Volunteer

Love in Action.

Volunteers are the heart of the Rescue Mission

Every year, more than 2,000 volunteers give more than 35,000 hours of their time to help the Rescue Mission end hunger and homelessness in our community. Truly, we could not do our life-changing work without them!

Opportunities based on your interest

Whether you want to give just a few hours or are looking for long-term involvement, whatever your skills and interests, there are many opportunities to help the Rescue Mission!  Over the past year, volunteers have helped at our Thrifty Shopper stores, at our special events, serving or delivering food, in our administrative offices, and more.

Apply to Volunteer

Click below to get started!

Apply Now

If you have any questions regarding volunteering, please e-mail us: Volunteer@rmsyr.org

Event Specific Volunteer Recruitment

 

The needs of the Rescue Mission, our community and everyone we serve change frequently and with the seasons. Please consider registering for one of the following volunteer events.

Christmas Meals

Change a life this holiday season.

 

Discover what opportunities we have for you.

 

The holidays are a busy season for the Rescue Mission, and we need your help! We have an opportunity for every interest. Whether you sponsor a family, sponsor an individual, or deliver meals, you’re helping to put love in action for people in need in Central New York.

 

CHOOSE YOUR SHIFT
BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

Sponsor a family or individual

Are you interested in bringing the joy of Christmas to life for one of our Auburn families or residents? Help cross items off of someone’s Christmas Wish List this season by sponsoring one of our families in need in Auburn.

We also offer a sponsorship program for our residents currently living in Gifford Place, Crossroads, and Whitney Place. Help bring the magic of Christmas to one of our residents in need.

For more information on how you can sponsor, please call our holiday phone line at 315-701-3898.

Volunteer

Are you interested in delivering meals or stuffing bags? Learn about the different volunteer opportunities we offer this holiday season. Your time on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning is helping to bring the magic of the holidays to life for someone in need in the Central New York community. We offer different sign-up times between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. for both Thanksgiving and Christmas morning.

To reserve your spot or for more information on how you can get involved, please call our holiday phone line at 315-701-3898.

Donate

Help us put love in action this holiday season by contributing to our efforts to end hunger and homelessness in Central New York. Your donation today can help change a life for a vulnerable man, woman, or child tomorrow.  

Donate
A man volunteering at the Rescue Mission

Corporate Engagement & Volunteer Groups

 

When colleagues volunteer together, impact goes beyond the day itself.

Team members build pride, strengthen relationships, and see firsthand how their time and energy help move our community forward.

Volunteer Groups

Serve Together. Build Connection. Make a Difference.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to engage your team while supporting the Rescue Mission’s daily work. From meal service to donation sorting and seasonal projects, we’ll help you create a group experience that’s welcoming, well-organized, and impactful.

VOLUNTEER GROUP GUIDE | VOLUNTEER EVENTS | GET STARTED

Why Volunteer as a Group?

  • Creates hands-on engagement beyond the workplace

  • Strengthens team connection and morale

  • Builds empathy and awareness of local needs

  • Encourages ongoing involvement and partnership