Every year the organization I volunteer at has a great get together called the volunteer potluck.
It is definitely a nice event for the volunteers, and I try to attend every year. The staff arranges the date, place, and has a signup sheet. Everyone gets to bring in their favorite dish. It can be anything from cheese and crackers, side dishes, salads, cookies, cakes, desserts, etc. I believe one year we had a venison (deer meat) chili. Usually a few of the staff members bring in a main dish for everyone to enjoy.
If you don’t like to bake or cook, of course, there are paper plates, napkins or plastic forks which are needed.
Volunteering Networking
Usually, most of the volunteers know each other, but that is not always the case. For example, if one volunteer works in the garden and the other in another location, they might never get to meet. Also, there are some volunteers which are limited to only one certain day per week.
Usually, the volunteers introduce themselves around the table. Everyone says a few words about their volunteer duties, what makes it special, and why you volunteer.
Although I no longer have a set volunteer date at the farmhouse, I do pop in occasionally and give tours.
What to Bring to the Volunteer Potluck?
That’s always the big question which I never have an answer for. This time I said I was bringing cheese and crackers. Of course, I’ve changed my mind and now I’m bringing some Devil’s Food Cupcakes and perhaps a few slices of a quick bread.
Sorry, not homemade but made out of a boxed mix. When cooled, I plan on making some homemade cake icing with butter and powdered sugar. I’ll probably add a dash or two of chocolate. I’ll frost them tomorrow before the event. Please note, I always use a cookie scooper to fill the cupcake pan because if you careful it doesn’t create drippings all over the pan.
Interestingly enough, I’ve also baked up a Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Quick Bread Mix purchased from Williams Sonoma. I haven’t tasted this yet, but I noted the chocolate chunks were of a good size. The package said you can frost the quick bread with cream cheese icing.
Now, the house is filled with the delicious aroma of a baked chocolate cake.
Ending Notes on the Volunteer Potluck
OK, one slight error on my part. I added two eggs instead of three to the chocolate cupcakes. We tasted one, and it was fine.
So, now to allow things to cool off, put them into air-tight containers overnight and then frost in the morning.
I’m thinking I might need to add a few pieces of chocolate candy to decorate the serving dish. Remember when serving food it needs to have a pleasing appearance.
I’m looking forward to the event and getting together with the other volunteers.
But for now, Happy Volunteering!