Knights Pantry
Volunteer Policies and Procedures Guide
Introduction
The services which Knights Pantry provides can only be made possible by the valiant
efforts of our staff and volunteers. The smooth operation of this community effort would be best
facilitated by the heart and hands of this project gaining a familiarity with the regulations and
procedures involved in Knights Panty’s brand of progressive social outreach. This section will
act as a guideline for the optimal use of everyone’s time and talents.
Equal Opportunity Policy
Any applicant is eligible to be a volunteer as long as said party is a UCF student. The
dismissal of a prospective or enlisted volunteer from Knight’s Pantry is enacted solely on the
basis of performance or temperament.
Volunteer Rights
Volunteers have the right to do meaningful tasks, be treated with respect, have effective
supervision, and receive recognition for the work accomplished.
Supervision
Senior staff members are available during all hours of operation. The office in the student
union is easily reached by phone and email. The staff is there to act as your partners and provide
support and direction. Designated volunteer coordinators and staff members are available to
provide orientation, training, supervision, information, and feedback.
Recognition
Volunteers will receive due documentation of their exploits. If you need particular forms
filled out in order to document your community service, please have them on hand.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Notice that this section is much longer. It wouldn’t be as noble and meaningful if it was
easy. Knights Pantry is a groundbreaking venture into campus community service, and as such a
progressive academic institution, it is dedicated to providing collegiate quality care. All
volunteers are expected to perform their tasks to the best of their ability and maintain a
dedication to the spirit of these endeavors.
Decorum
It is necessary to keep in mind that the people seeking aid from Knights Pantry are your
peers and classmates. Treat them with the same respect you would expect. Exercise discretion
and address everyone in the Pantry with due decorum and compassion.
Daily Duties
-Keep the food with the soonest approaching expiration dates toward the front of the
shelves.
-Maintain toiletries for distribution.
-Check student IDs
-Tally the number of visitors per hour.
-Keep the shelves in the Pantry and backroom neat and organized.
-Keep clothes and toiletries neat and organized.
-Remind students to complete the survey.
-Answer questions for new visitors.
-Log in and out using the volunteer log.
-Collect donations from the drop boxes around the campus.
-Assist in food drives and events as necessary.
Collecting Donations
-Weigh the donation and log the amount on the donation form.
-Wash the donated food.
-Date all food items.
-Throw out expired or outdated food.
-Put overflow stock in the backroom.
When Opening the Pantry
-Arrive at 11:45 am.
-If the Pantry is locked, find custodial staff in the auditorium.
-Turn on the scales.
-Turn on the computers and ready them for survey use.
-Prepare all forms for the day.
- Turn on Pandora or the television.
-Unlock the doors, flip the sign so that “open” is showing through the glass, and be ready
for business at 12:00 pm.
When Closing the Pantry
-Tally totals for donation weight, visitors, and volunteer hours.
-Email daily totals to the volunteer coordinator.
-Log off and turn off the computers.
-Flip the sign so that “closed” shows through the glass.
-Turn off the lights and lock the door
Absenteeism and Tardiness
Volunteers should do their best to be on time for a scheduled shift, but when extenuating
circumstances arise, please inform your supervisor as soon as the complication arises. The staff
on duty will do its best to cover your shift and reschedule your timeslot.
Filing Grievances
The atmosphere of Knights Pantry is one of growth and edification. If any volunteers or
staff members have concerns about the safety, efficiency, organization, of the workplace, they
should not hesitate to contact a qualified supervisor. Complaints will be addressed with due
diligence and handled confidentially. Every effort will be made to resolve the issue in an
appropriate, expeditious, and effective manner. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for hostile
work environment complaints regarding sexual harassment or child abuse. Harassment of any
sort will not be taken lightly.
Discontinuation of Volunteer Activity
If a volunteer wishes to cease participation at any time, he or she need only notify the
appropriate supervisor so that his or her scheduled activities can be redistributed.
Media Representation
Please do not represent yourself as a spokesperson or representative of Knight’s Pantry
in any capacity without your supervisor’s approval.
Alcohol/Drug Policy
Please keep in mind that while this is a judgment free zone, volunteers should be able to
actively execute their assigned tasks efficiently. Drugs and alcohol in the workplace only inhibit
the cohesiveness of the workforce and put a damper on productivity. Purchasing, transferring,
using, or possessing such substances in an illicit manner may lead to disciplinary action, even
dismissal.
Theft Policy
Please do not take anything without prior approval. A key part of Knights Pantry’s
mission is the organized distribution of aid. Please follow procedure and you will be sure to get
what you need. Just ask yourself, “What’s the point of stealing from a free store?”
Confidentiality Policy
In the course of duty, volunteers may become aware of private information about their
clients. Please withhold any personal details about the visitors unless it is absolutely necessary.
What predicates ‘absolutely necessary’ will be outlined in the Confidentiality Form which each
volunteer is required to sign.