Volunteer
For Fiscal Year 2009, community members volunteered a total of 3,935 hours. The 2008 dollar value for volunteer time, according to Independent Sector, is $20.25 per hour. The 3,935 hours represent donated time valued at $79,684.
Volunteers of The Salvation Army vary in age, race and experience. Some of the volunteers choose to volunteer because they have previously received help and want to give back to others, some volunteer as part of a class requirement or a court order and some because they simply want to give back to the community.
Throughout the year, volunteers serve meals to the hungry, work in our Family Stores stocking shelves and unloading donations. A large number of our volunteers participate in our Christmas programs by ringing the bell, helping distribute toys or by filling stockings for needy children. Throughout each opportunity at The Salvation Army, volunteers are encouraged to interact with the people they work to serve. This provides them with a positive, meaningful experience which often has them returning to participate more often and more frequently.
We are able to schedule individuals or groups and do have weekend opportunities.
- Administrative Duties: Data entry, producing promotional materials, mailings, etc. These are during the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Family Store Worker: Sort through donations, hang clothes and prepare for resale. These opportunities are available Monday- Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Kitchen Helper: Prepare and serve meals. Volunteers are needed from 4:45 PM until 6:15 PM.
- Special Events: Serving a meal to the homeless and hungry on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, Stuff-A-Bus, Stein Mart Give & Receive event, Clothes 4 Kids. Locations and times vary.
- Seasonal: Bell-ringer, Stocking Stuffer, Bear Dresser, Elf. These opportunities are available November through December.
For more information, please contact Seth Taylor, Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, at 803-667-4943, or by e-mail at Seth.Taylor@uss.salvationarmy.org.