[Faith-talk] volunteer service to the disadvantaged

[bookwormahb at earthlink.net]

Hi all,

I am seeking volunteer service in a number of areas while I look for work.  We are called upon to help others, especially the disadvantaged.  I might do two volunteer jobs to keep busy; I doubt one position will give me something full time.  I am applying to the Smithsonian and hospitals for an office position.  I also tried a nonprofit assisting those with mental health issues called Crisis link.  

Those are my main ideas for an office position.  But on the side I desire to do something to serve as a Christian.  
Has anyone served at a homeless shelter, food bank, or soup kitchen?  If so what did you do and what was it like?  I haven't even been in a soup kitchen but have an idea what it might look like.  I have however, served food with my church group at a women's shelter.  
Another idea I had and I'm not sure I can do though is to sort and package food items at a warehouse or food pantry or sort clothing donations.  I don't know whether I need to read labels to do this.  Has anyone helped prepare food, even sandwiches, at a soup kitchen?  Since its not my own kitchen and I can't see where things are I'm not sure how doable this is.  Then I figured I could memorize things and I'd be in a group so I could work around reading labels by asking people.  I'm not sure though.  Any experiences and advice you have would be great.  What alternative techniques worked for you and what did not?

Ashley