Volunteering With Purpose: Finding the Right Role for Your Skills and Passions

Not everyone is built to serve soup or ring a bell in the cold — and that’s a good thing. Volunteers come with all kinds of talents, stories, and goals. At The Salvation Army, we believe that when you serve in a role that fits your personality and purpose, the impact runs deeper — for you and the people you help.

Volunteering Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Some people find joy in sorting donations quietly in a back room. Others thrive working directly with families or children. Some have strong backs; others have strong listening skills. Every strength matters. Whether you’re a student looking for experience, a retiree with time to give, or someone seeking meaning and purpose, there’s a place for you.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need a willing heart.

How to Match Your Gifts to the Right Opportunity

Here are a few ways to think about what kind of volunteering might fit:

• Are you a people person? Consider helping at a shelter check-in desk, leading youth activities, or serving meals in person.

• Good with logistics or organizing? Food pantry restocking, warehouse coordination, and event setup may be a great fit.

• Looking to share a skill? Volunteers with experience in tutoring, music, mentoring, fitness, or finance can help lead programs or offer one-on-one support.

At the Salvation Army, we don’t want you to change who you are to volunteer. We want you to bring who you are to volunteering.

Why Purpose Matters

When volunteering is aligned with your strengths and values, it becomes more than a task — it becomes part of your story. People who volunteer with a sense of purpose are more likely to feel fulfilled, stay engaged longer, and build deeper connections in their communities.

Volunteering doesn’t just support others — it can re-energize your own sense of meaning and direction.

Find Your Fit With Us

The Salvation Army offers hundreds of volunteer roles across the country, in both short-term and ongoing capacities. Whether you want to try something new or offer what you already know, we can help you find a role that feels right.