One Off Volunteering Days

Our one-off volunteering sessions are a brilliant way to get involved and see the impact of your support in just a few hours. Whether you come solo, with friends, or as a small team, you’ll help sort, pack, and prepare clothes, toys, and equipment for families who need them.

If you want to help but can’t commit weekly or have CSR / employee volunteer days to use… welcome!

And if you are busy all day and are looking for a volunteering opportunity to unwind in the evening or weekend, we have that too!

We’ve made it super easy and flexible. You’re in control of your volunteering: pick your date, book yourself in, and even rearrange if plans change, all within our Volunteero app.

How to join a session:

  1. Sign up: complete a quick registration form
  2. Download app: we’ll set up your account & send you login details shortly
  3. Book your shift: open the app, tap “available” to choose your site, then pick a date under “shifts”

 

Tip: The app is free, easy to use and means you can manage your volunteering anytime without needing to email us.

If you’re unsure, have a look at our video or guide on how to do this.

 

When and where can I volunteer?

Wandsworth warehouse:
Tuesdays & Thursdays (6pm–9pm)
Saturdays (10am–3pm)

We add new dates throughout the year, so there’s always a chance to get involved.

Come back and check every few weeks also for One-Off sessions at our other Baby Banks around London!

Got a question?

Have a look at our FAQs below, or get in touch if you can’t find your answer.

We’re always happy to help:

Volunteer@littlevillagehq.org

Call, text or WhatsApp on 07923 173008

 

It’s never been easier to volunteer – just a few hours, no long-term commitment and real impact for families across London. Sign-up now!

 

********************************************

 

FAQs – volunteering at Little Village

Who are Little Village and what do we do?

Little Village is like a foodbank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children up to the age of 5.  Families are referred to us via a network of professionals such as midwives and social workers.

We’ve grown to be one of the largest ‘baby banks’ in the UK and since 2016, thanks to generous donations of items, time, and money, Little Village has supported more than 32,000 children. And that impact has only been possible because of volunteers like you.

 

What activities will I be doing on my one-off volunteering day?

You’ll be guided by our team who will introduce you to all things Little Village. Activities on the day may include:

  • Checking donated items to make sure they’re all of gift quality
  • Organising and sorting items by gender, age, and type
  • Making smaller bundles or gift packs e.g. underwear, socks, bibs, and linen
  • Sometimes, we also run special “Big Kit” days to clean, put together and safety check larger items like cots, buggies and beds. If you love a bit of tinkering or get satisfaction from a good flat-pack challenge, these sessions are made for you!

 

What do I need for this role?

  • Attention to detail to quality check and sort items
  • Able to carry out light manual tasks (but you can always chat to us about reasonable adjustments)
  • A smile and a pair of comfy shoes (closed toe if you go to our warehouse!)
  • We also ask that you volunteer in line with our guidance and policies, to keep volunteering at Little Village a safe and happy place.

 

What reasonable adjustments do you offer?

All our sites are wheelchair accessible. If you have any mobility needs or disabilities, we’ll work with you to make sure your volunteering experience is accessible and comfortable. E.g. we can provide seating if standing for long periods is difficult, or offer you tasks that don’t involve heavy lifting.

 

Is there an age limit?

We love welcoming young people and under 18s to our One-Off Days, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and meet the minimum age requirement below.

  • At our Wandsworth Warehouse, the minimum age is 14 years
  • At our Brent, Camden and Tooting sites, the minimum age is 10 years

You’ll both need to complete a separate registration form. We can only process an under‑18’s registration when a parent or guardian has completed one too.

 

Do you provide refreshments?

There will be breaks, with tea, coffee, water, and snacks provided, though you’re also welcome to bring your own (must be nut free). For full day shifts, you’ll have a lunch break mid-shift. You can go out to buy food or bring your own, and a fridge and microwave are available at all sites.

 

Do you reimburse expenses?

Yes, we want volunteering to be accessible to everyone, so we reimburse reasonable expenses to ensure no one is left out of pocket. For further details read our Expenses Guidance or our Expense FAQs

 

Can I bring donations with me?

Yes of course! To find out what we can and can’t accept see our Donation Guides

 

Can I take photos or post on social media?

Yes, we encourage you to share the Little Village love! Just be mindful of people who may not want their photo posted online when doing so always get their consent.

 

FAQs – the booking process

How can I book my spot?

Click here to complete our registration form and view the dates currently available (new dates are added throughout the year).

We use an app called Volunteero, which you’ll need to download to sign up to a shift. Once we receive and process your registration form (usually within two days), you’ll be e-mailed your login details and a link to download the app.

Once on the app, you be able to see the shifts and book one by clicking “Join”.

Watch our video or read our guide for step by step instructions.

 

Can I make a group booking or bring a friend?

Yes! These sessions are designed for individuals and small groups. We want to bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives in every group, so for this reason the maximum number of people from the same group/company is as follows:

  • 7 at our Wandsworth Warehouse
  • 2 at our Brent, Camden and Tooting sites

If you are part of a bigger group, we also have our Corporate volunteering programme that you can join!

 

Can we pick our own day to volunteer?

Yes, you can pick from the available dates that we offer on the app.

 

Does every person attending have to sign up?

Yes, this is because we need to ensure each person has their own account on Volunteero and that we have your individual details such as consent to get in contact, any health or access needs and emergency contact details.

 

How can we ensure everyone in our group gets a place?

We can’t guarantee this in advance but once you’ve all signed up and logged into the app you’ll see the available dates and how many places are still available for each session.

 

When are new dates available and how often do new dates get “released”?

We release new dates throughout the year so keep checking back every few weeks on the main one off volunteering page under “When and Where can I volunteer”.

 

Can I do more than one date?

Yes of course! You can sign up to multiple one-off days on the app or talk to us if you’d like to sign up to a regular shift pattern.

 

What happens if I need to cancel/rearrange?

We understand things change, so if you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so easily from the app. Here is a video on how to do this. We kindly ask you to cancel your shift as soon as you know you can’t attend so that someone else can book your place.

 

What do I need to do on the day?

You’ll need to Check-in on the Volunteero app when you arrive. You’ll be greeted by the team and given a briefing and full instructions for the tasks for the day. Once you’ve finished your shift you’ll need to Check-out and submit a Report to log your hours and let us know how it went. Here is video on how to do this.

 

What happens after the day?

There is no expectation or commitment to do any more shifts after your day with us. However, if you loved your experience and would like to do more, you’ll have the chance to let us know if you’d like to sign up to another one-off shift or join as a regular volunteer.

 

If you don’t book your first shift

Our one-off days are very popular and we love to make sure everyone has a chance to come along.

If you haven’t booked a shift after a couple of weeks, you’ll receive a note from the team. Hopefully we’ll be able to book you onto a day but if life has gotten busy, we may pause your account. Don’t worry, you’re always welcome to come back when things are easier.