The Salvation Army of Augusta needs volunteers

The Salvation Army of Augusta is hosting several volunteer campaigns this season and invites the Augusta University community to get involved.

“Augusta University is proud to partner with a wide variety of community organizations to help meet the needs of our friends and neighbors across the area,” said Tina Baggott, associate vice president for Volunteer Services and Community Engagement. “The Salvation Army is committed to providing hope and basic needs to those homeless and low-income individuals who need a little extra help.

“All of their programs are offered free of charge and during the holiday season. They also offer a wide variety of opportunities for volunteers and in-kind donations. By supporting these programs, we can all help to ensure that more people in our community can experience a happier holiday season,” Baggott added.

A variety of service projects are presented by the Salvation Army:

 Christmas kettles

The Salvation Army depends on volunteers to ring bells at various locations throughout the greater Augusta area and to encourage donations. Money raised through these kettles provides much-needed funding for free programs at Christmas and throughout the year. The 2019 kettle season runs through Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Christmas angel warehouse

As Christmas nears, The Salvation Army Warehouse fills with food, toys and stockings that will be distributed to thousands of local families in need. Santa’s helpers are needed to sort, organize, bag and distribute these items. Shifts are available for organizations and individuals to serve during the first two weeks of December.

Angel adoption

The Angel Tree program brings the joy of Christmas to children from families in need through the help of generous sponsors. To adopt an angel, simply pick up an angel tag at the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St., or by contacting The Salvation Army directly. Each angel tag includes a child’s gender, clothing size, age and gift wish.

Soap drive

Emergency shelters at The Center of Hope, 1384 Greene St., are in need of bars of soap for their overnight clients. The shelters provide a safe place to sleep for up to 100 people 365 days a year. This includes men, women and children. Clients receive a free dinner, breakfast, warm shower and a safe place to spend the night. Soap is always in high demand — travel size is best, but a full bar is appreciated as well.

Red Kettle campaign match sponsor

Challenge other kettle donors with the opportunity to double their gift by sponsoring a kettle with a match up to a dollar level that you choose. The Salvation Army will display your business, organization or family name on the kettle stand, letting everyone know you’ve sponsored that kettle and are matching the gifts. Choose to ring the bell at your match kettle, with your employees wearing company shirts or name tags. Contact Derek Dugan at (706) 922-8369.

To get involved with all other projects, contact Ali Scavullo, Salvation Army’s volunteer coordinator, at (706) 434-3185.

“The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers who serve in a variety of roles, from teaching computer courses at our Kroc Center Senior’s Lounge to serving meals in their soup kitchen,” said Baggott. “Whatever your calling, we hope you’ll consider exploring the many opportunities to make a difference in our community by donating your valuable time or by organizing an in-kind donation drive to help our neighbors in need.”

Learn more about Augusta University’s Volunteer Services and Community Engagement.