Get to know our volunteers!
The Salvation Army is blessed to have a network of volunteers that are dedicated to spending their free time bettering the lives of others. Most of our volunteers work with the Emergency Disaster Services program, thrift stores and help with bell-ringing around the holidays. The Salvation Army also has a special group of volunteers: skill-based volunteers.
Skill-based volunteers help out by using a specific skill to inspire and help others. The Salvation Army works with individuals to put their passion into practice and make our community a better place. Get to know some of our awesome volunteers below!
Audrey
In addition to volunteers that donate their time to weekly and monthly programs, The Salvation Army has many volunteers who assist on an as needed basis with special projects. Audrey is active duty in the Navy, but still finds time to volunteer with The Salvation Army and other organizations on her days off. In addition to consistently helping with youth programming at our Door of Hope campus, Audrey is usually one of the first to pick up additional projects as needed. Most recently, Audrey has helped with gift wrapping for Christmas and a database project for the Development Depart-ment at Divisional Headquarters. Audrey always has a great attitude and a “can-do” approach to new tasks. She is a joy to have around and a great example of a philanthropic spirit!
Clara
Prior to moving to the United States, Clara volunteered with the United Nations Humanitarian branch to help Syrian refugees settle in other countries. Clara also taught English and pre-school in her native home of Lebanon. Her role for Christmas was to help sort toy donations and translate for the Arabic speaking clients. She noted that in her past experiences it was difficult to acquire toy donations. When she saw the number of toys donated, for everyone from babies to teens, Clara was very happy and surprised. She was also very impressed by how nice all the workers and volunteers were. Overall, Clara felt that the volunteer opportunity was very rewarding and is very excited to help in any way she can.
Makki
Before becoming a Salvation Army volunteer, Makki had just moved to the US from Saudi Arabia. Shortly after arriving, he found himself in Utah with a lost wallet; no credit card and no money. When he asked for help, he was directed to The Salvation Army in Utah. After settling in San Diego, he decided that he wanted to give back to the organization that helped him. Makki now volunteers at The Salvation Army intergenerational garden every week and translates for Arabic speaking seniors - a population of very special people we would not be able to reach out to without his help.
Anna
Anna is from Kazakstan and speaks Russian. She teaches a group of Russian senior women to speak English. Anna has an understanding of how to relate to these ladies that cannot be taught. When asked what her secret is, she tells that its because they remind her of her grandma.
Cristie
Cristie is a teacher for adults with disabilities at SD Unified - who brings a group of students to ring the bell for us each year. The students come dressed up in costumes and sing Christmas Carols at the top of their lungs - earning record making donations to The Salvation Army and feeling a sense of sheer joy at contributing to their community.
Duc
Duc is an awesome young man who spends his Wednesdays and Thursdays at our Door of Hope campus. Each week he tutors and plays sports with the kids that live onsite - serving as a positive male role model for kids that adore him!
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, we would love to have you! Click here to learn more.