The Salvation Army © All rights reserved Privacy Policy |

Home. Program. Leaders. Gallery. Community. Volunteer. Contact Us.

South Santa Clara County

Serving the City of Gilroy

Morgan Hill and San Martin

Doing the Most Good

What can volunteers do at The Salvation Army?
The variety of things you can do to help those in need through The Salvation Army is almost limitless. Please see the pages on Seasonal and Year-Round volunteer opportunities to review some examples. You may also wish to visit the Disaster Services page if you would like to help out by responding to emergencies or Red Kettles if you would prefer to be a “bellringer” during the Christmas season.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Some positions require volunteers to be a minimum age, but other jobs can be done by youth or families that include young children. Minors must have a signed parental permission slip to participate.

How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Although applications may not always be required to participate (i.e. – if you showed up and signed in to take part once in a public project), it is best (and usually required) to complete a volunteer application form before serving. Such applications are typically brief and include contacts and in-case-of-emergency information. Most positions will also require applicants to submit to a background check to ensure the safety of other volunteers and the vulnerable populations such volunteers may be serving. Once completed, the application can be returned to The Salvation Army corps or community center from which you received it.

Can my group or company volunteer?
Of course! Volunteering in groups is a great way to strengthen bonds and build morale whether you are a member of a club or a corporation. Please contact the Volunteer Director for your region to receive more information on behalf of your group.

Will I have to volunteer in any dangerous situations or locations?
Safety for all volunteers, staff, and clients is important to The Salvation Army, and many measures are taken to ensure this general well being. Salvation Army officers and staff undergo extensive training in creating safe environments and supervising volunteers. Salvation Army facilities are designed with safety in mind. Potentially hazardous situations or environments are disclosed and made known as part of position descriptions whenever possible.

Why should I consider being a Salvation Army Volunteer?
There are many wonderful reasons to consider volunteering your time to help others in need. Please see the Benefits page for more information on rewards and personal benefits available to you as a volunteer of The Salvation Army.