Volunteer Appreciation Month: Thank You, Volunteers, for Doing the Most Good
The Salvation Army relies on, and is grateful for, all their volunteers. In 2022, more than 700 people actively volunteered for The Salvation Army in the Omaha area, ringing bells during the annual Red Kettle campaign as well as performing works such as sorting and stuffing pencils, notebooks and other supplies into backpacks for kids who needed new gear for school; delivering and serving Thanksgiving meals to homebound seniors; and distributing winter coats and blankets to those in need during cold winter months.
While these are noted volunteer jobs available at The Salvation Army Western Division, the organization has opportunities available for people of any ability. One opportunity that came about during the COVID-19 pandemic is called Notes of Encouragement, in which people can write letters and cards to veterans being served through the resident programs. These greetings can be mailed to, or dropped off at, the main office in Omaha, and are distributed to residents from there.
“Volunteers are essential to many organizations and volunteering itself has become something many companies are investing in as well,” said Erin Sanders, divisional director of Volunteer Services. “Our volunteers are so much more than they are perceived. Our engaged volunteers are our biggest asset. We have several folks who are so driven by the mission that they take on multiple roles.”
Volunteers elevate the programs The Salvation Army provides to those in need. This winter, a new volunteer opportunity became available called The Welcome Home Crew, in which volunteers are tidying up, and putting together welcome baskets for, apartments at The Lyle House to make new residents feel appreciated upon arrival.
Residents of The Lyle House often receive help from The Salvation Army’s pantries, which provide them with food and necessities. Volunteers are essential in helping stock the shelves and making sure those using the service can find items.
Beyond helping with services, people who volunteer often become promoters of The Salvation Army. “Our volunteers are the best. They get inspired by one night spent handing out meals and coats on Winter Night Watch and return the next week boasting about a coat drive their coworkers have now taken on,” Sanders said.
Volunteering for The Salvation Army is as simple as signing up through the online portal. As soon as the application is filled out, one can sign up to volunteer. (Some jobs, such as those working with children, require a background check.)
No matter whether one desires to pen optimism, provide winter warmth, or help give children necessities, there are volunteer opportunities available, and The Salvation Army is always grateful for assistance.