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Join the Chicago Bears, Greater Food Depository, and The Salvation Army Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Center
on 12/8 from 8am–1pm for a food distribution.
Roles include traffic control, greeters, personal shoppers, food station support, and car loaders.

Sign up today!

All volunteer activities practice CDC safety guidelines including washing hands, social-distancing, wearing face coverings, and other best practices. 

Whether you're volunteering in person or from home, there are countless ways for you to give back and offer the priceless gift of your time. There are opportunities to get involved for individuals, families, schools, organizations and businesses. 

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Christmas Bell Ringer

When you're a bell ringer for The Salvation Army, you're helping to support services in  your neighborhood. Volunteers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises about $30 per hour - enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries, or shelter an individual for a night.

Top 5 Reasons to be a Salvation Army Volunteer Bell Ringer

5. That cool red apron.
4. You get to ring a bell. Enough said.
3. You can sing out of tune.
2. You spread holiday cheer.
1. You raise money to help your neighbors in need.

Sign up to be a Christmas Bell Ringer

Become a fundraiser and
help raise money through our Virtual Kettles

Angel Tree Program

Help make a child's Christmas wishes come true this holiday season!  You can bring joy to children in need by volunteering at your local Salvation Army for our Angel Tree program. There are so many ways you can help including assisting with applications, writing up Angel Tag wishes, donating gifts (toys, books, clothing) or helping at a local gift distribution event.  

For information on how you can volunteer and help make this a wonderful Christmas for every child, call 773-205-3532 or 773-205-3502. 

Sign up to donate toys for Angel Tree

More Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Des Plaines, IL

Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Chicago, Illinois

Northern Illinois + Chicago Suburbs

Lake County, Indiana

Chicago, Illinois

  • Angel Tree and Food Box Distribution (Chicago Mayfair Corps) – 12/14 and 12/15 from 9am – 12:30pm or 12/14 from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. Contact Kent Lee at 773-794-6208 to sign up.
  • Angel Tree Distribution (Chicago Midwest Corps) – 12/15 anytime from 9am – 6pm. Contact sara.ray@usc.salvationarmy.org to sign up.
  • Angel Tree and Food Box Distribution (Englewood Corps) – 12/21 anytime from 8:30am – 4pm. Contact christal.johnson@usc.salvationarmy.org to sign up for a shift.
  • Angel Tree Toy Distribution (Chicago Midway Corps) – 12/16 from 9am – 12pm or 1pm – 5pm. Contact dalvius.king@usc.salvationarmy.org to sign up for a shift.
  • Holiday Food Distribution (Chicago Midway Corps) – 12/15 from 9am – 12pm or 1pm – 5pm. Contact dalvius.king@usc.salvationarmy.org to sign up for a shift.

Northern Illinois + Chicago Suburbs

Lake County, Indiana

  • Angel Tree and Food Box Distribution (Hammond-Munster Corps) – 12/20 – 12/22 from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm. Contact linda.dove@usc.salvationarmy.org to sign up for a shift.

Des Plaines, IL

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities by Location

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! While volunteer opportunities are still limited due to COVID-19, Salvation Army is in need of volunteers for the below activities.

Greeting Cards for Housing Program Residents

  • What: During this unprecedented time, it is easy to feel anxious and alone. The intention is to create greeting cards for those in our housing programs to bring a glimmer of hope and joy to their day, and to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
  • Who: Healthy volunteers of all ages
  • Next steps: Please view or download the instructional guide

Hygiene Kits for Individuals or Families Facing Homelessness

  • What: Many people who are facing homelessness lack basic necessities. Filling large resealable plastic bags with some basics can be helpful.
  • Who: Healthy volunteers of all ages
  • Next Steps: Please view or download the flyer with information about items needed and how to coordinate drop-off.

Location: Metropolitan Division Headquarters

5040 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: 773-205-3532

Fundraising Administrative Assistant

  • What: Help the development department’s individual giving team to succeed in their fundraising goals by assisting with mailings, checking messages, managing excel spreadsheets, and other office tasks.
  • When: Flexible on-site schedule for 7+ hours per week during weekdays. Ideal candidates will be able to commit to 6 months or more.
  • Who: Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Office 365, be detail-oriented, have good penmanship, and have a passion for the mission of The Salvation Army.
  • Next Steps: Apply by submitting an application online . For questions or to share your resume, email the volunteer department at metvolunteer@usc.salvationarmy.org.

 

Location: Chicago LaVillita Corps

3621 W 24th St
Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: 773-257-0700

Music Instructor

  • What: Be an instrumental part of The Salvation Army’s music program! Musicians are needed to teach instruments to students such as guitar, ukulele, bass drum, or piano.
  • When: Shifts are flexible based on volunteer availability for weekdays after 3:00pm during the school year. 
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+ 
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Captain Daniel Paredes at 773-257-0700 or daniel.paredes@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

Location: Chicago Lawn Corps

5950 S. Spaulding Avenue
Chicago, IL 60629
Phone: 773-434-0488

Facilities Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Volunteers are needed to serve as facilities assistants, helping to keep the building clean and organized. Duties also include painting, cutting grass, and helping in the garden.
  • When: Volunteers can create their own schedule during office hours Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+ or teens 14-17 with parent supervision
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Dennise Hernandez at 773-434-0488 or dennise.hernandez@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

Food Pantry Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Volunteers are needed to assist with the food pantry. Duties may include unloading food truck, transferring food to kitchen, preparing grocery bags, and helping seniors and people with disabilities to carry boxes to main entrance.
  • When: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am – 2pm
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+ or teens 14-17 with parent supervision
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Dennise Hernandez at 773-434-0488 or dennise.hernandez@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

Location: Chicago Mayfair Corps

5020 N. Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: 773-794-6210

Food Pantry Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Assist with food pantry preparation by unpacking bulk food items, stocking shelves, and bagging groceries.
  • When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Officer Carlos Moran at carlos.moran@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

 

Location: Chicago Midway Citadel Corps

5036 W. 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 773-838-8005

Restaurant Driver Volunteers

  • What: Healthy volunteers with a valid license are needed to assist in picking up food donations from local restaurants.
  • When: Ideal candidate will be available to make pick -ups on Tuesdays after 11am, Wednesdays 9am – 11am
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+ with a valid driver’s license
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Lieutenant Dalvius King-Harvy at 773-838-8005 or dalvius.king@usc.salvationarmy.org, or by registering online.

Location: Chicago Midwest Corps

20 S Campbell Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-733-4801

Food Pantry Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Volunteers will help transform food donations into bags ready to be distributed to food pantry guests in the community. 
  • When: Create your own weekly 2-hour shift for a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between 9:00am – 3:00pm.  
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Lt. Sara Ray at 312-733-4801 or sara.ray@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online. 

Location: Aurora Corps

550 Redwood Drive
Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 630-897-7265

Facilities and Grounds Assistants

  • What: Help keep the building and grounds clean and safe by sweeping, gardening, and helping with general building upkeep.
  • When: This volunteer opportunity is flexible with shifts available Monday through Friday between 9:30am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Major Gabriela Rangel at 630-589-4001 or gabriela.rangel@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Receptionist

  • What: Assist Aurora community by answering phone calls, greeting guests, filing paperwork and making copies.
  • When: This volunteer opportunity is flexible with shifts available Monday through Friday between 9:30am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+, Bilingual, Spanish-speaking preferred
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Major Gabriela Rangel at 630-589-4001 or gabriela.rangel@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Location: Belvidere Corps

422 S. Main St
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: 815-544-3892

Food Pantry Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Healthy volunteers are needed to assist with food distribution
  • When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up for a shift by contacting Linda Merrow at 815-544-3892 or linda.merrow@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Corps Volunteer

  • What: Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks at the corps
  • When: This opportunity is flexible with shifts available Monday through Friday between 9:00am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up for a shift by contacting Linda Merrow at 815-544-3892 or linda.merrow@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

 

Location: Blue Island (Crossgenerations) Corps

2900 W 127th Street
Blue Island, IL 60406
Phone: 708-332-0100

Food Pantry Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Assist with food pantry preparation on Tuesdays or distribution on Wednesdays.
  • When: Tuesdays from 9:00am – 11:00am or Wednesdays from 9:00am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up for a shift by contacting Michelle Salazar at 708-332-0100 or michelle.salazar@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Kitchen Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Help provide lunches to seniors by preparing, serving meals in to-go containers, and cleaning up after distribution. 
  • When: Monday through Friday from 10:00am – 1:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up for a shift by contacting Michelle Salazar at 708-332-0100 or michelle.salazar@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Location: Cicero Templo-Laramie Corps

2337 S Laramie Ave
Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: 708-222-0177

Mobile Produce Pantry Assistants

  • What: Healthy volunteers are needed to help with the monthly mobile produce pantry by bagging and distributing fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • When: First Mondays of each month from 11:00am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Veronica Soto at 708-222-0177 or veronica.soto@usc.salvationarmy.org, or by registering online.

Food Pantry Assistants 

  • What: Healthy volunteers are needed to help organize and bag items for food pantry in the morning and distribute items to clients in the afternoon.  
  • When: Shifts available every Monday and Tuesday from 9:00am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Veronica Soto at 708-222-0177 or veronica.soto@usc.salvationarmy.org, or by registering online.

Location: DeKalb Corps

830 Grove Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-756-4308

Food Pantry Assistant

  • What: Help in the client choice food pantry by assisting clients, bagging groceries, and stocking shelves.
  • When: Shifts available Monday - Friday from 8:30am – 10:30am or 10:30am – 12:30pm, and Thursdays from 4:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 14+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Erin Andrews at 815-756-4308 or erin.andrews@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

Location: Evanston Corps

1403 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-866-9770

Front Office Assistant

  • What: Assist by answering phone calls, greeting visitors, screening potential social service applicants, and helping people apply to volunteer.
  • When: Create your own schedule weekdays between 10:00am – 3:00pm.
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Captain Christina Champlin at christina.tamayo@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online (http://bttr.im/3zmhv).

Location: Emergency Disaster Services

1000 W. Pratt Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-709-6700

Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Volunteers

  • What: The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division Emergency Disaster Services team needs ongoing assistance. We train volunteers to safely assist during disasters, utilizing our canteens to provide food, hydration and emotional/spiritual care to first responders as well as those who have been impacted.
  • Next Steps: Click on our website and follow the steps forward. You can talk to our Volunteer Coordinator, Matt Coatar, at 847-709-6621 or email him at matthew.coatar@usc.salvationarmy.org with questions.

Location: Joliet Corps

300 3rd Ave
Joliet, IL 60433
Phone: 815-726-4834

Food Pantry Receiving Assistant

  • What: Assist in the food pantry by helping bring donated items inside, organize and stock shelves, and prepare for Monday food pantry distributions.
  • When: Shifts available 2nd Wednesday and 2nd Thursday of the month from 10:00am – 1:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Linda Trevino at 815-726-4834 or linda.trevino@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Food Pantry Distribution Assistant

  • What: Assist in the food pantry by preparing and taking groceries to clients’ cars.
  • When: Shifts available Monday through Friday from 9:00am  -12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Linda Trevino at 815-726-4834 or linda.trevino@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Location: Rockford & Winnebago County Social Services

416 S. Madison
Rockford, IL 61104
Phone: 815-972-1135

Food Pantry Assistant

  • What: Assist in the food pantry by assisting shoppers, collecting food, bagging groceries, and stocking shelves.
  • When: Shifts available Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 12:00pm and 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Debby Brown at 815-972-1135 or debby.brown@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Location: Gary-Merrillville Corps

4800 Harrison St
Gary, IN 46408
Phone: 219-887-6588

Facility Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Healthy volunteers are needed to serve as facilities assistants, helping to keep the building clean and organized.
  • When: Volunteers can create their own schedule during office hours Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
  • Who: Healthy individuals age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Captain Amanda Keene at 219-887-6588 or amanda.keene@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

Location: Hammond-Munster Corps

8225 Columbia Avenue
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: 219-838-0380

Building Beautification Assistant Volunteers

  • What: Help keep the building clean and safe by sweeping, vacuuming, and helping with general building beautification.
  • When: Hours are flexible on Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 3:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up for a shift by contacting Linda Dove at 219-838-0380 Ext. 204 or linda.dove@usc.salvationarmy.org and registering online.

Food Pantry Assistant

  • What: Assist in the food pantry by collecting food, taking carts to clients cars, stocking shelves, and packing food boxes.
  • When: Shifts available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am – 12:00pm and Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Who: Healthy adults age 18+
  • Next Steps: Sign up by contacting Linda Dove at 219-838-0380 Ext. 204 or linda.dove@usc.salvationarmy.org or by registering online.

If you are interested in volunteering at one of our additional locations when programs resume, you may fill out a volunteer application. This would allow local staff to follow up when volunteer activities resume.  

Holiday Volunteers Needed

If you are interested in helping as a volunteer driver or with administrative and program assistance at a Corps Community Center, email metvolunteer@usc.salvationarmy.org, the location(s) you’re interested in helping at, and how you’d like to help!

Chicago Wolves Sweepstakes

Starting in October, you can enter to win two tickets to an upcoming Chicago Wolves game
when you register to ring bells between November 8th and December 24th!

Register to Ring

Contact Us

To contact the Divisional Volunteer Resource Office, email us at METVolunteer@usc.salvationarmy.org. 

If you would like to join our divisional volunteer list and be notified of future volunteer needs, please fill out our divisional volunteer application.

Sign up for mobile alerts

Sign up to learn about the latest volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army Metro Division, text VOLUNTEER to 51555. 

Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 51555 to stop. Text HELP to 51555 for help. Terms: igfn.org/t. Privacy: igfn.org/p.


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