Thanks to those who serve: The Salvation Army recognizes, and appreciates, its volunteers
The Mother of The Salvation Army, Catherine Booth, is attributed with the saying, “You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!” April is volunteer month, and The Salvation Army Western Division wishes to recognize and thank the many people who serve others. 
According to Western Division Volunteer Department statistics, 5,721 volunteers gave 84,731 hours in 2023 within the three states served by the division – Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within that overall total of volunteer hours, 23,679 hours were dedicated to ringing the bells at Salvation Army red kettles in the run-up to Christmas season, while 61,052 hours were dedicated to general volunteering and seasonal events.
“We all know how important our ‘free time’ is, so it’s amazing to know so many people throughout our division give that time intentionally to enhance lives in their community,” said divisional director of volunteer services Erin Sanders. “Any amount of time someone can give is generous. We celebrate the one-timers as well as the trailblazers because they each make an impact.”
There are many places where volunteers serve in The Salvation Army, such as organizing items at food pantries and thrift stores, fundraising at red kettles, working special events, serving meals, helping with transportation needs, filling backpacks, and assisting with programming. Volunteers even help plant flower beds at certain corps community center locations and organize apartment homes for people in the VA/HOP programs.
“The amount of reassurance volunteers provide to busy staff can never be overstated,” Sanders said. “Thank you!”