Be the Hands & Feet of Hope in Anderson
Whether you're drawn to serve meals, share a message of encouragement, or simply offer a helping hand, The Christian Center has a place for you. Volunteers are the heart of our mission—bringing meals, mentorship, and ministry to our neighbors in need across Madison County. With your time and compassion, real lives are changed. Together, we can feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and walk alongside those rebuilding after crisis.
Ways You Can Serve
Make and Serve Meals
Our Community Dining Room serves hundreds of hot meals each day—no questions asked. Volunteers help with food prep, serving, dishwashing, and clean-up. Come as an individual or bring a church, school, or corporate group.
Time commitment: 2–3 hours per mealtime. Open to ages 14+ with adult.
Lend a Hand at Red Door Vintage
Join us in our thrift store by sorting donations, organizing displays, helping customers, or keeping the shop welcoming. Red Door supports our shelter programs, and your time directly helps the mission.
Time commitment: flexible shifts during store hours. Ages 16+.
Support Chapel Ministry
Have a gift for worship or encouragement? Volunteer to lead music, share a message, or assist with prayer and spiritual support during our chapel services.
Time commitment: 1–2 hours per session. Ministry background helpful but not required.
Mentor or Teach a Skill
Many of our residents are working toward stability and independence. Volunteer to mentor someone one-on-one, or lead a workshop in life skills like budgeting, resume writing, or job readiness.
Time commitment: varies by format. Background check may be required.
Help Behind the Scenes
From assembling outreach kits to painting shelter rooms, there's always something to do. Whether you love organizing, fixing, or creating, we welcome volunteers for one-time projects or ongoing help.
Time commitment: flexible. Great for groups or individuals.
Group & Youth Volunteering
We welcome school, church, and civic groups for service days. Youth ages 14–17 may volunteer with adult supervision, depending on the activity. If you’re interested in organizing a group service project, please contact us in advance so we can coordinate the best fit.
How to Get Started
Ready to volunteer? Complete our Volunteer Registration Form to tell us about your interests and availability. The form includes our standard release waivers. Once submitted, a staff member will contact you to schedule an orientation and place you where you're needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have previous experience to volunteer?
Not at all. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Whether it’s your first time serving meals or leading a workshop, we’ll provide guidance and support to help you get started.
Can I complete community service hours at The Christian Center?
Yes. We can often accommodate court-ordered or school-required service hours, depending on the offense or nature of the requirement. Please let us know your situation when you apply so we can determine eligibility.
Is there a dress code for volunteers?
We ask volunteers to wear modest, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes—especially when working in the kitchen, thrift store, or maintenance projects. For safety and respect, we discourage clothing with offensive language or imagery.
Can I volunteer on weekends or evenings?
Yes. Some opportunities—like serving dinner, assisting at chapel, or working in the thrift store—extend into evenings or Saturdays. Let us know your availability on your volunteer form, and we’ll do our best to match you with a time that works.
Can I bring my children or family to volunteer together?
Families are welcome for certain projects, especially group activities or donation sorting. Children under 14 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Contact us to find the best fit for your family.
Do volunteers interact directly with shelter residents?
Some roles do include resident interaction—like serving meals, mentoring, or chapel ministry—while others (like sorting donations) do not. If you prefer one or the other, just let us know.
Is training provided for new volunteers?
Yes. Most roles include a brief orientation at your first shift. For ongoing or more involved roles (like mentoring or chapel support), we may offer additional onboarding or shadowing.