Shepherd’s Table is a non-profit organization in downtown Silver Spring, supported by volunteers, religious organizations, government, businesses, foundations, and individual donors. Every night, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Shepherd’s Table serves a hot, nutritious meal to an average of 127 hungry individuals (generally over 200 in the winter months). Those who are hungry come not only for nourishment, but also for friendly conversation and, most importantly, hope. Since Shepherd’s Table opened in 1983, they have never missed a meal…thanks to volunteers like all of you! Go Team Resurrection!
Generally, volunteers assisting in meal prep, serving and clean-up arrive around 5:00 pm to help with table set up, preparing bread and dessert trays and anything else the chef needs us to do. But that’s flexible for those coming from work as there is usually a “lull” before we welcome guests at 6:00 pm. Dinner is served from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm when it’s “all hands on deck” to welcome clients, distribute tickets, serve dinner, serve bread/desserts/coffee/tea, assist with the dining area and wash dishes. At 7:30 pm, everyone pitches in to clean up (wash dishes, clean tables, wash floor, etc.); we are generally done no later than 8:00 pm.
Also, every Saturday Volunteers from Resurrection pick up donated food from the Dutch Country Farmers Market in Laurel, deliver the food to Shepherd’s Table. This takes a maximun of about 3 hours, , from 2:30 PM to 5:50 PM, and the volunteer must have a large minivan, SUV, or truck to hold and transport the food. Volunteers usually are assigned to a specific ‘Saturday once a month., though they help to cover for each other when conflicts arise on their assigned Saturday.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Volunteer with other Resurrection parishioners on the 5th Tuesday and 5th Thursday of each month to help set up the dining room, serve dinner and help clean-up.
Wear comfortable clothes, including a baseball cap (or other type of hat) and closed toe shoes. The minimum age is 16 but 14 and 15 year old volunteers can help when accompanied by an adult. For Resurrection, we have arranged that youth preparing for Confirmation may volunteer with their parent or sponsor. - Volunteer to serve one Saturday a month delivering donated food from the Dutch Country Farmers Market in Laurel. The volunteer loads the food into their vehicle, and delivers and unloads it at Shepherd’s Table in downtown Silver Spring. The entire activity usually takes less than three hours, and training will be provided. Some lifting is required–the heaviest boxes may weigh up to 50 pounds. Volunteers will need a large van, SUV, or truck and will be assigned a regular Saturday (e.g. 4th or 5th Saturday each month) to pick up the food.
For those too young to serve at Shepherd’s Table, click here to find other ways to be involved
Wanting to volunteer? Please click on the name of the following Resurrection Coordinators to send them an email:
Kathy Meaney Stobie, for those volunteering to Serve on the 5th Tuesday/Thursday
Frank Claunts for those Volunteering to Pick Up Food one Saturday a Month
Directions:
Shepherd’s Table is located at Progress Place at 8106 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
From Resurrection, take 29 to Georgia Avenue (heart of downtown Silver Spring). Make a left onto Georgia Avenue. Turn right onto Progress Place at the end of the Fire Station and before the railway overpass. Parking is limited. If parking is not available at Progress Place, metered parking is available on Georgia Avenue.