Christmas Cheer Volunteer Opportunities

Make the final moments of the Cheer experience special! You’ll help families carry toys and food boxes to their cars, then return carts and break down boxes for disposal. Between families, you may also take out the trash. This is an outdoor role, so dress for the weather.

Volunteers must be able to lift 20–25 pounds and be at least 13 years old. Perfect for individuals or groups, this role offers meaningful interaction and plenty of smiles.

Welcome families, verify information, and issue entry tickets. Volunteers must be at least 18.

Be the first friendly face families see! You’ll welcome guests, confirm their registration, check IDs, retrieve their paperwork from the files, and give them a call number ticket before they head to the waiting area. This role is mostly seated but does involve standing to retrieve forms.

This is our final push! On Friday, December 20, we must pack, load, and clear the Lausche Building by 3:00 p.m. Volunteers will break down boxes, move packed items, take out trash, and load vehicles. This role involves lifting and is vital to closing the program successfully. It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential and deeply appreciated.

Walk alongside families to help them choose age-appropriate gifts. Volunteers must be at least 16.

Help families find the perfect toys for their children. You’ll greet them at the Toy Shop entrance, use the provided age/gender list to guide selections, and ensure toys are chosen from the display tables (not the stock area). Occasionally, a “bike card” may be available, which can be redeemed at the end of the food line. Once selections are made, you’ll direct families to the food line. 

Assemble and prepare our Red Box food boxes.

Join the team that keeps holiday meals moving! You’ll make and pack boxes, restock staging stations, and help break down empty boxes. Forklifts will be in use in this area, so awareness and teamwork are key. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Every box you prepare helps put a holiday meal on a family’s table.

Help keep Christmas Cheer moving smoothly! We need two forklift drivers per shift to assist with unloading and moving items. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and either certified or experienced in operating a forklift. Your skill ensures toys, food, and supplies get where they need to go so families can be served with joy.

Call numbers and keep the crowd engaged. Public-speaking role. Volunteers must be at least 18.

Bring energy and fun to the room! As the MC, you’ll use a microphone to call numbers for families ready to pick up their toys and food. You’re welcome to share lighthearted stories, engage kids with songs, or create moments of cheer for those waiting. A Salvation Army team member will guide you on when and how many numbers to call. 

Assist with unloading toys and donations. Some lifting required.

Help wrap up the season while preparing for next year! On Thursday evening after distribution, you’ll count and sort leftover toys by age and gender, pack them into bins, and wrap for storage. You may also help with food packing. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Your work ensures we’re ready to bless families again next year.

Organize and set up toys by age group for family selection.

Keep the Toy Shop organized and festive! You’ll unpack and sort toys by age and gender, bundle gift sets, count items, and restock display tables. On distribution days, you may also help retrieve bikes and assist shoppers. Volunteers as young as 13 can help here, but to work directly behind the staging area during distribution, you must be at least 16. Your help ensures every child’s gift is ready and waiting.