Short-term Volunteers, Long-term Impact

Week-long teams are welcome, whether you are a church group, a home school family, or just a group of friends who want to volunteer. Gleanings For The Hungry is the perfect place to serve for a short time, yet make a lasting impact.

Volunteers work five days a week. Room and board is provided for a donation. From the end of September until the middle of May we blend and package soup mix. Thousands of pounds of rice, lentils, pasta, and other dried ingredrients are donated; volunteers help us blend and package it to produce a healthy, nutritious soup. Patchwork quilts are created and sewn, to be distributed along with the food. Construction, maintenance, and renovations to our facilities are also carried out during the soup season

WHAT TO EXPECT

What is the cost?

Gleanings For The Hungry does not charge an official fee for volunteering during Soup Season. We welcome each volunteer to make a prayerful donation for their time of service. (The minimum suggested donation amount is $25/person/day.)

What is a typical day like?

Our day starts at 7 am with breakfast in the dining hall followed at 8 am by a time of worship, devotions, and prayer. Around 9:15 am, we have a 15 minute coffee/snack break before we begin work. From 12 pm-1 pm, we have a lunch break and then work again until 3 pm, when we enjoy a 15 minute break for refreshments. The work day finishes around 5 pm. (Each department may have work hours adjusted to its particular needs.) Dinner is served at 5:30 pm.

Monday nights after dinner, you are welcome to attend our Mission’s Night; one of our staff members will share about our ministry and food distribution abroad. You are invited to join the staff on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6 am to 7 am for a time of prayer in our prayer room.

Mission Builders, your job will be assigned according to the needs of Gleanings when you arrive. We strive to place you in your area of expertise and interest, but it is not always possible. Please come with an open heart and a willingness to serve in whatever capacity you are needed. Weekends are free for resting, exploring, and attending the church of your choice.

How long can we stay?

During the soup season we′re very flexible; you may stay anywhere from one week to three months, depending on housing availability. If you would like to stay longer than one week, please complete a mission builder application.

Where will I be living while at Gleanings For The Hungry?

Our accommodation consists of two hotel style units. The 8-room unit features rooms with a shared (adjoining) bathroom each. In the 10-room unit each room has its own private bathroom. Both units are 2 story. We have limited ground floor accommodation available. The 10-room unit also features one fully equipped handicapped accessible room. Our main facilities are all wheelchair accessible too. Dormitory style rooms with 5–9 beds are also available. Bathroom facilities are in close proximity. We have 20 RV spaces. Most spaces provide full service; please check with bookings concerning availability and your needs.

Laundry Facilities are available.  Our washing machines require HE Soap ONLY. Our suggested donation is $1.00 per load.

What are the standards of conduct at Gleanings?

Gleanings For The Hungry is a ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), a missionary organization whose goal is to know God and to make Him known. Our desire is that our lifestyle – living, learning, and working together – will support this goal. We trust you′ll experience a combination of godliness and naturalness that will be refreshing. By our love for one another, and our way of life, we hope to project a Christian testimony both on campus and around town.

What is there to do during our free time?

Sequoia National Park is located 40 minutes away and Yosemite National Park is a two hour drive away. Both are amazing parks in which to spend the day. We are 40 minutes southeast of Fresno and a 20 minute drive north from Visalia. More information about various tourist sites in the vicinity is available on the Internet. On campus, you’ll find a pool, board games and puzzles, ping-pong and pool table, and a lounge with a TV.

What do I wear?

Dress is casual; we are informal, also for chapel. For Women: Please bring modest attire that is comfortable for working. For swimming we ask that women wear one piece swimsuits or modest tankinis. For Men: Men are expected to wear shirts or tank tops at all times while on campus, except when engaging in sporting events. Everyone: You might want to bring a set of nicer clothing for the weekly Love Feast, a special evening set aside to express our thanks to you for serving with us.

Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels?

We provide linens and towels.

How do I receive mail while I′m there?

Mailing address :
[YOUR NAME]
P.O. BOX 309
Sultana, CA 93666

Is it possible to get e-mail there?

Yes. During your time of service here, there is a computer available for the volunteers. If you bring a laptop, wireless internet connection is available.