MADISON – During the Christmas season, many people may wish to help others and ‘give rather than receive.’ Lending a hand at Inside-Out Ministries can be a cherished gift.

Inside-Out Ministries’ address is 103 Gin Oaks Court, which is just off Sullivan Street in downtown Madison. Inside-Out provides short-term emergency assistance for basic living necessities to individuals who have a demonstrated need for help.

To help in the office, volunteers greet and receive guests, answer phone calls, take messages or make client referrals. Maintaining and organizing is important for the office supplies, along with cans, packages and bottles in the food pantry.

Administrative work includes preparing documents and information booklets for sharing, labeling documents and promotional items, leading or participating in special events or serving/packing food for donation. Volunteers accept donations and issue receipts.

Clerical duties can involve data entry/keyboarding, photocopying and eventually conducting client interviews as needed. Inside-Out frequently coordinates building projects in the community, and these projects require willing workers with many different skills.

Inside-Out requires all volunteers to complete an application and attend training to understand office and ministry procedures.

“Volunteer needs change constantly and can cover just about anything we may need as a ministry,” Director of Operations Deborah Ward said. “Each day, each person and each need is different, and we will work with you to offer our best to you and to our friends who are struggling with the basics of life.”

“Hunger and poverty do not know what time of year it is,” Ward said. “These issues are in front of us each and every day in many ways.”

Basic, daily necessities of living are always in demand for Inside-Out. Packaged mixes like pancake mix; canned or bottled staples like fruit, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly and pastas; canned meats; and juices.

Inside-Out distributes cleaning supplies, like detergents, paper towels; and cleaners, like 409, Spic ‘n Span and Windex. Clients need all types of hygiene items from deodorant to shampoo.

For more information, call 256-325-5193, email deborah@inside-outministries.org or visit inside-outministries.org.