External Volunteers

Typical Tasks & Operational Schedule

• Stocking & Inventory: Unloading bulk food deliveries, unboxing items, checking expiration dates, and sorting non-perishables.
• Pantry Organization: Keeping shelves clean, organized, and properly labeled for our clients.

Bi-Weekly Operational Schedule: The 12th Can operates on a bi-weekly schedule split between Off-Weeks (focused on facility upkeep between distributions) and Opening Weeks (focused on grocery sorting and serving clients when the pantry is open):

• Off-Week Opportunities:
  • Tuesday Development Day (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Focuses on facility upkeep and pantry organization between grocery deliveries (composting, general cleaning, restocking shelves, etc.). (Target: 6 volunteers/shift)
  • Thursday HEB Hygiene Sorting (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Involves receiving and organizing bulk hygiene and household items from HEB so clients can easily access what they need. (Target: 4 volunteers/shift)
• Opening Week Opportunities:
  • Monday BVFB Sorting (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Unloading, inspecting expiration dates, and organizing major food deliveries from the Brazos Valley Food Bank (BVFB). (Target: 4 volunteers/shift)
  • Tuesday HEB Grocery Sorting (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Unpacking and arranging large HEB grocery shipments to prepare for pantry distribution. (Target: 4 volunteers/shift)

The 12th Can welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities. If you require any accommodations to fully participate in volunteering with us, please reach out to the Volunteer Systems Director at 12thcan.volunteers@gmail.com ahead of time so we can coordinate to ensure your experience is both rewarding and accessible. 

Volunteer Requirements & Dress Code

*Important Volunteer Policies*

• Dress Code:  Wear comfortable, casual clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended for personal safety while working with pantry inventory. Please ensure all attire is practical, comfortable, and appropriate for a campus-affiliated volunteer environment.
• Shift Commitment: Please ensure you can stay for the entire duration of your registered shift.
• Punctuality: Arrive 5–10 minutes early to check in and receive your volunteering instructions.

Policy Changes & Updates: All volunteer policies, safety guidelines, and operational procedures are subject to change at any time. As this is an evolving process, policies may be edited or updated periodically to maintain safety standards and support pantry operations.

How to Sign Up!

All volunteer registrations, including individual shifts and group reservations (up to 10), are processed through the Aggieland Serves platform. For groups larger than 10 interested in a food drive, please email 12thcan.logistics@gmail.com.

Important Notes: Registration steps vary slightly depending on your volunteer type. For a complete walk-through of the process, please reference our step-by-step guide below. The registration guide uses the BVFB’s sorting as a visual example, but the same steps apply to all available shifts (including Development Day, HEB Sortings, and HEB Hygiene Sortings). 

Registration for IndividualsGROUPS (10 OR FEWER)

• Step 1: Locate the Event – Find our shift opportunities under the “Opportunities” section of the main Texas A&M or direct 12th Can Aggieland Serves pages or refer to the calendar below!
• Step 2: Sign In – Log in using your official TAMU credentials. 
• Step 3: Select Your Pathway – Choose Register for individual shifts or reserve if you are registering an entire group or organization. (Note: If your group exceeds the target number of volunteers for the shift, please email 12thcan.volunteers@gmail.com before signing up).
• Step 4: Complete Waivers – Fill out any required questionnaires and agree to the volunteer liability waivers.  

Need to cancel? If you can no longer make your shift, individual cancellations can be done via your GivePulse confirmation email. Group cancellations must be emailed directly to 12thcan.volunteers@gmail.com.

You can find more on our cancellation policy here!

View Available Opportunities Here!

Location & Contact Information

• Location: 330 Agronomy Road, College Station, TX 77843
• Parking Info: 
  • Driving: Parking is limited, so we ask that you please carpool if possible! You can park in the lot behind the Mail Services Building. To enter this lot, go through the side gate on the left side of the building. If parking in this area is full, you may also park in Lots 49 or 88 with any valid TAMU parking pass. To locate these lots, click this link: https://transport.tamu.edu/parkingmap/tsmap.htm?map=avp. 
  • Bus & Alternative Transit: If you would like to ride the bus, you may take Route 6 (12th Man) and exit at the Vet Med Stop. If you are riding a scooter or bicycle, you may chain your vehicle to the bike rack in the front of the Mail Services Building on the right side. 
  • Building Entry: If you will be entering the Mail Services Building through the front of the building (i.e., not driving a car), you may enter through the door on the right side of the building. Follow the signs to the warehouse once you are inside!
• Contact: If you have any questions about where to park and/or enter, please contact the Volunteer Systems Director, Aracely Mata:
  • Number: (214) 214-0910
  • Email: 12thcan.volunteers@gmail.com