Opportunities From: America's Soup Kitchen

Thank you so much for stepping up to help America’s Soup Kitchen at the Wellness Connection Farmers Market!

Our presence at the market is vital for spreading the word, raising support, and connecting with the Stone Ridge community. We truly appreciate you giving your time to represent our mission. The first Saturday of every month will be a training and introduction to all of ASK's volunteer opportunities and operations including the market. Our Director of Operations, Jones Parris, will be in attendance to hold the training. 

Below are the operational details and expectations for setting up and breaking down the vendor stall.

Market Location & Timing Location:

Stone Springs Hospital Parking Lot (24440 Stone Springs Blvd, Dulles/Stone Ridge, VA)

Material Pickup: Please arrive in a car with enough space for foldable tables and a tent at 42622 Suny Bay Ct. Chantilly, VA 20152 at 7:30 AM to pick up all materials for setup. 

Arrival & Set-Up (7:45 AM – 8:45 AM)

Arrival Window: Please arrive between 7:45 AM and 8:15 AM so we have plenty of time to set up before foot traffic begins.

Unloading: You can drive your vehicle directly up to our designated stall space to unload the market kit (tent, tables, banners, and outreach materials).

Parking: To ensure safety, all vehicles must be moved out of the market footprint and parked in the designated volunteer/vendor area by 8:45 AM.

Setup: We will set up a standard 10x10 canopy tent, tables, and display materials. Note: Because the market is held in an open hospital parking lot, it can get windy—attaching the heavy tent weights is a mandatory safety requirement during setup.

Breakdown & Wrap-Up (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Market Close: The market officially ends at 12:00 PM. For the safety of the shoppers still walking around, we cannot begin packing up or bringing vehicles back into the space until exactly noon.

Packing Up: We will pack down the banners, collapse the tent, and load everything back into the vehicle.

We aim to leave our space pristine. We will do a quick sweep for any trash or materials before heading out, with a goal to be completely wrapped up by 1:00 PM.

A Quick Note for Your Shift: You’ll be the face of America’s Soup Kitchen today! Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and don't worry—we will provide you with all the talking points, sign-up sheets, and informational flyers you need to chat with market-goers.

Volunteer Shift Schedule:

5:30pm:  Pick up meals at 42622 Suny Bay Ct., Chantilly, VA 20152.  Proceed to Stone Springs Hospital Center (24440 Stone Springs Blvd, Dulles, VA 20166).

6:00pm:  Begin distribution outside of Stone Springs Hospital Center (Park in the lot located between the Hospital and Rt 50.  You should be able to see the "Surgery Discharge" and "Ambulance" signs from your parking spot).  Distribute meals from your vehicle.  If feasible, keep the vehicle trunk open for individuals picking up meals to easily locate you.

7:05pm:  End distribution.  Please drop off remaining meals at the Emergency Room lobby of Stone Springs Hospital Center and bring the thermal bags back to the pick-up address listed above (42622 Suny Bay Ct., Chantilly, VA 20152). 

Note: There may be two volunteers signed up for each shift. If you are scheduled for a shift with another volunteer, please wait for a text message from America's Soup Kitchen to coordinate which individual will be picking up the meals.