Volunteer
Volunteers who have a heart for helping others can make it possible for the Rescue Mission to continue to serve men, women and children in need in our city and surrounding communities.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Springfield Rescue Mission!
We are glad you’re here and excited to tell you more on how you can make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
Once the simple initial steps to get started are complete – creating a volunteer profile and attending a volunteer orientation – you can choose the area in which you’d like to volunteer that will best utilize your gifts and talents. Or try your hand in different departments of the Rescue Mission to get a feel for where you might volunteer.
Click the first button “Register to become a Volunteer” below to get started.
For more information, please read our Volunteer FAQs
For volunteer questions please contact Lenore Masciotra, Volunteer Program Coordinator at 413-732-0808 Ext 220, lmasciotra@springfieldrescuemission.org
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Food Services Volunteers
Volunteers help prepare and serve breakfast (6AM-8AM) and lunch (10AM-1:30PM). For dinner service, please see “Provide a Meal” below. Due to Massachusetts State Law, no one under the age of 16 is allowed in the kitchen.
Click here to view Massachusetts State Laws
For more information, please contact Lenore Masciotra, Volunteer Program Coordinator at 413-732-0808 Ext 220, lmasciotra@springfieldrescuemission.org
Operation SONshine
Operation SONshine hours are from 11:00am – 3:00pm in order to allow the Mission van to replenish supplies and return to locations as needed.
Volunteers will arrive at 10 Mill St. at 11:00 am to prepare sandwiches, et al; volunteers will have lunch from 12:00 noon to 12:20 and the Mission van will depart at 12:30pm. and return to the Rescue Mission by 3:00 pm.
Operation SONshine will travel to various locations in Springfield on Tuesdays and Thursdays and to Greenfield/Northampton/Holyoke locations on Wednesdays as time and supplies allow.
There is a four-person limit in the Operation SONshine van.
Provide a Meal
One of the most rewarding ways to volunteer is to make a meal for the Residents in the Men’s New Life Rehabilitation Program at the main facility 10 Mill St. or the Emergency Men’s Shelter at 148 Taylor St. This is a tremendous help to the Rescue Mission and provides respite for the SRM Food Service Staff.
Some volunteers provide a meal on a regular monthly basis and others do so as schedules permit. There is no obligation or pressure. Even one time is a blessing to the Rescue Mission!
The following are options for providing a meal:
- Volunteers are welcome to bring their food items in to cook on premise and serve the meal followed by helping to clean up.
- Volunteers can prepare a meal off -premise and bring in no later than 11:30am for Lunch 4:30 pm for Dinner and stay to serve. *
- Volunteers can prepare a meal off-premise and drop off no later than 11:30am for Lunch and 4:30pm for Dinner.
*Volunteers who stay to serve must have attended a Volunteer Orientation.
- Lunch – is served at 12:00pm for Residents, Staff, Volunteers and Visitors and at 12:30 pm for guests. Lunch is Monday – Friday and only served at 10 Mill St. Plan for 55 people.
- Dinner is served at 5:00 pm at both facilities. Plan for 20-25 men at 10 Mill St. and for 45 men at 148 Taylor St.
*No Sundays available at 10 Mill St.
Volunteers/Volunteer Groups should complete a Gift in Kind (GIK) form when providing a meal. This is your tax deduction form and necessary for the Rescue Mission’s records.
Please contact Lenore Masciotra for scheduling and more information: lmasciotra@springfieldrescuemission.org or call 413-732-0808 Ext. 220.
Warehouse & Give Away Center
Volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donated items in the warehouse and assist guests and staff in our Give Away Center.
Administrative Help
Volunteers may assist with administrative needs throughout the year for various staff.
Countertop Display
Food and Collection Drives
Employers may even turn your volunteer hours into a monetary donation through their volunteer policy. Every additional gift from an Employer will provide more meals, shelter beds, clothing and hope for our homeless and those in need in our communities.
For questions or more information on matching gifts, please contact Georgia Briggs, Donor Relations, at 413-732-0808, Ext. 223, gbriggs@springfieldrescuemission.org