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Volunteers Frequently Asked Questions
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Lighthouse Mission's greatest need for volunteers is at our Food Distribution Programs. We also accept volunteers at our main building & warehouse. You can also collect food, clothing, or funds to donate.
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Do you accept groups of volunteers?
Yes! Groups are welcome to volunteer at our programs. However, you must register your group in advance so that we can make sure to accommodate you.
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Can children volunteer at Lighthouse Mission?
Children are welcome to serve at our programs, and may also help out at our building. However, all children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while they serve.
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Can I complete my community service hours?
Yes. Please be prepared to complete your hours within our normal business hours. We cannot accommodate volunteers looking to serve after these hours, or who need to complete more than 35 hours per week.
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Will I be notified if a program is canceled?
In the event of severe weather such as snowstorms or hurricanes, Lighthouse Mission may cancel any of its programs. Please visit our website or our Facebook Page for notifications.
What should I do with my valuables while serving?
Please do not bring valuables, including jewelry, cell phones, headphones, music players, or other expensive items with you to Lighthouse Mission's programs. If you must bring these items with you, please leave them in a locked car. Lighthouse Mission is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
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How should I dress when volunteering?
Please dress prepared to serve in outdoor weather - hot or cold. Please wear solid and comfortable closed-toe footwear, as you will be standing on pavement. Please dress modestly without anything revealing, costly, or with offensive language/images.
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Are your programs safe for volunteers?
Yes. Our programs are run in an orderly fashion. In some cases, police park their cars at our locations to help keep everyone safe. That said, sometimes things are unpredictable. Please be alert at all times when serving, and leave any valuables at home or in your car.
Can I give money to the people we serve?
No. The purpose of our programs is to provide free food and share the Gospel of Jesus. We cannot meet all of the needs that people have. Giving money to some people in need can also create issues with other people.
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Can I hand out religious literature at your programs?
No. Bible tracts, bibles, and any other religious or non-religious materials cannot be given out without prior approval from Lighthouse Mission's pastoral team. Lighthouse Mission has approved Bibles, tracts, and books on our outreach trucks to give out.
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Can I offer services or products to people?
No. We do not allow the solicitation of private, government, or non-profit services or goods (free or otherwise) of any sort at our programs unless the group has been pre-registered with our staff.
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What food donations do you accept?
We accept non-perishable food items (canned goods, pastas, cereal, bottled water, etc.), meats (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, turkeys, etc.), dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Please DO NOT bring any cooked food or leftovers, as we are not a soup kitchen.
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Do you accept clothing donations?
Yes! We accept new and gently used clothes of any sort, size, and season. Please bring all clothing donations to our building. We are open weekdays 9:00am-4:00pm. we also have a donation box for after-hours donations located outside of our building.
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Do you accept furniture, household items, or toys?
No. Unfortunately, our warehouse is not big enough to accommodate any donations other than food and new or gently used clothing.
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Can you pick up a donation at my house?
No. we do not have enough staff to pick up donations from your home. Please bring all donations to Lighthouse Mission's building in North Bellport.
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How else can I support the Mission?
Lighthouse Mission needs financial partners to help meet our ministry expenses. All funding goes to support programs right here on Long Island. Click the "Donate" Button at the top of your page.