MercWorks
Owner Volunteer Program
The Merc Co+op is committed to building a community based on hospitality, generosity, and care for the environment. Through the MercWorks program, owners are rewarded for their volunteer efforts with co-op coupons! It's our way of giving back to the folks who give, and another way our co-op supports the local organizations that create meaningful, lasting impact in our community.
Co-op owners and their households — regardless of number of members of their household or age — who volunteer with a MercWorks partner receive a store coupon in the mail the month following volunteering.
How it Works
Households must maintain active ownership with The Merc Co+op to be eligible. Volunteer hours must be performed at an approved MercWorks organization.
Households that volunteer at least three (3) hours per month will receive a coupon for 10% off one shopping trip the following month. (One coupon per household per month.)
Households that volunteer more than three (3) hours per month will receive a coupon for 15% off one shopping trip the following month. (One coupon per household per month.)
MercWorks coupons cannot be applied with other discounts (senior, board, employee, etc.) or store coupons. (Co+op Deals and manufacturer coupons apply.)
MercWorks Non-Profit Partners
These MercWorks partners serve our regional community are selected because they closely align with The Merc Co+op’s Ends Policies and the 7th Cooperative Principle, Concern for Community.
If owners have suggestions on volunteer partners, please submit them via email to our Owner Services Specialist for consideration. Organizations are also welcome to apply to become a MercWorks partner through our website.
Interested in Participating?
Fill out the form on the button below to complete an online application. This is sent to our Co-op Support Specialist who will follow up with you to answer questions or explain logistics.
How to Track Volunteer Hours
Some organizations, like Just Food, track their volunteer hours and communicate them to the co-op. Others do not. In that case, please click on the button below to print a volunteer form. Then, have a designated representative of that organization sign off approving your hours. Return this form to the co-op by the 10th of the month following the month worked (eg. January hours will be turned in by February 10th).
Questions?
Find Frequently Asked Questions below, or contact our Owner Services Specialist for more information!
WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY COUPON?
Owners who log volunteer hours with our non-profit partners will receive their coupon after the 10th of the following month in the mail (eg: You volunteer in January, you would receive your coupon after February 10th).
CAN WE BANK HOURS FOR FUTURE COUPONS?
No. A goal of the MercWorks program is to help create active, sustained volunteerism for our non-profit partners.
HOW WILL I KNOW MY HOURS HAVE BEEN LOGGED?
When you volunteer with a MercWorks partner, you’ll bring this MercWorks form with you. Have an approved member of their organization’s staff sign your form and turn it in to the co-op before the 10th of the next month.
I ALREADY VOLUNTEER WITH MY FAVORITE NON-PROFIT. CAN I LOG MERCWORKS HOURS THERE?
To earn the one-time discounted shopping trip, MercWorks volunteers must volunteer at a qualified partner organization. These MercWorks partners are selected because they closely align with The Merc Co+op’s Ends Policies and the 7th Cooperative Principle, Concern for Community. If you have suggestions on volunteer partners, please submit them via email to our Owner Services Specialist for consideration.