First Fruits FAQ

What does the day look like?

• All teams start at Park View High School (PVHS) (400 W Laurel Ave, Sterling, VA 20164) the morning of First Fruits
• Volunteers should arrive at 7:45am (Captains at 7:30am)
• After breakfast, logistics and prayer, teams will depart by approximately 8:00am to their job sites
• Teams will break for lunch in the afternoon, then go back out to additional job sites
• Around or after 5:00pm, depending on jobs assignments and location, teams will shop for and then deliver groceries to their assigned family
• End time varies by team but is usually around 7:00pm
• Captains will make sure student volunteers have arranged rides home
• That evening, we will livestream an update on the day that will include highlights, giveaways, stories, and a total raised from the day

What do I need to bring?
All participants should bring:

• A rake
• Work gloves
• A water bottle
• Money (cash/card) for lunch and dinner (most likely fast food or pizza)

Each captain will determine the meal places that best suit the needs of the team, so be sure to tell your captain if you have food restrictions.

How can I share stories and pictures?
Each team captain will be given a Dropbox upload link they can share with their team. If you share photos or videos on your social media account, be sure to use #rbcfirstfruits and tag @restonbible!

Are there ways to help other than being on a team?
Yes! We will need food donations for breakfast the morning of First Fruits. We will also need help the morning of First Fruits at Park View for setup, serving food, greeting volunteers, and checking-in walk-in volunteers. Be on the lookout for sign-ups through the Thursday Update (subscribe HERE) closer to the event!

When will I know what team I’m on?
Be sure to specify your team or friend (list first AND last names!) requests when you register if you would like to be with someone in particular—you will most likely be assigned to that team. If you sign up without a team or friend request, we will assign you where needed. Either way, your captain will contact you with your team number and his or her name a week or two before the event.

I want to volunteer but need transportation during the day – can you help with transportation?

Yes, team captains will help make arrangements for students who need transportation from PVHS to the various jobs, grocery store, and family blessing delivery. Students will need to make their own arrangements to arrive at PVHS by 7:45am and be picked up in the evening. Students won’t be driving other students, and when there are only two people in a vehicle, we will ensure they are the same gender (unless they are family members).

What if I can’t work all day?
We ask that volunteers make all attempts to commit to participating the full day if at all possible. Helping with the jobs, spending time at meals together, grocery shopping, and delivering food to a family are all part of the blessing of the day. Involvement in the full day allows you to truly appreciate the value of what you are contributing and the blessing it is to see the fruits of your labor. However, we can certainly make arrangements for you to participate, even if you cannot work the full day. You will need to arrange your own transportation when leaving early or coming late. Please talk with your captain when he/she reaches out to you.

What constitutes a family with needs that First Fruits can help with?
We are looking for local families who are going through a rough time financially and are not being regularly assisted through other services. We help with the basics: groceries and grocery store gift cards. We accept all referrals and assess who we will be able to help. We will then get back to the person referring the family to us.

How do I suggest a family in need?To refer someone in need, please fill out THIS FORM.  If you have specific questions before filling out the form, email youth@restonbible.org.

What should I do if my job is going to be longer than two hours?
Give us plenty of notice, and we’ll try our best to work it into the schedule. However, if you have registered for a two-hour time slot, the team will most likely need to leave at the end of that time to respect the other jobs they have scheduled.

What should I do if I signed up to provide a job but can’t be there that day?
Make sure and let us know ahead of time. You can then arrange to leave instructions and payment or get them to us ahead of time. As long as you can be available to communicate with the captain the week or two prior to the event, we should be able to work it out.

How will RBC use the funds raised?
Most of the funds raised will go to groceries or grocery story gift cards for families referred to us. Another smaller amount will go toward scholarships to high school seniors for their perseverance through difficult circumstances to help them realize their dream of going to college. Any remaining amount will be used to fund scholarships for RBC students who need help to participate in upcoming youth events (such as Summer Camp and Winter Retreat).

For any other questions, please email youth@restonbible.org.