable to meet basic needs. Now, during this unprecedented time, more families than ever before, are needing assistance. Your support helps us provide people with not only hope, but food and other emergency services, and the case management resources needed to help them begin their journey out of poverty. Thank you for donating today to support our mission.
To make a donation by mail, please send a check or money order made payable to Caritas of Waco to: 300 South 15th Street, Waco, TX 76701.

Volunteer

DONATE YOUR TIME

37,000+ volunteer hours are served at Caritas of Waco every year = $940,910 in valued service. We offer a variety of ways for individuals and groups to donate their time, talents, and resources.  Volunteers can donate their time at our food pantry or our thrift store.  See below for more information.  Caritas of Waco is an equal opportunity provider.  Contact our Director of Programs for more information or to set up a time to volunteer:

Shemell Smith
Email: ssmith@caritas-waco.org
Phone: 254-753-4593 ext. 208

 

Volunteer Locations and Information

 

Volunteer Information:

  • Dress Code
    • For safety reasons, sleeveless shirts and open-toe shoes are not permitted. Remember, you’ll be on your feet, moving around, so please dress comfortably. Jeans, t-shirts and sneakers or work boots are perfect.
  • Individual and Group Volunteer Information
    • Larger groups 8-25 can be scheduled with advanced notice (2 week minimum).
      • Larger groups can be split between both locations (Hidden Treasures & Caritas)
  • Volunteer Duties – Food Pantry
    • Bag fruits and vegetables
    • Re-stock shelves with fresh & non-perishable foods
    • Re-stock cooler with dairy & deli items
    • Re-stock bonus items
    • Cart attendance – help retrieve empty baskets
    • Bag/separate supplies or donations for events
      • Ex – “Back to School”, Homeless Connect Coalition
    • Help mobilize items to be replenished in the pantry
    • Work in “Mama Lovies Closet”
      • Reshelf unwanted items
      • Hang clothing/separate items
      • Sort and count items
      • Help assist and check out clients
  • Volunteer Duties – Hidden Treasures Warehouse 
    • Testing electronics
    • Sorting and separating clothing and household items
    • Cleaning warehouse space
    • Unloading and loading trucks
  • Volunteer Duties – Hidden Treasures Store
    • Pricing of merchandise under supervision of staff
    • Receiving donations of goods to store
    • Assisting customers with items to their cars
    • Cleaning of store and back of house areas
    • Maintaining tidiness of store (pick-up clothing, scattered items)

Mobile Food Pantry Distributions

Our partner, Central Texas Food Bank, hosts monthly drive-thru food distributions at the following locations in Waco:

  • VA Clinic
  • Living Faith Chapel
  • Texas State Technical College
  • To view the calendar and sign up, visit http://greaterwacoarea.cafb.volunteerhub.com/.
    Volunteers aged 15 and up only, with ages 15-17 requiring an adult chaperone. Distributions typically need 10 volunteers, groups are welcome.
    For more information, call the Central Texas Food Bank volunteer hotline at 512-684-2140 or email at volunteer@centraltexasfoodbank.org.
    Volunteer Activities:
  • Load trunks and truck beds with food for our clients in the drive-thru
  • Direct traffic

Application

  • Emergency Contact

  • Days Available

  • Times Available

 

Verification

Making A Difference Together

"I support Caritas because I believe in the mission and see the need in our community. In addition to the food pantry and the many client services that are offered, I find it very beneficial that Caritas offers job training and certifications which allow the client to become self-sufficient. I encourage everyone to consider supporting Caritas, whether it be financially or as a volunteer. You’ll be amazed by the dedication of Caritas’s staff and actually see the impact of your contribution. "

Cindy Wood, Caritas Board President

Copyright © Caritas of Waco. All rights reserved.
300 South 15th St., Waco, Texas 76701
(254) 753-4593