Volunteer With Us

Make a difference one hour at a time

Volunteers are at the heart of the Oak Forest Foster Closet. From sorting donations to assisting families during appointments and helping with events, our volunteers make it possible to serve hundreds of foster, adoptive and kinship families each year.

Whether you want to help once a month, join a specific event, or serve during donation days, there is a place for you to have an impact.

Ways You Can Help

Volunteers help in a variety of roles, including:

  • Sorting & Processing Donations
    Ensuring items are clean, organized and ready for families.

  • Restocking the Closet
    Preparing the space to be welcoming and accessible.

  • Family Appointment Assistance
    Helping caregivers shop with dignity and ease (training provided).

  • Special Events & Programs
    Supporting seasonal giving events, scholarship activities, or fundraiser events.

  • Administrative & Behind-the-Scenes Help
    For those who prefer non-public roles (inventory tracking, washing/cleaning items, transporting gear).

Training and onboarding support is provided — no experience required.

How Volunteering Works

Volunteers sign up using our monthly online schedule. You choose when and how often you serve, no long-term commitment required.

Once registered as a volunteer, you'll receive:

  • Access to the monthly volunteer sign-up calendar

  • Opportunities to help during special events

  • Communication about urgent needs and extra shifts

  • Volunteer Sign-Up

    We use SignupGenius to manage all volunteer opportunities.

    After clicking the button below, you will see three sections under MONTHLY VOLUNTEER TIME SLOTS at the top of the page:

    • Register Volunteer — First-time volunteers should start here.

    • Current Month Volunteer Spots — Sign up for upcoming volunteer shifts.

    • Future Month Volunteer Spots — View and sign up for future opportunities.

    Simply click the tab that applies to you.

    View Volunteer Sign-Ups

Teen & Group Volunteers

We welcome:

  • Teens needing service hours

  • Scouts, church groups, sports teams and community clubs

  • Corporate or workplace service days

Some roles may require adult supervision depending on age.

To schedule a group volunteer date send us a message here.

Volunteer FAQ

  • No experience is required. We’ll walk you through everything.

  • Most shifts are 1–2 hours, depending on role.

  • Children 12 and under are welcome to volunteer with their parent. Children 13 and older may volunteer on their own after they have volunteered once with a parent

Your willingness to show up, sort, serve and support families truly matters.

Together, we are helping make sure no family feels alone and every child entering care feels seen and valued.