Make a Difference
COTS relies on volunteers to provide our services. Thank you for considering joining us—we look forward to matching you with the right opportunity!
QUESTIONS? Contact the Engagement Specialist at volunteers@cots.org or call (707) 765-6530 and select the option for “Volunteering and Donations” from the menu.
Volunteer at Mary’s Table
Meal Service
What You’ll Do: Set up, serve, and help with cleanup during our daily meal service.
Shifts: Afternoon and evenings
*Must be 16+ to volunteer
*Perfect for first-time volunteers or anyone eager to make an immediate impact!
Meal Prep & Serve
What You’ll Do: Behind the scenes in the kitchen — chopping, cooking, plating, and prepping ingredients.
Shifts: Mornings and afternoons, 7 days a week
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Pantry Organization
What You’ll Do: Support our grocery rescue program by sorting donations and organizing food for community partners.
Shifts: Monday and Thursday mornings
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Food Pick Up
What You’ll Do: Help pick up and deliver food from local grocery stores to our kitchen.
Shifts: Sunday – Friday mornings, about 1 – 1.5 hours weekly.
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*Must have a valid driver’s license for 5 years, a clean driving record, and pass a background check (paid by COTS).
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Additional Opportunities
After School Help at KFFS
Support children and families in our Kids First Family Shelter program through after-school activities, homework help, and enrichment.
Shifts: Weekday afternoons
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Event Help
Support our fundraising and community events — from set-up and check-in to clean up and guest support.
To view if there are available opportunities, please visit: Here
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Community Fun Facilitator
Do you teach art, yoga, tai chi, or something else you think could benefit our clients? We’d love to hear your idea!
Shifts: One-time or recurring workshops or classes
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*Program must align with our mission and program needs
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Supply Drive Host
Support our fundraising by collecting our most-needed items in a supply drive and dropping them off at the Mary Isaak Center.
Run a donation supply drive. We will provide a list of needed items, and you do the rest.
*Must be 18+ to volunteer.
*May require COTS-provided training and staff coordination
Court-Appointed Service Hours
Sign up for a meal service shift HERE and then contact us at volunteers@cots.org to schedule your remaining hours.
We talk about our families, our circle of friends, and the meaning of life. It’s one of the ways you can get together with someone without spending money or consuming anything.
–A COTS Core Volunteer on volunteering in our kitchen
"We talk about our families, our circle of friends, and the meaning of life. It’s one of the ways you can get together with someone without spending money or consuming anything."
–A COTS Core Volunteer on volunteering in our kitchen