Corporate Partners Are Invited to Volunteer

There are several benefits for both individuals and businesses that participate in volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army, especially during an economic downturn. Despite increased financial pressures and work demands, many find a way to continue volunteer efforts in their community. This is due, in large part, to the flexible short-term and long-term opportunities that exist year-round.

According to The Salvation Army Central Territory Director of Corporate Engagement Christina Gallop, “Volunteers are vital to the work we do. They fill in the gaps at various times, saving us the expense of having to hire additional staff. This ensures the donations we receive can stretch even further while we try to meet the needs of everyone seeking services.”

Volunteering is an important way to make a significant, local impact. The Salvation Army offers a variety of established, on-site, and remote experiences that cater to businesses. They are also open to new ideas that align with their goals while exhibiting corporate social responsibility. It’s a win-win for everyone!

When stress levels are high, and discretionary time and resources reduced, volunteering might feel less feasible for employees and organizations. However, the feelings associated with volunteering can foster a more welcoming and positive workplace environment.

Working towards a common goal also allows volunteers to build strong relationships, develop valuable skills, and appreciate each other's strengths. It improves communication, collaboration, and trust within the volunteer group, which will extend to the workplace and ultimately increase productivity.

Established volunteer opportunities include:

• Food pantry support – Help with shelf stocking, food distribution or meal preparation at a Salvation Army location.
• Disaster relief – Participate in disaster response and recovery efforts. (Formal training is provided and required.)
• Red Kettle campaign – Organize teams to be bell ringers during the holiday season to support fundraising.
• Professional skills – Leverage employee skills in areas like graphic design, organizational skills, and tutoring for children in afterschool programs.
• Community outreach – Engage in community events or initiatives organized by local Salvation Army units.
• Office support – Provide administrative or clerical support to Salvation Army offices.
• Board membership - Consider advisory board roles to leverage business leadership and expertise.

“While many businesses seek an established volunteer opportunity, it’s not unusual for us to customize an experience for them. It’s always exciting when someone comes to the table with a transformational commitment to volunteerism and a specific concept in mind, ” said Gallop. “It warms my heart when we form a strong partnership that fosters collective impact.”

To learn more about donor opportunities and volunteer opportunities, please search forThe Salvation Army location nearest you.