Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to our work. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or completely new to growing food, there’s a place for you here. Our current Work & Learn hours are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There are lots of ways to contribute.

Learn more

What We Do Together

Mitchell Giving Gardens (MGG) grows and shares fresh, organic produce with our neighbors—at no cost. Our garden at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine is a welcoming space where we grow food collectively, not individually. Together with volunteers, we tend raised beds, maintain pollinator habitats, and harvest produce to share with local partners like Shepherd’s Staff Food Pantry and The Hive Community Center.

Why It Matters

By volunteering with MGG, you help:

  • Increase food security for families across Mitchell County

  • Strengthen our local food system

  • Create inclusive spaces for people to connect, learn, and share

  • Grow thousands of pounds of fresh produce each year for our community

Your time and energy make a real difference. Thank you for showing up and helping this garden—and our community—flourish. We can’t wait to grow alongside you!

Ready to Join Us?

A woman wearing a maroon tank top, bending over in a garden with orange and red flowers, using pruning shears.

There are many ways to help—whether you can come weekly, monthly, or just once in a while. Every hour makes a difference.

Three children exploring the mitchell giving garden's leafy green archway. One girl in a coral dress is touching the leaves, another girl in a purple shirt and patterned shorts is nearby, and a third girl is partially obscured.

FAQs - Volunteering

  • Volunteers are the heart of Mitchell Giving Gardens! There are several ways to get involved — from weekly garden workdays and harvest days to helping with events, education, or special projects. Visit our Volunteering page to sign up for current opportunities or join our volunteer email list to hear about upcoming needs.

  • Not at all! We welcome volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Being in the garden is a great way to learn, and we encourage new gardeners to come grow with us. Whether you’re planting for the first time or already have a green thumb, our team provides guidance, mentorship, and plenty of hands-on learning during each session.

  • Yes! We love hosting groups from schools, churches, and community organizations. Group volunteer days are a great way to give back while connecting with your team. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a date.

  • Volunteer tasks change with the seasons — from planting, watering, and weeding to harvesting and preparing produce for distribution. During workdays, we focus on whatever the garden needs most to keep food growing strong for the community

  • Absolutely. We welcome volunteers with a wide range of skills! We often need help with:

    • Event support (setup, coordination, photography, or community outreach)

    • Administrative tasks (data entry, organizing supplies, or assisting with communications)

    • Education & workshops (teaching, helping facilitate, or sharing your expertise)

    • Marketing & storytelling (social media, graphic design, or writing)

    • Skilled trades (carpentry, irrigation setup, or repairs)

    If you have a special skill you’d like to offer — even if it’s not garden-related — we’d love to hear from you.

  • We recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and gardening gloves if you have them (we have extras if you don’t).

  • Garden workdays typically take place weekly during the growing season, with additional harvest and cleanup days scheduled as needed. Sign up for the volunteer newsletter for current dates and times.

  • Yes! We’re happy to sign off on community service or school volunteer hours. Please let us know in advance so we can track your hours accordingly.