Volunteers are integral to everything we do at Keystone. Volunteers serve in our food shelves, senior programs and after-school programs.
Become a Keystone Volunteer
It takes thousands of hands and countless volunteer hours for Keystone to serve 30,000 people annually through our many programs. Keystone is grateful for the dedicated volunteers who offer their time and talent to make our community a better place.
Have fun and make a difference
As a Keystone volunteer you can have fun while making a real difference in the lives of people in our community.
Volunteer opportunities vary in length and frequency. In most program areas, we can be flexible to meet your needs. Below you’ll find the descriptions of the volunteer roles so you can find one that fits your schedule and area of interest. Check out the videos to see Keystone volunteers in action.
Here are the steps to getting started as a Keystone volunteer:
Complete the volunteer application.
Your application will be processed and a background check will be run.
The volunteer coordinator will work with you to determine a volunteer role and schedule.
You will need to participate in a volunteer orientation.
Then you can begin volunteering and supporting the Keystone community!
On average, the process to start volunteering typically takes 5-7 business days.
You can help individuals and families access healthy food.
Be a food shelf assistant
Keystone food shelves help families get emergency food support. In this role, you will assist clients, sort donations, stock shelves and help donors. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old and capable of lifting 20 pounds.
The Foodmobile
The Foodmobile is Keystone’s food shelf on wheels. You can help with our mobile food distribution happening throughout St. Paul. Volunteers can help stock the Foodmobile or serve clients at distribution events.
Be a Role Model to Young People
You can help young people practice academic skills and stay engaged in after-school programs.
Support a child
You can help young people practice academic skills and stay engaged in after-school programs. Volunteers provide homework help, basic tutoring and reading skills for youth in our program. Volunteers can also serve as classroom assistants and lead enrichment activities.
Assist Seniors
Help seniors thrive and live with dignity as valued members of our community.
Deliver Meals on Wheels
Deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in Keystone’s service area. A car, valid driver’s license and current auto insurance are required. You can also help in the kitchen preparing the meals.
Other ways to support seniors
Active Senior Programs
Volunteers in our active seniors program help plan programs, lead activities, assist with parties and mailings and other duties.
Transportation Driver
Transportation is often very challenging for older adults, so our volunteers drive seniors to critical medical appointments.
As you know, the Governor Walz issued an Executive Order directing Minnesotans to “Stay At Home” through April 10th. Keystone is an “essential” business and is part of the Twin Cities’ critical sector response to COVID-19. With this information, we will continue to operate our food shelf, crisis services, meals on wheels and case management programs that support our most vulnerable residents in St. Paul. The executive order also defines “workers” and “personnel” as employees, contractors, vendors and volunteers. This clearly allows our dedicated and wonderful volunteers to continue serving at Keystone during this time. We will have more limited staff in our buildings but remain committed to offering vital support to those who need it.
Programs that are available to the community:
Meals on Wheels deliveries are continuing and staff are modifying operations to ensure safety of the staff, participants and volunteers.
Food shelf operations, including Foodmobile distributions, have been modified to ensure the safety of staff, participants and volunteers but are open Monday – Friday to provide vital food support to people in the community.
Express Bike Shop is open for service repair only. In accordance with the Minnesota stay at home guidelines, bicycle repair shops have been identified as an essential service. To limit person to person contact we ask that you call ahead 651-644-9660 to schedule a bike service repair appointment. Full information is available at exbike.com.
Our youth afterschool programs and active senior programs are canceled as well as any large gatherings in our community centers. AARP Tax Assistance is also canceled until further notice.
We are actively monitoring the situation and will implement any additional strategies when necessary. Stay tuned for updates as things are rapidly changing.
How you can help:
You might be wondering how you can help neighbors during this uncertain time. Here are the top ways you can support your community today:
Give
Your cash contributions give the greatest flexibility to responding the your neighbors’ needs. Support your neighbors today.
Contribute
Give food and household items to keep our food shelves stocked. Click here to see our most needed items and where you can drop off your contributions.
Volunteer
Your time supporting vulnerable people in our community is needed more than ever. Sign up today.
We are so grateful for your care and support!
Healthand Safety Precautions during this time
As you know, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is rapidly evolving. We are relying on facts to inform thoughtful decision-making in an ever-evolving situation. Keystone is committed to providing services in safe, healthy environments for all of our participants, volunteers, and staff. During this time of heightened awareness, we are maintaining our thorough cleaning and food safety standards and expanding them as necessary.
