For The Love NWA free meals, anyone volunteered?

Saw the November Mobile Pantry schedule go up and it got me thinking I should finally stop just sharing the post and actually show up. I know they do the free meals 5:30 to 6:30 in Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville.

For anyone who's helped out: what's it actually like? Do they need hands more than donations, or the other way around? And is it okay to just show up the first time, or should I message them ahead? I'm in Walker Park so the Fayetteville night would be easiest for me. I can do setup or serving, and I'm happy to bring something if there's a list. I was thinking coffee or hot cocoa since it's getting cold, but I don't want to bring something that's no help. ☕

Also just a thank you to whoever's running this. Doing it that consistently isn't easy.

If you go regularly, which night? Might be nice to go with someone the first time.

i'd say message them first, even if it's just a quick note on their page. most groups like this have a rough headcount in mind and they can tell you what they actually need that night instead of everybody guessing. hot cocoa or coffee sounds like a great idea to me, especially now that it's getting cold, but ask before you buy a bunch.

i'm over in Johnson so i've mostly helped with setup and carrying stuff. nothing hard, you just show up and somebody points you at a table. honestly the hardest part is the first time walking in.

i'd go with you if the timing works. i'll check my week and let you know which night.

Agree with Alyssa, message them first. Coffee and cocoa are a good idea, but they'll know what's already covered that night. Rachel, the first time is always the hardest part, and after that it's easy. People are just glad you showed up. 🙂

I'm over by Gulley Park and I've been meaning to do more too. I sew, so I've got a bin of fleece scarves and hats I made over the summer that never got given away. Does anyone know if they take stuff like that, or is it just food? I'll ask when I message them, but if somebody already knows I'd love to hear. It's supposed to get cold this week so it seems like good timing.

If you two find a night that works I might tag along. Three is better than two ☕