Whether you're packaging meals to distribute to those in need, or painting a room at one of our community centers, there are countless ways for you to give back and offer the priceless gift of your time. There are opportunities to volunteer for individuals, families, schools, organizations and businesses.

To find ways to volunteer and support your community, view our regional volunteer locations, or contact our Volunteer Resources Office.

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

Thanksgiving and Christmas Meal Distribution

The Salvation Army provides holiday meals for families unable to create a special meal themselves. Each box feeds a family of six, and includes meat, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, biscuits, cake mix and more. Several community centers also host holiday meals at their locations. Join us in serving a hearty holiday meal, at one of our sites listed below.

Become a fundraiser and
help raise money for our Holiday Food Box project

• Evanston Food Box Packer
• St. Charles (Tri-City) Thanksgiving Distribution Volunteer

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

• Crystal Lake Toyland Toy Shop Volunteer
• Des Plaines - Angel Tree Helpers
• Des Plaines - Christmas Distribution Day Helpers
• St. Charles - Walmart Toy Drive Volunteer (11/9)
• St. Charles - Christmas Distribution Personal Shoppers
• St. Charles - Adopt-A-Family Sorter
• St. Charles - Adopted Families Distribution
• St. Charles - Holiday Registrar
• St. Charles - Toy Shop Clean Up Crew
• St. Charles - Toy Shop Set-Up Crew

Intern Positions

• Chicago - Childcare Program
• Chicago - STOP-IT Program - MSW
• Hammond - Munster - Social Services

Sign up for Volunteer Mobile Alerts

Corporate Volunteer Project Spotlight:

West Monroe Partners at Chicago Temple Corps and Shield of Hope

Thanks to West Monroe Partners who transformed Chicago Temple Corps Community Center and Shield of Hope as part of their WMP national day of service in June. They painted rooms, put a preservation sealer on the fence surrounding the property, created a senior drop in room, organized the food pantry, planted flowers, weeded/mulched and prepared planters for vegetable planting in the community garden.