Overview
Every year, The Salvation Army's Eric and Diane Holm Thanksgiving opens its doors and hearts to serve thousands of neighbors in need. From preparing the space on Tuesday, to sharing a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day, every volunteer plays a vital role in making this holiday one of hope, dignity, and gratitude.
Tuesday, November 25 – Setup Day (All Day)
Help us transform our space into a welcoming home for Thanksgiving! Volunteers will assist with:
Setting up tables, chairs, and décor
Organizing the dining area and serving stations
Sorting and arranging food and supplies
Creating a warm, festive environment for our guests
This is a perfect opportunity for individuals or groups who want to be part of the behind-the-scenes preparation that makes Thanksgiving Day possible.
Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving Day Serving (Morning & Afternoon Shifts)
Be part of the heart of Thanksgiving!! On this day, volunteers will:
Greet guests with a smile and warm welcome
Serve traditional Thanksgiving meals
Assist with beverage stations and dessert service
Offer table hospitality and conversation with guests
Help with cleanup to ensure every guest leaves with dignity and joy
The Impact
Your service ensures that everyone — from families to seniors to those experiencing homelessness — can experience the love, hope, and spirit of Thanksgiving. Whether you’re greeting a guest, serving food, praying with a family, or breaking down tables, your time and care make Thanksgiving possible for those who might otherwise spend the day alone or without a meal.
Sign up today — every role matters, and together, we’ll make this Thanksgiving unforgettable.
Come once, or serve both days — every hand and heart makes a difference.
Thanksgiving Day of Service – Volunteer Roles
Note: You may be asked to do any of the Volunteer roles below during your shift. Please be flexible and willing to assist with any of the roles. Additionally, if you're volunteering as part of a group, your entire group needs to be in attendance before you can check in.
Traffic Control
Place directional signs, guide cars to EA and VIP parking, and assist drive-up and walk-up guests.
Volunteer Registration
Check volunteers in, provide t-shirts, and ensure everyone knows their role.
Set-Up & Distribution Stations
Assist with toiletries, blankets, and Earth Breeze distribution across three separate stations.
Serve Seniors @ Catherine Booth
Transport food from the gym, set up, serve, and deliver meals to senior shut-ins.
Serve Clients at Shelters
Transport food from the gym, set up, serve, and deliver meals to Clients.
Floaters
Support where help is most needed throughout the day.
Cleaning Concierge
Help keep the facility safe and welcoming by emptying trash, wiping spills, and resetting spaces.
Greeter / Hostess
Welcome guests with warmth, direct them to food lines, and help with crowd flow.
Food Servers
Work at one of two food lines. Each volunteer serves one item or manages plates/utensils.
Beverage Station
Distribute bottled water and restock supplies.
Table Hosts
Care for guests at assigned tables — clear trash, assist as needed, and offer kind conversation.
Fellowship & Prayer
Offer spiritual encouragement, prayer, and companionship to guests.
Prepare To-Go Meals
Assemble to-go meals for guests who cannot stay for the full sit-down meal.
Clean-Up & Reset
Return the space to normal use — clean, sanitize, and reset for the next program.
Breakdown Crew
Take down tables/chairs and prepare equipment for ProEM pickup on Monday.
Banner & Sign Retrieval
Remove and pack banners, S-hooks, cones, and parking signs for storage.
Cambro Cleaning
Thoroughly clean and prepare Cambros for future use.
Photo Booth
Assist with individual and group photos
Parking will be at the EA Sports Surface Lot - 630 Concord St, Orlando, FL 32801
