Out of the Bag: Volunteering

This is a brief post in response to inquiries about how to get involved with our project.

First, thank you for your interest. We are entirely volunteer driven so your help will make an impact. 

We have several ongoing opportunities that require a long-term commitment.

• Tote Transporters are assigned to a permanent drop-off spot and collect the donations on regular basis, usually monthly. Requires reliable transportation, some flexibility storing the bag (such as keeping them in your trunk for a few days) and very minimal paperwork. 
• Crafters make a commitment to design and produce items from repurposed tote bags. This could include coupon holders, "rag" dolls, ornaments, other tote bags and more. Items will be donated to the project. We also hope to create patterns so others can make their own items. This project can be done at home. It requires crafting experience and a willingness to experiment. Sewing machine not required.
• Marketing Committee members are developing a long-term marketing plan and also handling short term needs such as project flyers, promoting tote bag drives. Marketing experience not required. Meets every 6 weeks and also works by email. Should be available at least by email on a weekly basis.
• The Steering Committee oversees the project. This is a hands-on commitment with very specific expectations to volunteer a certain amount of hours per month and conduct a tote bag drive annually. Meets every 6 weeks. 
• Database and Inventory Committee coordinates logistics and information management. Skills with database and spreadsheets welcome as well as logistics or industry skills (retail, wholesale, promotions industry, etc.) 
• Drop-off spots collect totes on a permanent basis. This can be a pet store, an insurance agency, a restaurant or a quilting store to name a few. 

We also have one time or short-term opportunities.

• The Holiday Project Committee will plan and implement our holiday food and tote drive. This will require mostly email communication. Most current data here.
• Event staff provide support at external events - staffing table, distributing information, accepting donations, leading crafts on occasion. Shifts are typically 3 hours and locations vary. Minor children cannot be at the table. Upcoming events include ScareHouse Oct 28 5-11, Unblurred Fri Nov 2 7-10, Yinz Save n Share Couponing Working Sat Nov 10 12-4, and I Made It for the Holidays Nov 30 5-11, Dec 1 1-6. Email for more details
• Blogging content is always helpful. You can write a one time feature on a hunger or environmental topic, you can profile our supporters, you can write about your experiences with a tote bag drive. No blogging experience required.
• We've compiled examples of family and children activities.

** While we can work with individuals completing court mandated community service, we have strict requirements regarding this so please visit our Volunteer page for the specifics.

Most important of all, you can organize a tote bag drive. Set it up at work, at your place of worship, even ask people to bring birthday gifts in totes. We have the "how to" information - you have the people to approach for a donation. Best of all - you aren't asking for money, simply their unused tote bags.

The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project collects new and gently used tote bags for distribution to the region's food pantries. We are a project of the Thomas Merton Center. Visit our website for a list of permanent drop-off spots, information on how to organize your own tote bag drive and details on our partnerships with corporations and promotional products items. You can also follow us on Twitter@Tote4Pgh and Facebook.com/Tote4pgh