Waiver and Release from Liability

WAIVER AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY

 

I do hereby release, hold harmless, and discharge Feeding Westchester and their respective officers, agents, employees and all persons conducting, directly or indirectly, the activities surrounding my involvement as a volunteer at Feeding Westchester from any and all claims, rights, demands, actions, causes of action, expenses or damages, which I or my heirs, personal representative, successors, assigns, or anyone claiming by, through or under me ever had, now have, or may have against the parties identified above arising from any injury, act or omission relating in any way to my participation as a volunteer.

 

I acknowledge that I have read, fully understand and voluntarily agree to this Release.

 

Parental or Legal Guardian Consent Release

(Required if volunteer is under the age of 18)

 

I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor volunteer who has completed a profile on Feeding Westchester’s online volunteer information system and hereby grant permission for him/her to participate as a volunteer with Feeding Westchester. I further agree to abide by the stipulations set forth in the above paragraphs.

 

VOLUNTEER POLICIES

The safety of our volunteers is our number one priority. The following policies have been developed to ensure a safe, productive and rewarding volunteer experience at Feeding Westchester.

 

Volunteers 14 Years of Age and Older are Welcome

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to volunteer at Feeding Westchester's working warehouse. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult with a 5:1 child to adult ratio for groups. Children under 14 years old, accompanied by a parent, may volunteer if arrangements are made prior to volunteering.

 

Appropriate Clothing

Clothes may get dirty when working in our Clean Room. NO sleeveless shirts or tank tops and NO shorts above the knees are permitted. DO NOT bring or wear expensive jewelry or sunglasses to Feeding Westchester.  Loose jewelry is not recommended. Feeding Westchester is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

 

Closed Toe Shoes

Wear sensible closed-toe shoes when working in the Clean Room. No one wearing open-toed shoes will be permitted in the Clean Room or warehouse.

 

Be Alert

Keep eyes and ears open at all times, watching and listening for forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment used in the Clean Room or warehouse. Use of cell phones is NOT permitted in the Clean Room (you may use the Volunteer Room for calls). NO climbing on equipment or running. DO NOT enter the active warehouse without direction from a member of the Feeding Westchester staff.

 

Mechanical Equipment

Do not operate mechanical equipment without direction from a member of the Feeding Westchester Staff. No one under the age of 18 may operate equipment.

 

No Food or Drink Permitted in the Clean Room

All food and beverages must be left in the Volunteer Room. Please clean up after yourself.

 

Records

Every volunteer is entered into a volunteer database for safety and security and to track volunteer hours. Please be sure to sign in upon arriving at Feeding Westchester. Please update your volunteer profile if any of your information changes.

 

Cleanliness

All staff and volunteers working with food are required to wash their hands before starting their volunteer task, after using the bathroom, or taking a break. Some volunteer tasks will require gloves, aprons and hair coverings.

 

Staff Instructions

All Feeding Westchester employees are trained to comply with a detailed set of safety instructions. While you are volunteering, you will be provided with specific directions pertinent to your volunteer task. Please follow all employee instructions and ask for assistance if needed.

 

Food

All of the food in the warehouse and Clean Room is for distribution to our hunger-relief member agencies and their clients. Anyone who takes food from the Clean Room or warehouse will be immediately asked to leave and will not be permitted to return.

 

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside Feeding Westchester.

 

Report Injuries

Immediately report any injuries and/or unsafe conditions or practices to the Manager Volunteer Services or Volunteer Coordinator or any nearby Feeding Westchester staff member.

 

Equal Opportunity

It is the policy of Feeding Westchester to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, or disability.

 

Harassment

Harassment is taken very seriously. Volunteers need to work in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. If you experience or detect any instances of harassment, sexual or otherwise, please report it immediately to the Manager Volunteer Services, the Volunteer Coordinator or a nearby Feeding Westchester staff member.

 

Childcare is Not Provided

Childcare is not provided for volunteers during volunteer service. Parents wishing for their school-aged children to work alongside them when volunteering must receive prior permission from the Manager Volunteer Services. All volunteers need to be at least 7 years old (unless prior approval has been obtained).

 

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, including but not limited to, snow, ice, rain or sleet, please use your best judgment.   You are not required to report to Feeding Westchester if you do not feel safe traveling. In some cases Feeding Westchester may close due to inclement weather. If you are unsure, please call Feeding Westchester at 914-923-1100.

 

Should a policy violation occur, Feeding Westchester reserves the right to terminate volunteers.