Welcome Volunteers

Join a Portland tradition of compassion and community—one Sunday at a time.

Be Part of Something That Truly Matters

Since 1991, Potluck in the Park has been a 100% volunteer-powered organization serving free, hot meals every Sunday to anyone in need. Each meal is prepared, served, and shared with a commitment to dignity, respect, and kindness.

Whether you help cook, serve, clean up, or simply offer a smile, your time makes a real difference in the lives of others—and in our community.

We welcome individuals, families, schools, and groups of all kinds to join us. Training is simple, and every hand helps.

Questions?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator: Lacey Allen at lacey@potluckinthepark.org

Ready to Volunteer?

GENERAL INFORMATION

How It All Comes Together Each Sunday

Volunteer Requirements:

  • All volunteers must sign up on “Hands On Greater Portland” to reserve a spot. (Use link above)

  • If you plan to bring your children or other guests to the event, you MUST reserve slots for them. The best way to do this is to create a Volunteer Team. You can then sign up your team for this project.

  • We ask that volunteers are 12 years of age or older to attend this project. Any volunteer under age 16 must attend with a parent or adult chaperone.

  • All volunteers under 18 are required to bring a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian, or – if attending with an adult – have them fill one out at the event. Please download, complete, and bring this waiver with you on the day of the project:

Potluck in the Park Location Details:

  • Potluck in the Park takes place at the North Park Blocks. The location is around the sculpture at NW 8th and Glisan, in the parking lot of the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA).
  • PARKING There is on-street parking available for $2.00/hr AND a pay parking lot kitty-corner from the park. $5.00 day rate.
  • TRANSIT -Streetcar stops at 10th & Glisan northbound, 11th & Glisan southbound. -MAX stops at Greyhound Depot on 5th & 6th (Yellow, Green and Orange Lines) -Buses: #17 from Downtown or NE, #77 from NE or NW -Or use TriMet’s Trip Planner https://trimet.org/#/planner

Meal Service Activities Include:

  • Helping to unload food and supplies

  • Setting up and organizing in preparation for the meal service

  • Serving hot or cold food to guests as they come through the line during meal service

  • General clean-up which includes but is not limited to wiping down tables and picking up trash

  • Helping to take down canopies and load supplies into the Potluck vans at the end of service

Volunteer Now