Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Volunteer in the Twin Cities
Help The Salvation Army create change and provide hope throughout your community.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Twin Cities Salvation Army! Here you will find information about applying to be a volunteer. Whether you are looking for a one-time opportunity or something ongoing, read on to learn how you can sign up and do the most good in your community. If you have any questions about volunteering, you may apply online or call 651-746-3426 at any time.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Spread Christmas cheer while helping to raise funds for our local communities. Hundreds of shifts are available November 16 through December 24. It only takes one two-hour bell ringing shift to raise enough money for The Salvation Army to provide two nights of shelter and four warm meals for someone who enters our doors. Our kettles are most effective at raising these essential funds when a volunteer is by its side.
Visit the bell ringing page to learn more and sign up!
Each year, hundreds of children residing in the metro area – from infants to 17 years-old – receive a warm coat for the winter through The Salvation Army Coats for Kids program. You can help give the gift of warmth this season by supporting this effort.
- Maplewood Tuesday, October 29th
- Minneapolis E. Lake Street Monday, November 4
- Brooklyn Park Mid-November Event - Coming Soon - Sign up will be open in October
A warm friendly voice can make all the difference to a person going through hard times. Volunteers are needed to help guide families through registration to receive free gifts by answering phones, checking registrations and assisting with general troubleshooting with the guidance of staff.
- Holiday Hotline Operator (Dec. 16th - Dec. 20th, Monday – Friday)
When: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Northern Division Headquarters, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville
Thousands of children in the Twin Cities will wake up to gifts on Christmas morning, thanks to volunteers like you! Volunteer opportunities range from helping guide families to select Christmas gifts for their children, registration, helping to select gifts, restocking shelves, bagging toys, and bringing bagged gifts out for car side pickup. Learn more about each opportunity and sign up. If you would like to sign up a group, please call Sarah at 651-746-3426.
December 16-21
Volunteer with The Salvation Army North Lyndale Ave by guiding patrons thought the food shelf for holiday food needs. Other tasks may include helping to bring food boxes out to vehicles and stocking the pantry shelves.
Share the spirit of the season with others by serving a meal. Space is limited per shift and more locations may be added throughout the season.
Volunteers are needed to prep and distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for people in need in East St Paul. This is a great opportunity for families and friends, church groups, or businesses to serve together as a part of their holiday celebrations.
When: November 22 and December 18
Where: East St. Paul Salvation Army, 1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul 55130
Sign up here:: http://bttr.im/zl2rz
Individual Ongoing Opportunities
These opportunities are for those who desire to serve on a regular basis. You'll get to know us and the people in our programs, and we'll know you on a first name basis. We have the most opportunities to offer to this group.
The first step to becoming an ongoing volunteer is to complete a volunteer application or call our Volunteer Relations team at 651-746-3426. After a brief one-on-one chat where we'll learn about your goals and answer any questions you have about potential opportunities, we'll make a recommendation to you and help you get started.
Some of these opportunities require a background check or special training for things like serving after disasters or working with a vulnerable population. We've noted any special requirements below.
Basic Needs / Housing Programs
Help stock our food shelves with donated goods, assemble boxes, and make other preparations for food distribution to the public. Volunteers will also guide program participants through the food shelf and help them select items they need.
Locations: Across the metro
Minimum commitment: Weekly for three-six months
Special requirements: Must be able to lift a box of food (about 10 lbs.). Background check and Safe from Harm training.
Working with Youth
Use our Bible-based curriculum to lead children (divided into age groups) to earn badges that represent spiritual and personal growth in our Wednesday night programming.
Minimum commitment: Six months
Special requirements: Background check and Safe from Harm training.
Encourage a sage space for children to learn new skills and gain confidnece through tutoring and homework help at our weekday after-school program.
- Minneapolis, Central Ave. Salvation Army
- St. Paul, 7th St. West Salvation Army
- St. Paul, East Payne Ave. Salvation Army
Minimum commitment: One semester
Special requirements: Background check and Safe from Harm training
Adult Care / Rehabilitation / Counseling Programs
Become trained to serve as mentors to those recently released from prisons through The Salvation Army's Correctional Services Department. This is a ministry leadership role.
Minimum commitment: One year
Special requirements: Background check and Safe from Harm training
Disaster Relief
Provide critical services to ensure survivors have the support needed to rebuild their lives after tornadoes, floods, fires and other disasters. Our Twin Cities-based response unit travels across Minnesota, North Dakota, and even the country to serve. How to become a disaster volunteer.
Minimum commitment: Flexible
Special requirements: Four required training courses and a background check
Salvation Army Stores
Assist in different roles such as sorting donations, organizing floor space, and cashiering. If interested, please call the store directly to get involved.
Minimum commitment: Flexible
Special requirements: Must be able to lift a box of donations (about 20 lbs.)
Professional / Technical Skills
The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing hope, dignity, and support to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. Our Advisory Board plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting our mission. We are currently seeking skilled professionals from various fields to share their expertise and contribute to the success of our programs and initiatives.
To apply: click here
Join The Salvation Army's young professionals' group, a community of diverse young adults collectively rising up to serve our community through the mission of The Salvation Army in service, fundraising, fellowship, and ministry. Members will build their network and develop professionally through opportunities to exchange ideas and hear from local leaders in the community.
To learn more or sign up: Click Here
Assist with office work such as data entry, filing, or mailing.
Minimum commitment: Weekly or biweekly for three months
Special requirements: Background check and Safe from Harm training
Lend professional skills in your area of expertise, other unique skills, or help us bring an out-of-the-box idea to life at one of our locations.
Minimum commitment: Will vary based on skills/idea proposed
Special requirements: Customized per opportunity
Project-Based
Help us maintain a welcoming outdoor space at our service centers through mowing, gardening, weeding, etc.
Minimum commitment: Flexible
Special requirements: Background check and ability to perform manual labor
Take the first steps by calling our volunteer relations coordinator, Sophie, at 651-746-3426.
Group Opportunities
Whether you are organizing a group from your business, church, or civic organization, we have opportunities your-round that can easily accommodate your desire to do something good together. Most of our group opportunities are project-based or part of an event, and designed for groups of five or more. Maximum group numbers vary by opportunity.
Group opportunities are a great way for individuals who are new to volunteering to get their feet wet. Groups of experienced volunteers may enjoy getting creative and lend their skills in a new way. Either way, group opportunities can be a great way to have a big impact in a short burst of time.
The first step to scheduling a group opportunity is for the group contact to complete a volunteer application. This will provide us with the details needed to guide your team to the perfect opportunity.
Examples of Year-Round Group Opportunities
- Donation Sorting
- Landscaping/Outdoor Beautification
- Facility Cleaning/Organizing
- Special Programming or Entertainment
- Event Support
- Painting
- Bell Ringing
- Food Distributions