Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Central Union Mission.

The individuals and groups who volunteer their time and talents at the Mission play a very important role in our ability to serve the poor and needy in the city.

To volunteer at one of Central Union Mission's events and/or facilities, click here.

There are also a number of opportunities that don't require working at our facilities:

Opportunities for Families Youth Groups
(for volunteers ages 12 and older)

Please note: Parents of students requiring verification for school service hours, email volunteer@missiondc.org

Prayer Warriors!
Pray to end poverty in our city! Join together with your family or church youth group and commit to praying regularly for those who struggle in poverty. Take a prayer walk around the building or pray over requests received from those we help. Seek God on behalf of those who desperately need it. For information, or to join our prayer warrior email distribution list, please contact Seamus Merrigan, JMerrigan@missiondc.org. See December 2012 prayer list here.

Goods Drives

1. Sign up for an ongoing drive: Canned Food Drive | Bottled Water Drive
2. Collect food, scarves hats, coats or toiletries according to the goals your group has set.
3. Have the leader of the group drop on the items at Central Union Mission any time.
   Hints for organizing a successful drive:
   - Work with your church, school or business and establish an accessible drop-off point
   - Make a flyer to promote the opportunity
   - Schedule a starting date and a deadline for your drive
   - Encourage all to participate!

Bible Verse Writing Rally
Organize a verse writing rally as a family or with your child's youth group to encourage those less fortunate. Bible verse cards are a great encouragement to the low-income neighbors who receive regular food support from the Mission, and will be placed bags of groceries they receive. So we're asking your group of volunteers to:

1. Pick several Bible verses of encouragement and list them for easy reference.
2. Neatly write one verse on each 3'x5' card. Note: please do not include any personal information.
3. Complete as many cards as you can up to a quantity of 300-400 cards.
4. Once completed, send the stack of Bible verses to Central Union Mission:
   Central Union Mission
   Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
   P.O. Box 96763
   Washington, DC  20090-6763

Sandwich Assembly Project
Run a sandwich assembly project at home or your church. Every sandwich helps feed our neighbors in need. We encourage volunteers to coordinate all aspects of your project.
Hints for organizing a successful sandwich assembly project:
- Use meat and cheese only (no peanut butter, jelly, nutella or spreads)
- Use zip-lock sandwich bags
- Place the bagged sandwich in a brown lunch bag along with fruits, granola bars, cookies, etc.
Note: In 1 hour, a group of 15 folks are usually able to assemble approximately 200 sandwiches.

Once all sandwiches are made, please drop them off at our Front Desk located at:
Central Union Mission
810 5th St NW
Washington, DC

Opportunities for Business and Organizations

Event Sponsorships - We invite your organization to sponsor an event, either through financial or volunteer support. Central Union Mission has a strong tradition of partnering with major area corporations and professional offices for volunteer opportunities that foster both team-building and service to our neighbors in need.

Events Include:
Every Man's Birthday Celebration (Feb)
Souper Bowl (Feb)
Easter Banquet (April)
Father's Day Luncheon (June)
Operation Backpack (August)
Veterans' Day Luncheon (Nov)
Great Thanksgiving Banquet (Nov)
Operation Christmas Miracle (Dec)
Christmas Day Banquet (Dec)

If your organization or business is interested in sponsoring an event, click here.