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Through selfless service, some volunteers at The Salvation Army across the West experience a full-circle journey, where receiving help evolves into giving back and building stronger, more connected communities.
Nearly 1.5 million people dedicated their time and energy to volunteer with The Salvation Army in 2024. That’s 1.5 million acts of compassion—each one a step toward building stronger, more connected communities.
From lending a hand at a shelter to packing food boxes or ringing bells at a red kettle, every act of service creates a ripple effect. These moments of giving don’t just meet immediate needs—they bring lasting fulfillment through support and connection.
But the impact doesn’t stop there.
For many, volunteering with The Salvation Army isn’t a one-time gesture. It becomes a way of life. In fact, some volunteers and staff members once received support themselves. They return, eager to give back through the organization that helped get them back on their feet.
These full-circle moments are reminders that service doesn’t just have the power to change lives—it connects them. Let’s take a closer look at the stories of three volunteers whose journeys highlight the transformative power of giving back.
Laraine Wilson: Finding community
Laraine Wilson moved to Wyoming in 2022 with her two young children. As they settled into a new community and the kids started school, Wilson reached out to The Salvation Army Gillette Service Center for food boxes.
“What I really walked away with was this village of support,” Wilson said.
After her initial visit, she returned and asked how she could help, adding she hoped to find belonging and purpose within her community. From then on, she began volunteering at the food pantry and helped staff relocate the pantry to a larger, remodeled space.
She soon began volunteering up to four days a week—organizing and painting the new food pantry, distributing food, and eventually using her skills as a licensed cosmetologist to offer free haircuts to clients coming in for hot lunches.
“It just progressed and I couldn’t imagine giving my free time and energy anywhere else,” she said. “Through volunteer work, you’ll discover yourself and connect with the people who need you just as much as you need them.”
Today, Wilson continues to volunteer at The Salvation Army on weekends. She also serves on The Salvation Army Gillette Advisory Board, bringing valuable insight as a single mother who understands firsthand what it’s like to ask for help in a new community.
“I’m where I am today because of the love and kindness I received,” she said.
Norma Cifuentes: A new path
In 2011, Norma Cifuentes came to The Salvation Army El Cajon (California) Corps looking for food during a tough time for her family. She walked away with much more—diapers, shoes for her son and the spiritual support she needed as they faced housing challenges and her son’s epilepsy diagnosis.
A few months later, she returned—not for assistance, but to attend church and see how she could stay involved.
“That first connection can open the door to so much more,” Cifuentes said. “The Salvation Army wrapped around our family and gave us the support, encouragement and love we didn’t even know we needed.”
Cifuentes volunteered at the El Cajon Corps for several years before taking on a front desk position, followed by a role in Guest Services, where she works today. During this time, her children grew up at the corps, participating in summer camps, youth events and becoming Junior Soldiers.
Eventually she started a women’s Bible study in Spanish. As one of the few Spanish-speaking staff members at the corps, she wanted to create a space where women could connect and grow in their faith.
“I made it my mission to show people how The Salvation Army can help,” she said. “I fell in love with the whole background of the food pantry and giving back to those who need it. God shows me every day that we’ve found our place in the community.”
Jerri-Janene Nicholson: Healing through helping
Jerri-Janene Nicholson, Office and Volunteer Coordinator at The Salvation Army Aurora (Colorado) Corps, first visited The Salvation Army for food assistance.
At the time, she was looking for a way to stay occupied while navigating the challenges of caring for her husband’s health and decided to ask how she could help around the corps.
“Helping out at the corps made me feel like I was just a regular person again like I was truly myself,” she said. “We were going through a lot, with his health complications, and I knew I had to stay true to myself. I had to keep busy and do something that felt meaningful.”
Before long, she was spending 40 hours a week volunteering at the corps, dedicating her time to cleaning windows, chapel floors and organizing the pantry. At the same time, she reconnected with God and began attending worship services.
“The Salvation Army helped me rediscover my faith and find a new purpose,” she said. “Once I realized that, I knew I wanted to stay around.”
What begins as a moment of need can transform into a lifelong mission of giving back. Volunteer work isn’t just about offering help—it’s about healing, growing and connecting with others.
“If I were encouraging someone to volunteer, I’d say, ‘Just go for it,’” she said. “Do it for God’s glory, and it will come back to you.”
Do Good:
- Whether it’s through opportunities with The Salvation Army or elsewhere, your gifts are needed. You are needed. If you choose to cultivate these nine habits of impactful volunteers, you will make a difference in the lives of others. When you strive to do good, you help build a safer world for all and give others a lasting display of the love behind your beliefs. Get the guide on How To Be An Impactful Volunteer and join us in Doing Good today.
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