Helping People
Help Themselves

Since 1974

Volunteer Opportunities

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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

We LOVE our volunteers that come in and clean the floors, defrost and clean the freezers and refrigerators, AND our volunteers that make sure all the foods are examined for expiration dates and fill the shelves each day so that our clients have safe and healthy food. We can’t forget to mention our volunteers that go to DakotaMart and WalMart each week and pick up donated foods and bread. Our Pantry is known as one of the cleanest and most organized Pantries. We truly have something special here to serve our clients in Hughes and Stanley County. Visit the Food Pantry Volunteering page or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to volunteer now.

BackPack Program

We currently use 3 shifts of volunteers each week throughout the school year to help fill sacks of food for the weekend food program for Pierre and Stanley County Schools. 1st shift comes in and counts and sets up the foods to be distributed, 2nd shift of volunteers come in and fill the bags, and our ever important 3rd Shift comes and delivers the bags to the Elementary Schools.

Food Drives

No matter what the age, individual, organization or business- those that volunteer by hosting or funding food drives are truly the game changers for the Pantry and BackPack Program. Through their determination and grit we are able to fight hunger in our communities. Our big food drive is the The Ardis Townsend Challenge in March and April.

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.