Helping People
Help Themselves
Since 1974
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of our agency. Without the help of our volunteers PARS would not be able to accomplish all that we do in a years period of time. Currently, with all of our programming PARS uses more than 2,500 volunteers a year.
Food Pantry
Our volunteers help keep the PARS Food Pantry clean, organized, and ready to welcome our neighbors! They clean floors, defrost and sanitize freezers and refrigerators, check food expiration dates, and stock shelves with care. Other volunteers make weekly trips to DakotaMart and Walmart to pick up donated food and bread for the families we serve. Each task helps us provide safe, healthy food to people throughout Hughes and Stanley Counties, and we’re grateful for every helping hand. Join our volunteer team! Stop by our office, fill out the form at the bottom of this page, or reach out to our Benefits Specialist at pars.assistance@midconetwork.com to get started.
Weekend Backpack Program
We’re always looking for volunteer drivers to help deliver packages of food to local schools through our Weekend BackPack Program! These deliveries help make sure children have food to take home for the weekend, and every driver plays an important part in keeping the program running. If you have a little time to spare and would like to help, call PARS at 605-224-8731 or email pars.assistance@midconetwork.com. We’d love to have you join us—neighbors helping neighbors, one delivery at a time!
Host a Food Drive. Feed Our Neighbors.
Whether you’re an individual of any age, a community organization, or a local business, hosting or funding a food drive can make a big difference for our Food Pantry. Your generosity and hard work help keep shelves stocked and children fed as we work together to fight hunger in our communities.
The Ardis Townsend Challenge
Our largest annual food drive, The Ardis Townsend Challenge, takes place in March and April. Gather your friends, coworkers, or community group and help us make a difference—one donation at a time!
Ready to get involved? Stop by our office or contact our Benefits Specialist at pars.assistance@midconetwork.com.
Senior Boxes
We currently have FIVE routes that our wonderful volunteers each month come and pick up boxes and deliver them to our senior citizens within the communitites of Pierre and Ft. Pierre. They are truly like the post office because no matter if it is rain, shine or snowy they are here to serve and deliver to “their seniors”. This project is not only a blessing to the seniors but truth be told our wonderful volunteers tell of how it is a blessing to them to touch the lives of the seniors on their routes. The camaraderie that builds between them is priceless.
Holiday Meals
This is truly a Community Event! We would truly not be able to delivery to the hundreds of families within Pierre and Fort Pierre if it weren’t for the love of our Community. Not only is this project solely supported by local donations, but it is carried out with such care and compassion in the organizing and handing out of the feasts.
In-House
When times are busy, what would we do without our volunteers that come to the office and help answer phones, do mailings, greet clients, help organize our space and do all of the “other” little things that take a back seat to our small office and staff. Their willingness to jump in is AMAZING!
Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Campaign
TRULY, we would not be able to serve our clients without the brave volunteers that come out each holiday season and either fight or relish in the elements to ring the bells for the six week campaign. 90% of all funds raised STAY in Hughes and Stanley County and it is what allows PARS to help individuals and families through the Spring and Summer months. It is said, if you have never gone out and rung a bell- then you have never really lived!!! Visit the Salvation Army Volunteering page.
Governing Board
PARS is Governed by the Citizens Involvement Council. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful variety of unique and professional people. PARS truly benefits from each of their expertise.
Ready to Volunteer?
Please call us at 605-224-8731 to make arrangements.