Donate Online Home About Us Programs Giving Worship Calendar of Events Volunteers Doing the Most Good: Photos Employment Touching Lives The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area 677 S. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13202 Phone: 315-475-1688 Fax: 315-475-6307 Contact Us Site Map

Volunteers play a vital role at The Salvation Army.  Last year, more than 30,000 hours of volunteer time was logged.  If we had to pay volunteers for their time, at a rate of $8 an hour, that would mean that we would have $240,000 less to support our programs because we had to pay it in salary expenses.

Why volunteer with The Salvation Army?

1. To make a difference. Volunteering for The Salvation Army offers the chance to help touch, change and save the lives of men, women and children in Onondaga County. As a volunteer of The Salvation Army, you will be of priceless value to your community.
   
2. To gain experience. Do you want to be a health or social worker? Even is you seek a career in the private sector, the people skills and experiences you will gain as a volunteer will assist you in your chosen profession.
   
3. To grow as a person.Whether you are seeking to develop your spirituality or to improve your character, working with those less fortunate is often a transformative experience that will help you find greater compassion and appreciation in your life. Volunteering is an excellent means of character exploration and development for men, women and children.
   
4. To network. There are social and professional benefits from hetting to know other good and caring people. Professionally, you never know who knows who, and your chance acquaintances made though your volunteer service may reward you in the future. Numerous studies also suggest that networking and forming positive social affiliations will positively influence your mental health and moods.
   
5. To improve your resume. If you are a student, gaining volunteer experience can make a great difference when you are applying to college or for scholarships. Even seasoned professionals will find that charitable activities such as volunteer work are looked upon favorably in the corporate world.
   
6. To feel good. Volunteering improves self-esteem, reduces blood pressure, enhances the immune systema nd decreases stress. Voluntees were also found to have lower premature death rates, less heart disease and fewer health issues overall according to a study conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Health in Canada. Similar results linking stimulation in the brain's pleasure center with committing unselfish acts was found by the National Institutes of health in Maryland. It seems one of the best ways to improve the health of your heart is to use is in the caring service of others.
   

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