Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteers

1) What is Near His Heart? Near His Heart is an annual event created to provide respite and
encouragement to families affected by disability. The event is hosted at Lakeview Baptist Church but
utilizes volunteers from area churches as well as from the Auburn/Opelika community…and beyond.

2) What are various ways people can serve? Making food, plating/serving food, greeting,
registration, child/adult care, set-up, donations & more. See below for more details.

3) Can I serve in multiple ways? If you would like to help in multiple ways, we would love that!
However, please be aware that you cannot work in childcare AND serve in the dining room during the
dinner. Therefore, please choose one area of service for the night of the dinner.

4) Can whole families serve together? We welcome all ages to come to NHH; sometimes,
however, we will need a willingness to serve in different areas. There are some age requirements for
various positions (see #8 below). Children under age 13 are encouraged to be peer models in the
childcare areas.

5) How do I give a financial donation? Please make checks payable to Lakeview Baptist
Church with “Near His Heart” on the memo line. You can mail those to: Lakeview Baptist Church,
1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn, AL 36830.

6) What are the requirements/qualifications of the childcare staff?

a. We routinely consult with physicians regarding the level of Covid-19 infection and transmission
within our community. Our current plan is that facemasks be optional for all volunteers and
participants.
b. We would like to have certified nurses, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, special education
teachers and regular education teachers serve in our childcare area as well as other adult, college &
youth volunteers.
c. All childcare volunteers must have a background check on file with Lakeview Baptist Church.
The background check can be downloaded from the Sign-Up Genius where you register to volunteer,
the Near His Heart website or can be emailed to you. The cost of each background check is $17. Any
contribution you can make toward this expense would be greatly appreciated.
d. In addition to a background check, Lakeview now requires all childcare volunteers to complete
MinistrySafe training. If you indicate that you have not completed this training, more information will
be emailed to you.

7) Volunteer Age Requirements

a. Dining Room Servers—18 years or older
b. Childcare Workers (independently)—16 years and older
c. Childcare Workers (alongside parent volunteer)—10 years and older
8) What is involved in helping to make the dinner a success? If you volunteer to serve in the
dining area, you might be plating the food, serving the food to the tables, refilling drinks, or working
the coffee table. Making the dinner involves cooking the main dish casserole at home. Each person
will receive a recipe and a pan to cook their meal in and bring it to the church by 4:30 the day of the
event.

9) Where do I pick up the recipe and the aluminum pan for the casserole? You will receive
an email closer to the date, but the recipes and pans will be in the Lakeview Church Office for you to
pick up.

10) What type of dessert should I bring? Homemade cakes!! Please let us know when you
drop it off what type of cake it is in case we have any allergies among our guests.

11) What is the time commitment? Childcare workers and dining room workers should expect to
stay until 9 p.m. The dinner usually ends by 8:30, but we want to give the families a little bit of time to
talk to our speaker and visit with other families. All children should be picked up by 9 p.m.

Thank you for your willingness to serve these precious families in such a tangible way.
Please email us at nearhisheart@gmail.com if you have any additional questions.
Check out our website at www.nearhisheart.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.