Kids Supporting Community
By promoting teamwork, initiative, and problem-solving we empower young participants to develop valuable abilities while cultivating a passion for community service. Moreover, our efforts raise funds for our esteemed local partner organizations!
We welcome volunteers ages 7 and older (and sometimes younger if older siblings and parents are involved). Families are encouraged to volunteer together at the dinners. Volunteers under 12 should have a parent or another adult sponsor to volunteer with them. Siblings under 7 can come with their parents if older siblings are participating.
10 Y/O
And younger require parent present
2,200+
Annual volunteer hours
7+
Years old to volunteer
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
WATCH THE VOLUNTEER TRAINING VIDEOS
KPP is a family affair! KPP is appropriate for kids 7 years old and older. Sometimes, younger siblings join in with dedicated parental support. We even have a teen program!
We request that children under 10 have a parent/adult volunteer present or be with another adult volunteer as their proxy. We also ask that parents of older volunteers sign up for the first 2 shifts a youth signs up for, and we encourage each parent of older, long-time volunteers to sign up and assist for at least 2 shifts per year (adult shifts can be partial).
How KPP Benefits Kids
During each volunteer session, there is a 15-20 min lesson on culinary arts, budgeting, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, or service. Our Teen Youth Advisory Council trains the younger participants!
Nurturing Life and Business Skills
KPP focuses on developing essential life and business skills in our youth volunteers.
01
Culinary Adventures with Local Foods
Kids will discover the joys of local foods, get to know local farms and seed savers, develop culinary skills, and practice seasonal eating.
02
Empowering Through Education
Our Youth Advisory Council empowers teens to explore the world of nonprofit management with exposure to CRM operations, staff training, and marketing skills, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
03
Compelling Letters of Recommendation
KPP Dinner Managers write compelling letters of recommendation for our dedicated volunteers.
04
Engaging in Local Philanthropy
Youth connect with the leaders of local non-profits, delve into the significant impact they are making in our community, understand the challenges they are addressing, and discover the empowering notion that everyone can contribute to positive change. This experience instills a commitment to service as a fundamental aspect of citizenship.
05
Strategizing for a Better Experience
Youth Participants get the unique opportunity to hear feedback and actively strategize on how to make our diners’ experience even more enjoyable, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.
06
Accumulate Volunteer Hours
KPP tracks accumulated volunteer hours, which can assist older participants with job and college applications.
07
Crash Course in Making a Difference
It’s more than volunteering; it’s a crash course in making a difference, giving youth a valuable advantage as they make changes in their community and enter the labor market.
08
Volunteer Roles
Cooking Sessions
- Make the pasta dough and roll out the noodles or other dough
- Prepare the salad or side
- Help make the sauce
- Prepare dessert
Dinner Service Sessions
- Set the tables and learn fancy napkin folds
- Host/Hostess
- “Greeter” (usually an extra role for younger kids)
- Cashier
- Waiter/Waitress
- Busboy/girl
- Sous chef for salad, bread and dessert
- Mid-dinner speech (all participants get a role to play)
Attire
During volunteer shifts, we ask everyone to wear closed-toed shoes and have their hair pulled back and covered with a hat or bandana. KPP provides aprons and KPP Shirts for dinner service.
Meals During Shifts
Meals are served to volunteers as part of training during volunteer shifts. When we sit down to dinner together before the guests arrive, we have the opportunity to hear about the community organizations being sponsored and others who have applied. Please be sure to include dietary restrictions during your sign-up.
How To Volunteer
Fill out the form below to reach out and be added to our volunteer list. Once you are on the list, we email volunteer sign-up opportunities 3-4 weeks before each dinner.