Volunteer

Volunteers make a huge difference in helping Community Resource Center further its mission and are one of our most important resources.

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About Volunteering at CRC

Our volunteers help at our Food & Nutrition Center and resale stores, assist our staff at CRC events, host donation drives and fundraisers and help the marketing and development team with various projects. Your skills and experience make it possible for CRC to provide programs to end hunger, homelessness and domestic violence in our community.

We couldn’t do this work without you!

Volunteer Opportunities

It's Holiday Baskets Season! At this time, our volunteer needs are being filled with prior volunteer groups and individuals. For questions, contact HBVolunteer@crcncc.org.

For other ways to partner with us during Holiday Baskets, please check the website page:

learn more about Holiday baskets

Please follow us on social media and sign up for our General Newsletter to receive updates!
Our Food & Nutrition Center needs food all year long. Please consider hosting a donation drive and see below for more ways to get involved.

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Resale Stores

Receive and sort donations, and help customers so they have a great shopping experience.

Resale Stores
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Food & Nutrition center

Sort, stock and re-shelve food, help participants as they shop, and keep the Center clean.

Food & Nutrition
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CRC Ambassadors

Help share the mission of CRC! After a special training, work on event planning committees, take on fundraising projects and “table” events.

CRC Ambassadors
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Events

Participate in rotating and seasonal events. Sign up for the Volunteer Newsletter to be notified of upcoming events.

Events
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Other Ways to Partner

Learn more about other ways to support CRC’s mission and program.

Learn More

Volunteer Contact

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with CRC! We are not taking any new volunteer applications at this time and will resume on January 15. We are still open for limited group activities at the Resale Store and the Food Pantry but all other opportunities are filled at this time. 

Please follow us on social media and sign up for our General Newsletter to receive updates! If you are currently a volunteer and have a question, please contact CRC's Volunteer Manager.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
CONTACT CRC'S VOLUNTEER MANAGER

Volunteer of the Month

  • 2025 Volunteer of the Year: Ricka Sprunk

    Congratulations to Ricka Sprunk, CRC's 2025 Volunteer of the Year!

    Ricka contributes her high level of expertise, compassion and leadership to Community Resource Center, helping amplify CRC's fundraising efforts in 2025.

    Ricka Sprunk’s leadership and dedication as co-chair of the CRC Tea Fundraiser went above and beyond. Ricka stepped into a true leadership role that lightened the load for staff and ensured the success of one of CRC’s signature fundraising events. 

    Ricka managed the entire Tea committee, providing structure and clarity through regular meetings she organized at her home or virtually. She created agendas, facilitated discussion, and provided detailed follow-up reports to keep everyone on track. When auction outreach needed extra support, she jumped in without hesitation, ensuring momentum stayed strong. Her project management skills—thoughtful planning, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving—were instrumental in keeping the Tea running smoothly from start to finish. 

    On the day of the event, Ricka was both a gracious host and a steady leader, overseeing set-up, guiding volunteers, and making sure guests felt welcomed. Beyond the Tea, she also supported the Development Team by updating outreach lists used for giveback events and partnerships, further expanding CRC’s impact. 

    Ricka is not only organized and reliable, but also collaborative and generous with her time and energy. Her willingness to step up wherever needed, combined with her strong leadership skills, make her a stellar volunteer and Volunteer of the Year. 

    When asked what she loves about volunteering for CRC, Ricka shared:

    “CRC’s 2025 Tea embodied the spirit of 'never give up.' Dedicated staff, talented volunteers, and passionate community supporters proved that when we lift each other up, no challenge is too great. At the heart of it all, the courage and perseverance of CRC’s clients remind us why this work matters.”

    Ricka will be recognized at the North County Philanthropy Council's Volunteer of the Year Celebration on October 18, where over 100 non-profits highlight a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to amplify their programs and impact.

    Thank you for all of your support, Ricka!

Celebrating Mary Jo Duvall and Gayle Patterson!

Mary Jo and Gayle were instrumental in October in supporting our Holiday Baskets registration process. Data and Evaluation Manager, Shakira Williams, who nominated the two of them, writes: “The volunteer position for Holiday Baskets Registration Team Captain is new this year, and both answered the call when asked. After a brief training, Mary Jo and Gayle took charge of the registration team and the new registration process. They trained the volunteers and oversaw 3 weeks of open enrollment, registering 144 households. This is my 8th Holiday Baskets registration season and the first that I was allowed to primarily focus on quarterly reporting!”

Thank you both for your hard work!

read more
SEE PREVIOUS VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

Mission Moments

“Hearing my 15 year old daughter reflect on her time volunteering in the food pantry was eye-opening, as she was able to absorb and process the lived experience of food insecurity and I sensed that she and her peers were understanding the realities in a deeper and more meaningful way.”

– Lindsey Lupo, volunteer, mom and member of NCL Surf Cities

“I volunteer because I strongly value serving and connecting with my community.  At Juneteenth, I met a woman who told me with tears in her eyes that CRC saved her life almost 20 years ago when she was scared and alone. That hug made my day! I also connected with other organizations who make our community stronger. Volunteering for CRC helps  my mental health and fosters a sense of self efficacy and resilience. Thank you CRC!”

– Elizabeth Whittaker, volunteer

“One day in my kid’s classroom, I noticed that the kid sitting next to her was disheveled and tired and definitely hungry, and I asked the teacher: What do we do for students that are in a predicament such as this?” Watch the video to learn more about why Katrina became a dedicated volunteer in support of CRC’s mission.

-Katrina Dodson, volunteer

I had one lady that I walked from the store that was almost in tears. She was able to buy the cleaning supplies she needed, but also bought clothing and Christmas gifts for her kids. She was sooooo grateful and appreciative!

– 2022 Holiday Baskets program volunteer

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