At SMSS, we offer a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to make a positive impact in our community. Whether you’re passionate about tutoring students, assisting with food distribution, or helping in our thrift shop, there’s a place for you to contribute your skills and time. Volunteers play a vital role in our programs, providing essential support that enhances the services we offer to our clients. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities, and we provide training and resources to ensure you feel equipped and confident in your role. By joining our team, you can help empower individuals and families, foster connections within the community, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the form below.
Food Pantry
We currently use over 30 volunteers each month to distribute our food to the Signal Mountain community. You can help us feed our neighbors in need by volunteering for one of the opportunities below.
- Work one 2-hour shift per month.
- Be a sub for our regular shift workers.
- Help with Post Office Food Drive in May.
- Help with Churches and organizations special food collections.
- Help with stocking on days following food drive.
Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year: Joan Wagner.
We are honored to recognize Joan as our Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year! Joan has been faithfully serving for over 20 years, bringing dedication and heart to everything she does. A true self-starter, she is always one step ahead, cheerfully jumping in, paying close attention to detail, and going above and beyond to support our team and the families we serve. Thank you, Joan, for your incredible service and commitment! Pictured (from left): Lea Ann Marshall (Food Pantry Manager) Sarah Kologek (Social Worker), Elizabeth Neal (Executive Director) and Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year, Joan Wagner
Clothes House Volunteer of the Year: Martha Nagle.
We are thrilled to recognize Martha as our Clothes House 2024 Volunteer of the year! Martha has a huge heart, a lot of energy, and a deep commitment to the Clothes House. She is a huge asset to our team and her steady presence and willingness to help wherever needed make a lasting impact. Thank you Martha for all you do! Pictured (from left): Elizabeth Neal (Executive Director), Deseret Ward (Director of Development), Martha Nagle, and Victoria Skorupa (Clothes House Manager)
The Clothes House
We currently use over 20 volunteers each week to generate the sales that we need to support our SMSS Client programs that care for our community. You can help generate these critical sales by volunteering for one of the opportunities below.
- Hanging clothes before the store opens once a month or once a week.
- Helping check out customers during regular store hours.
- Shelving new books, toys and games
- Stocking housewares
- Coloring coding clothing
Special Client Home Projects
Volunteering for our special client home repair program is an impactful way to support members of our community in need. Many of our clients face challenges related to home maintenance, and your skills and time can make a significant difference in their lives. Volunteers are essential for addressing critical repair needs, such as fixing plumbing issues, repairing windows, and ensuring that homes are safe and functional. By lending a hand, you help create a more stable and comfortable living environment for families and individuals who may be struggling. No matter your skill level, there are various opportunities to get involved, from hands-on repairs to providing logistical support. Join us in this meaningful effort to uplift our community and help our clients enjoy a safe and secure home. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact us for more details on how you can contribute.
Christmas Baskets
We typically need over 40 volunteers to provide Christmas Baskets to our clients in need each year.
We put together and delivered food and gifts to over 50 SMSS clients in December.
This years packing and delivery date is Saturday, December 13, 2025. Come out to Nolan Elementary, the line starts forming at 8:30 am and doors open at 9.
Tutors/Mentors/Volunteers
The incredible success we have had in guiding our clients to self-reliance has truly taken the support of the entire Signal Mountain community. Because our service needs are constantly evolving based on the unique circumstances of our clients, we would love to hear from you if you have a heart to serve or a skill to share! Please contact us with questions, or to discuss how you can best serve our community members in need!
Birthday Buddies
We are excited to partner with Chattanooga Birthday Buddies and Mountain Top Toys to enrich the lives of the families we serve by giving our local community an opportunity to sponsor a child on their birthday. To learn more about Chattanooga Birthday Buddies and find birthday registries, visit https://chattanoogabirthdaybuddies.weebly.com. You can also visit Learning Express and check out our very own SMSS Birthday Bin!