"We are nothing without volunteers," pointed out Jonathan Barrett, director of Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS), who is the only full-time employee of the ministry that aids Conestoga Valley School District (CVSD) residents in need in a variety of ways.

Barrett credits the core of up to 40 volunteers, along with six part-time staff members, with keeping the ministry running smoothly. CVCCS provides a food pantry for CVSD residents, a county-wide clothing bank, financial counseling services, and an after-school mentorship program.

According to Barrett, just a few hours a month of volunteer help on weekdays can make a significant difference. "If we have someone serving once a month for a couple hours on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning or afternoon, that's perfect," said Barrett, who added that many current volunteers are stay-at-home moms, retired individuals, or high school and college students who are age 18 years and up. Among the many tasks for which volunteers are a good fit are shopping with food and clothing bank clients, performing clerical duties, completing off-site pickups and deliveries, sorting and shelving food items, sorting and hanging clothing donations, and serving as mentors in the Rooted after-school program.

"We are always in need of volunteers," said Barrett, who noted that an additional 20 volunteers would be ideal and that helpers are especially needed on Thursdays. Referring to the environment at CVCCS as a "family-friendly atmosphere," Barrett called the opportunity a chance to change the world in CVSD, adding, "We appreciate volunteers very much."

CVCCS, located at 2420 Gehman Lane, Lancaster, is a nonprofit social service organization founded in 2010 by the Conestoga Valley Ministerium. Readers who are interested in volunteering may call 717-208-3711. For more information about the organization and its programs, visit https://cvccs.org.