Volunteers are at the forefront of ECCO's ability to serve the needy amongst us. They make up a true cross section of the community…retirees, working professionals, college and high school students and others as neighbors helping neighbors in need. They fill many essential positions that relate to meeting client needs, as well as providing support for the small staff that administers the organization. Currently, volunteer work hours at ECCO are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM in two shifts: mornings from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, and from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM in the afternoon. There are no restrictions as to the days or number of shifts a volunteer can serve; but generally, volunteers serve one shift per week.

Examples of some of major volunteer positions are as follows:

Client Interviewer : Welcomes and interviews clients visiting ECCO to ascertain their situation and needs. A file is created to help track actions and outcomes of each visit and may include information regarding other organizations and/or agencies contacted on a referral basis to further assist the client.

Emergency Food Distribution : The ECCO emergency food pantry resembles a small grocery store. Volunteers keep the shelves stocked with food and other needed household products (diapers, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) and make up the bags of food that are then given away to individuals and families. The volunteers help bring the groceries to the client's vehicle or ride. This provides an opportunity to again welcome and interact with the client and perhaps address a special food or household supplies request (i.e. school supplies, uniforms, laundry detergent, a pair of shoes) before the client departs.

Clothing and other donated items : The community is extremely generous in donating clothing and other items…including toys, books, and other small household things in excellent condition, which are then sorted and given away at no charge. In addition to clothes, etc., requested specifically by the client, ECCO maintains a small “Free Store” located in the client reception area. Volunteers separate clothing into gender, size, and season and put out on the shelves. Clients can then look through these items in a dignified way and adhere to an honor system of taking what they need and leaving the rest for their fellow neighbors. Sometimes, ECCO has more clothing than can be managed and provides some of this surplus to shelters in Charleston . ECCO also hosts a furniture warehouse and distribution operation run by a chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This operation provides these donated items at no charge to the needy, which has been especially helpful to people who have suffered the loss of a home or other dwelling to fire, flood or other circumstances.

Office and Event Assistance: The staff welcomes volunteers with specific office and management skills to help keep ECCO's operations running smoothly. Volunteers with a talent for organizing/managing fundraising events, including charity golf tournaments, etc are also always welcome.

For more information on volunteer opportunities at ECCO please call or email Jan England at (843) 849-9220 (x 11 voice mail), or jengland@eccocharleston.org  

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