Yad Ezra is a volunteer-driven organization. Our small staff of six relies on a dedicated volunteer corps of 150 individuals who regularly give their time, energy, talent and expertise to assist the clients and staff in all areas of the food pantry’s operation.
‘Hands On’ Volunteer Opportunities
- Food Pantry
Assist clients through the food pantry. Sort, shelve and stock food in the warehouse.
Time commitment: weekly, or as available. - Client Intake
Assist clients in completing Yad Ezra shopping list. Basic computer entry.
Time commitment: weekly, or as available. - Russian Speaking Volunteers
Assist in food pantry and client intake
Time commitment: weekly, or as available - Giving Gardens
Assist in our educational garden and greenhouse on Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings with basic garden maintenance.
Contact [email protected] for more information. - Sunday Deliveries
Be “on call” to make Sunday deliveries.
Time commitment: from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Weekly Volunteer Opportunities
Giving Gardens
Sunday: 10am-12pm
Tuesday: 6pm-8pm (During Harvest Season)
Serving Sessions
Monday and Wednesday: 10am-12pm
Thursday: 6pm-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-8pm
*Volunteers must arrive approximately 15 minutes before the session begins
Parking is on the west side of the building. Please enter off of Robina Street in the door that says “Volunteer Entrance.” (Children under 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult)
Special Highlights of Yad Ezra’s Calendar that Benefit from Extra Volunteer Time
- Passover Distribution
- Yom Kippur Food Drive
Volunteers are needed to help pick up, weigh, sort, box and shelve donated food from more than 20 synagogues and organizations. - Annual Dinner
- New Projects
Behind The Scenes Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising Committee
Work on a committee to help raise funds to support the organization through special events or projects, direct mail, solicitations, endowments, grants, memorial funds, etc. Time commitment: once a month meetings, or as needed for specific effort. - Public Relations
Be a part of a “Speakers Bureau” and go into schools/organizations/groups to talk about Yad Ezra. Volunteers are needed to write press releases and contact local newspapers and/or television stations about covering Yad Ezra. Time commitment: once a month, or as needed.
Security at Yad Ezra
At Yad Ezra, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want to assure you that we always take comprehensive security measures to create a secure environment during our serving sessions. Yad Ezra has never had a security incident or threat that has endangered the clients, volunteers, staff or facility. Our goal is to keep it that way. We regularly assess our security situation and are in ongoing communication with the director or security for the Metro Detroit Jewish community, who liaises regularly with local and state law enforcement officials.
In addition, here are the steps we have implemented:
Locked Doors: All entry points not being utilized for the session will be securely locked during sessions to prevent unauthorized access.
Armed Security: At our discretion we contract armed security personnel to be on-site.
Increased Police Presence: We have coordinated with local law enforcement to increase police patrols in the area during our serving sessions.
Panic Buttons: All Yad Ezra staff are equipped with buttons that will alert police of any suspicious activity.
We deeply appreciate your dedication and commitment to supporting our community. Your safety is paramount, and we are committed to maintaining a secure environment for everyone involved.
Thank you for your continued support and trust.
Interested in volunteering?
Learn more and sign up for current volunteer opportunities.
Want to bring a group to volunteer?
Contact Ruth Nadler, Client/Volunteer | Graphics and Communications at [email protected] or call the office (248) 548-3663.