Volunteer With the Giving Garden
Whether you have a green thumb or have never stepped into a garden before, there's a place for you here. Join us in growing fresh food for local families while building community and connection.
"Volunteering at the Giving Garden is the highlight of my week"
- from volunteer Thalia
Why Volunteer…
Every season, volunteers help the Giving Garden grow thousands of pounds of fresh produce for local food pantries serving families throughout the Greater Lawrence area. As the need for food assistance continues to grow in our community, access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables is more important than ever. Whether you're planting seedlings, harvesting vegetables, or helping with special projects, your time helps ensure that local families have access to healthy food.
Some impressive facts thanks to our volunteers:
Over 17,000 pounds of produce harvested annually
More than 90,000 servings donated
Over 700 volunteers each year
Nearly half of the volunteers are youth
Good To Know…
Typical volunteer activities include:
Planting and seeding
Weeding and mulching
Harvesting vegetables
Washing and packing produce
No gardening experience is required!
What Should I Bring?
Dress comfortably for outdoor work and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. We recommend bringing a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and/or bug repellent. Gloves and tools are provided.
Group Volunteering
When Can I Volunteer…
Volunteer sessions are offered throughout the growing season (April - November) during weekday mornings, evenings, and weekends. Most volunteer shifts are approximately two hours long.
Looking for a meaningful team-building experience? We welcome corporate teams, school groups, faith communities, and civic organizations. Group volunteer opportunities can be customized to your size and schedule.
Join groups like Pfizer, New Balance, Brooks School, New Balance, Temple Emanuel, and SquashBusters as part of a growing community of volunteers helping to cultivate food, community, and care!
Frequently Asked Questions
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No! Just bring a willingness to learn, try something new, and get your hands a little dirty. We will provide guidance and training for every task.
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Yes! We welcome volunteers of all ages. Children ages 5 and up may volunteer with a parent or supervising adult. Volunteers ages 14 and older may participate independently with a signed permission slip. From planting and harvesting to special projects, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy and contribute.
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We volunteer rain or shine and will typically work through a light drizzle. If heavier rain or severe weather is expected, we will notify volunteers before their scheduled shift if we need to cancel or make any changes. Be sure to check your email before heading to the garden if the forecast looks questionable.
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You can reach us anytime via email [info@givinggardenma.org] or through the Contact Us section on our webpage.
We aim to respond quickly - usually within one business day.
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Not at all. Whether you join us for a single volunteer session or return throughout the season, every hour makes a difference. We welcome volunteers whenever their schedules allow, and there is no ongoing commitment required. Many people come once to try it out and discover they enjoy being part of the community and seeing the garden grow over time!
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out our short form and let’s figure things out together—no worries, we’ve got you covered!