Café Ark brings Ark clients together for dinner and socializing. We welcome you to get to know our clients and other volunteers as you help to set up, serve and clear a restaurant-style dinner prepared by Starr Kosher Catering.

Ages: 12+ (with adult for 12-15)

Time: Two Thursdays each month; 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Location: Inside host synagogue on North side of Chicago

Additional info: Job involves lifting and moving dishes, communicating positively with Ark clients, interacting with other volunteers and staff in an energetic environment.

Bring your family or special friends of all ages to a Family Volunteer Program. Volunteers will learn about The Ark, get hands-on experience volunteering to support our clients, staff, and programs. This is a great opportunity for an intergenerational activity. You will sort through donations from our community-wide Collection Drives that benefit our pantry programs, and work on other projects as needed.

Ages: Any

Time: One Sunday each month; 90 minutes – times vary

Location: Volunteer Hub & Pantry Warehouse in Lincolnwood

Additional info: Tasks can be done seated or standing and moving; adaptable for most physical and intellectual abilities and styles in an energetic environment.

Deliver orders from The Market, The Ark’s expanded pantry, to clients at their homes. Spend a couple of minutes with clients at their door when you are delivering their orders.

Ages: Adults 18+

Time: Starting May 7th, delivery pick-ups are Tuesday/Thursday between 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at The Ark, 6450 N. California Avenue in Chicago.

Location: Deliveries are throughout the Chicagoland area.

Additional info: Must adhere to strict confidentiality requirements, be able to lift and deliver packages up to 25 lbs., and navigate uneven pavement and climb stairs during deliveries.

Help to load and track inventory in the Chicago Pantry Warehouse as The Ark prepares to digitize the pantry inventory system.

Ages: Adults 18+

Time: Chicago – Every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Location: Ark Pantry Warehouse in Lincolnwood

Additional info: Must excel at attention to detail, counting and tracking data; requires lifting and moving items up to 20 lbs.

Fill pantry orders and interact with clients who come to The Ark’s Chicago pantry location.

Ages: Adults 18+

Time: Shifts open daily; times vary throughout the week

Location: Chicago pantry

Additional info: Must be able to lift and move up to 25 lbs., ability to adapt to change quickly, adhere to strict client confidentiality and sensitivity guidelines, and work in a physically active and energetic environment.

Help sort and organize donations for our pantry warehouse, and work on other projects that support Ark programs as needed. This opportunity is a great way to get involved, meet other volunteers, and learn more about The Ark while making a difference in our local Jewish community.

Ages: Adults 18+

Time: Two Wednesdays each month; 10:30 a.m. – noon

Location: Volunteer Hub & Pantry Warehouse in Lincolnwood

Additional info: A typical shift allows for seated or standing work, the option to lift and help move supplies in our volunteer space and warehouse in a relatively quiet setting.

Support our Outreach Initiatives by going to camps, schools and other youth-serving organizations to facilitate an interactive educational session. Training, curriculum and materials will be provided for all educators. Work with children and youth inside and outside.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hour shifts, scheduled as-needed

Location: Off-site

Be part of our Grocery Shopper program. By shopping for homebound clients, or those without access to transportation, you will provide support by shopping for clients, and delivering groceries directly to their door. Volunteers must be able to lift and deliver packages up to 25 lbs. and climb stairs, as needed. Requires ability to call clients, shop for, deliver and carry groceries, may require climbing stairs for delivery.

Time Commitment: 2 hours

Location: Off-site 

We welcome those who are willing to share their time and talent with our clients, as a way to increase the capacity of programming and services that we offer.

If you’d like to get involved, but need more flexibility with your volunteer schedule, consider becoming an On-Call Volunteer. We’ll reach out if we need help with short notice, and you’ll have the opportunity to volunteer with many different programs if you are available.