We are always in need of volunteers to help us with the many programs and services we provide. We have a variety of programs throughout the year that need the support of individuals looking to donate their valuable time.
To sign up for or to discuss volunteer opportunities in Milwaukee County, please contact Joy Alexander at 414-302-4300 or
e-mail at: Joy_Alexander@usc.salvationarmy.org
Seasonal Opportunities:
Year-Round Activities:
Coats for Kids (3031 W. Mill Road, Milwaukee)
The Salvation Army/Fox 6 Condella's BIG SORT collects cold weather coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens for 800 - 1,000 families. Volunteers sort donated garments by size, gender and usability. Volunteers are needed for the big coat sort - both sorters and truck team on Saturday, October 24, 2009; shifts are 8:30am - 11:30pm and 12:30pm - 2:30pm. Volunteers are need for coat hanging October 28 - 30, 2009; shifts are 9:00am - 12:00 noon and 1:00pm - 2:30pm each day. Shopping assistance and restocking volunteers are needed on November 4, 5, 6, 2009; shifts are from 9:00am - 11:30am and 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Also on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:00noon.
Bell Ringers
Our annual Red Kettle Campaign begins November 1 and ends December 24, 2009.
We need an army of bell ringers to help us raise money for the poor and needy in The Greater Milwaukee Area. There are various locations around Milwaukee you can choose from, dates and time vary per locations. We do not ring on Sundays or Thanksgiving Day. Volunteer on your own, with your family or co-workers. You could also become a group organizer at church, place of business or with a service club. Two hours can make a difference!
Christmas Family Feast (Midwest Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee)
The Salvation Army and Radio 1290AM WMCS prepare a traditional family Christmas dinner for over 7,000 people. Volunteers are needed December 21-25, 2009 for set-up, cooking and kitchen prep. On Friday, December 25, 2009 volunteers are needed for greeter/hostess, food service and clean-up as well as for entertainment.
Prison Toy Program (11315 W. Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee)
The Salvation Army donates approximately 5,000 gifts for children of incarcerated parents. Volunteers are needed for packing and shipping. We need volunteers to assist with the mailing process from Tuesday, September 15 - Tuesday, November 15, 2009. Volunteers are needed for toy wrap prep November 9 - 13. Volunteers are needed for The Big Wrap November 14th. Finally, volunteers are needed for The Big Ship November 16-18, 2009.
The Salvation Army Toy Shop (5880 N. 60th Street, Milwaukee)
The Salvation Army,
the U.S. Marines,
WTMJ 620 and Kapco collect and distribute toys to children in the Greater Milwaukee area. This program allows parents to provide new toys to their children at Christmas. Volunteers donate toys, sort toys by age and gender, set up and stock tables in preparation for distribution. During distribution week volunteers keep tables stocked; assist parents in choosing toys for their children and clean-up. Volunteers are needed to assist with the mailing process October 6th and possibly October 7th. Toy sorting is December 7 - 21, 2009 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Our greatest need for volunteers is during distribution for toy stockers and shoppers on December 17 - 21, 2009 from 8:30am - 5:30pm split into three shifts: 8:00 - 11:30am, 11:00- 3:00pm and 2:30pm - 5:30pm. The location for the Toy Shop is 5880 N. 60th Street, Milwaukee. The Toy Shop Information line is 414-459-3930.
Do you have questions about who can receive toys, or what you need to bring with you to apply for toys?
Get a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Here are some additional questions (and more) the list will answer for you.
- When can I apply for toys?
- What if I received toys in 2007?
- When is Express Registration?
- Where do I pick up my toys?
- What do I need to bring with me to pick up my toys?
- When can I pick up my toys?
- What if I can't come during my assigned appointment time?
- Can someome pick up my toys for me?
- What happens if I lost my distribution letter?
- Can Foster Parents apply for toys?
Feed the Kids (3031 W. Mill Road, Milwaukee)
All summer long The Salvation Army and its volunteers
make over 1,800 sandwiches per day to feed needy children in Milwaukee. You can help! (June through August)
State Fair Water Booth (State Fair grounds, West Allis, WI)
The Salvation Army is a participant in the WI State Fair, and we give water to all of the fair patrons, but we need your help to serve the 1,000s that come through the gate. Dates vary yearly, always in the beginning of August.
Youth Football League
Volunteers are needed from August through October to be linesman, scorekeepers and to work concessions.
Meaningful Make-over (1730 N. 7th Street, Milwaukee)
Do you have a group, organization or team that wants to do something wonderful for those in need? Our rooms at our Emergency Lodge need you then. We have the opportuity for serious groups to come out and redesign our living spaces.
Year-round
*Monetary requirements are in place and a detailed plan must be submitted, please call Joy Cony at (414) 302-4300 for more information.
Food Pantry Intake Workers (1645 N. 25th Street, Milwaukee)
We need help to take recipient information as well as to stock shelves and fill food orders.
Year-round, Monday through Friday
Education Center (1730 N. 7th Street, Milwaukee)
Be a volunteer tutor for the children at The Salvation Army Emergency Lodge and Community Centers to help give them the extra one-on-one help they need to advance academically. Volunteers can also lead arts and crafts projects or teach choir and music to greatly enhance the lives of the children in our programs. Year-round, Monday through Friday.
Life Skills Volunteer
Volunteer to share your knowledge with individuals in Transitional Living, our five Community Centers and the Emergency Lodge. Talents such as sewing, cooking, knitting, computer use and money management are welcome. Volunteers are needed to mentor and teach character building, GED preparation, ESL (English as a second language) and U.S. citizenship classes.
Gym and Recreation
Volunteers are needed at our 4129 W. Villard and 1645 N. 25th Street Salvatioin Army Community Center locations. Volunteers assist with basketball, volleyball and other gym activities.
Collections Drive
A great group volunteer activity is to spearhead a collection drive at your workplace, church or organization for items such as food, mittens, toiletries, puzzles, toys, towels, and games for the children and adults that we serve.