‘National Salvation Army Week’ story series, Part II: Volunteers
National Salvation Army Week is May 12–18. To celebrate, The Salvation Army Northern Division is publishing stories about some of our most important services to illustrate how your donations and volunteer work are Doing the Most Good® for people and families in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Salvation Army Northern Division. They help us serve hot meals, provide housing, comfort disaster survivors, and offer other critical services for nearly 300,000 people in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Every year, almost 24,000 local volunteers give their time to help further our mission. Think about that number – 24,000. That’s more than enough people to fill every seat of a Minnesota Timberwolves game at Target Center.
Volunteers are the reason why The Salvation Army is one of the most efficient charities around, with 80 cents of every dollar donated used to provide direct services for people in need.
In the Twin Cities alone, volunteers provide nearly $3.4 million worth of free labor.
“These savings amount to more hot meals, more shelter nights, and more critical services for more people in need,” said Sophie Crowell, Director of Volunteer Services for The Salvation Army Northern Division, noting that the estimated value of U.S. volunteers is about $33.50 per hour. "We love our volunteers. Without them, The Salvation Army would not exist."
Volunteers also help us save something even more important than money: souls. Our volunteers demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by giving of themselves without expecting anything in return.
“We’ve found a place where we feel like we’re doing the Lord’s work,” affirmed volunteer Dale Swanson (pictured), who helps distribute food at The Salvation Army in Brooklyn Park, Minn., two days a week. “We see people here being helped both physically and spiritually.” (Watch a video about Dale and other local volunteers.)
Marie Putnam (pictured) is another volunteer who goes above and beyond. She has been serving for nearly 20 years, contributing significantly to many Salvation Army endeavors such as food shelf, disaster services, and campaigns like the Red Kettles, food drives, and toy drives. She was named “Exemplary Volunteer of the Year” last month by The Salvation Army Northern Division. (Read about all of our 2025 Volunteers of the Year.)
“The thanks that people give you for being there for them is incredible,” Marie said. “The Salvation Army’s presence makes a world of difference to them. I get back much more than I give when I volunteer.”
You can help celebrate National Salvation Army Week by signing up to volunteer. Businesses, churches, and other organizations are also encouraged to get involved, as we can accommodate groups of most sizes.
“Any amount of time you can give will be a blessing to people and families in your community,” said Lt. Col. E. Randall Polsley, Commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “We are grateful to all of our volunteers for the selfless work they do to better the lives of others.”
You can help celebrate National Salvation Army Week by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.