Due to unexpected construction delays, Mothers Helping Mothers will be closed Thursday evening and Friday for donations and client appointments. If you had an appointment scheduled, please check your text messages and email for important updates and rescheduling information.

Volunteer

MHM runs on the compassion of our community

For more than 34 years, Mothers Helping Mothers has been driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers. MHM is a place of empathy and optimism, free from judgment or bias. We strongly believe that by helping parents, we can make a significant impact on the lives of their children. By showing love and compassion and providing parents with valuable tools and support, we can give every child the opportunity to thrive.

There are so many ways to volunteer. Whether you have a few hours a month or specialized skills to share, your time and talents can make a real difference in the lives of local families.

Hover over each icon for additional information

On-Site Volunteer

Help receive, sort, and hang donations at our store. We also welcome those with administrative skills to assist with office tasks.

Remote Opportunities

Can’t come in? You can help from home with tasks like sorting clothes, assisting with marketing, managing social media, and contributing to newsletters.

Special Events

Join us for one-time events such as fundraisers and our annual gala. We need volunteers to help grow sponsorships, gather items for auctions and raffles, and assist with event check-in and setup.

Crisis Response

When emergencies like hurricanes occur, we urgently need volunteers to assist with sorting supplies, setting up pop-up relief events, and delivering essential items to families in need.

Volunteer FAQs

We’ve answered some of the most common questions about volunteering at Mothers Helping Mothers. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or returning to give back, this quick guide will help you know what to expect.

These apply to those volunteering in-person at our store:

  • Please use our scheduling app VicNet and sign up for your shifts in advance so we can make sure we are sufficiently staffed 

  • Be proactive and stay busy during volunteer hours

  • Active clients are not allowed to volunteer in the store or donation areas

  • Treat all clients, volunteers, and staff with respect, kindness, and compassion

These apply to those volunteering in-person at our store:

  • Under 1 – Mom’s can serve if baby is wearable or stationary

  • Elementary Schoolers – Can volunteer through Sorting Soldier program with parental guidance

  • Middle Schoolers – 10 and up with supervision on site

  • High School – 1st shift trial with supervisor review, then after shift will be evaluated for future shifts

These apply to those volunteering in-person at our store:

Most volunteer shifts take place during our store hours:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:45 am–1 pm

Second Thursday of each month 5:30-8:45 pm

We also offer 1st Saturday of the month shifts and flexible remote opportunities.

These apply to those volunteering in-person at our store:

Please wear comfortable casual clothing and comfy shoes, closed toes are recommended. Shorts and yoga pants are perfectly fine. Purple attire is appreciated if you have it! After 10 volunteer shifts, you will earn your MHM official purple logo shirt and name badge and become a member of the Purple Shirt Club!

Yes! We welcome corporate teams, student groups, and service clubs. Please contact us by emailing vol@mhmsarasota.org in advance to coordinate a group volunteer day.​

Yes! We’re happy to sign off on verified hours after successful completion of your shifts. Let us know in advance if you’re volunteering for credit.

Please direct your volunteer questions to vol@mhmsarasota.org

Ready to join our mission and make a positive impact on families in our community?

Volunteer with Mothers Helping Mothers

We are paused for store donations until Friday, Feb. 27th due to construction.

Vote for Best Local Nonprofit until Wed. 2/4 @ Midnight

Votes can be cast once per day!

*You do NOT need an appointment to request assistance for resources, referrals, or emergencies. Click the Assistance Request link to reach us for those issues.

Quick Rules for Shopping Appointments

You will be able to book your appointment after you’ve scrolled down.

Who Can Be a Client

  • Must live in Sarasota or Manatee County

  • Have custody of children under 18 or be pregnant (must bring proof of children/pregnancy at your first visit only)

  • Pregnant? Shopping for baby items starts 60 days before due date only

  • Bring ID/passport to each appointment

About Your Visit

  • Appointment required (no walk-ins)

  • Shop once every 4 months

  • Only you, spouse, and registered children may shop (no guests)

  • 40 minutes per visit to shop

  • Item limits apply — shop for your family only

  • Free childcare is provided on most days

Baby Items – New Baby Items are only provided 60 days before delivery date!

  • New Clients book an appointment and shop can shop within 60 days of delivery. 

  • Returning Clients – If you’re within 60 days of your due date, and it’s not time to return, you can book an appointment for just ‘Baby Only Items’. If it’s been 4+ months since your last visit, just schedule a regular appointment to shop the whole store plus get your baby items.

  •  The special Baby Only Items appointment won’t affect regular clients scheduled return date.  

Appointments & Cancellations

  • Returning too early? Your appointment will be canceled & you will need to reschedule

  • Times available every 15 minutes – Book only one slot on your desired day

  • Enter name exactly as it is on your ID + correct email/phone

  • No Show Policy: 1 free miss. After that, a missed appointment will be counted as a visit and you won’t be able to return for 4 more months.

  • Click here to cancel or reschedule your existing appointment.  

👇 Click below to book your appointment once you’ve read the full policy.

Text "RESOURCES" to 941-953-7572 to connect with community resources in Sarasota & Manatee counties