Our work is rooted in the idea that people deserve to live in a world that is fair, just, and nurturing and in which everyone can thrive. To do that, we believe that we need to all work together.
We’d love for you to join us as we work towards a more equitable, hopeful, and healthy future for us all. As we say at Operation Shoestring: we all rise together.
Volunteers at Operation Shoestring are an essential part of creating spaces of choice for the children and families that we serve, and creating empowering experiences for the neighborhoods we work in. From academic tutoring to art classes, baking lessons to running clinics, there is a way for every person, company, and place of worship to use their unique talents in our programs.
Yes, I want to serve!
Volunteer Interest Form
Let us know how to contact you and which volunteer opportunities interest you. Scroll down for details.
Volunteer Spotlight
Operation Shoestring’s work is rooted in the idea that positive change is possible when we bring together a diverse coalition to join hands in helping support and build our community. We strive to build strategic partnerships that support our role in our community, and we extend our thanks to the following volunteers and community groups who helped make our work possible over the 2023-2024 school year. We’d like to thank Bodies in Motion, Briarwood Pool Association, RaToya Gilmer, ILeadMS, Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL), the Jackson Fire Department, the Junior League of Jackson, Dr. Shirley Burnett, Live Slow, Swim Fast, 100 Black Men of Jackson. Mrs. Betty Smithson, Mississippi Families for Kids, MFUGE, Mississippi Smiles, Mississippi State’s Hinds County Extension Office, The Good Samaritan Center, New Hope Baptist Church, Northminster Baptist Church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, St Dominic Care-A-Van, St Richard Catholic Church, St. James’ Episcopal Church, Urban Foxes, Victoria Meek, We Are One UMC, Wells Church UMC, Jackson Association of Neighborhoods, The Kelly Factory, Mid-City Neighborhood Association, American Heart Association, Briarwood Arts Center, the Community Foundation for Mississippi, Missisippi State Department of Health, Millsaps College, CS for Y’all, the Rotary Club of Jackson, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance, The Links of Lefleur’s Bluff, Adriel and Myesha Holmes, Executive Women International (EWI), FoodCorps, I.D.E.A. (Parent Leadership Institute), Tougaloo College, Brandon Andrews, Dylynn Smith, Yamrot Sileshi, Bri White, Atesa McKinney and Dr. Teresa Fulgham McCarty.
Volunteer Opportunities
Qualified volunteers will provide assistance in one or more academic subjects in a way that increases student understanding of in-class and homework assignments and facilitate enrichment activities that focus on the areas of arts, physical and mental health, technology, finances or world cultures. Volunteers will also be required to review completed assignments to ensure accuracy and provide positive feedback on the student’s progress.
Digital Ambassadors provide social media support to Operation Shoestring by spreading the word about OS events, successes and needs. As a digital volunteer, there are multiple avenues to support Shoestring such as social media support, basic media classes/workshops for students and/or families that will educate and teach the fundamental skills of photography, film and video. We also welcome volunteer photography that will capture images that properly reflect our programs and encourage volunteerism and other supports.
Volunteers are need to help with poster distribution for fundraising events. We are also open to suggestion as to fundraising event ideas you may have to help support our mission.
A Shoestring mentor is a caring, responsible adult that serves as a support system and role model to one or more youth while also establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries. In this role, you can assist youth with developing a plan that ensures academic and life skills are developed to the highest potential. Every mentor must be 18+.
Volunteers are always welcome to present workshops on their fields of expertise to Shoestring families. For example, we have had volunteer led workshops on financial planning, nutritional needs, stress management in the past. We also offer parent mentoring, and have frequent opportunities for volunteers to assist with providing goods and services to the families in our community.
Operation Shoestring serves hundreds of children and their families, and there are certain items that we use regularly in our work. Donations of items are always appreciated!
Operation Shoestring holds special events throughout the year like our Harvest Carnival, Christmas program, Community Empowerment Expos, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Lights On Afterschool Rally, and Conversation About Community. We need volunteers to help with event decoration, planning and execution.
Volunteers must be willing to work alongside site manager(s) while assisting our camp counselors in Pre-K-8th grade summer learning experiences through enrichment and extracurricular activities. Extracurricular time will include field trips to local museums and attractions. Summer academic support will be structured time focusing on maintaining students’ English, Writing, and Math skills. We also need volunteers to help us provide breakfast each morning of summer camp and a 10-15 minute activity.
We value our community partners and understand that it takes a communal effort from all to rise together. Ideas that are aligned with Operation Shoestring’s mission are encouraged to be submitted for review and possible implementation.
Volunteer FAQs
We welcome volunteers of all ages! However, a mentor volunteer must be 18+. Knowledgeable in the area you wish to volunteer Able to follow directions independently Good initiative Good verbal communication skills Mature and responsible Energetic and reliable Complete Operation Shoestring’s volunteer orientation
Time commitment varies depending on the volunteer opportunities of your choosing. Time expectations will be covered during volunteer orientation.
Operation Shoestring e-newsletters are sent out to registered volunteers and contain information about volunteer needs. You can also check our website any time for new opportunities.
You can register on our website or contact our Community Resource Coordinator at 601.353.6336 ext. 23 or volunteer@operationshoestring.org for a list of scheduled volunteer orientation classes. After completion, you will be ready to start.
You are welcomed to contact the Community Resources Coordinator at any time and Operation Shoestring’s Staff will always be available to you, while on site to answer questions and provide assistance.
Yes. However, Operation Shoestring reserves the right to deny or dismiss volunteers for any reason or behaviors that are not in alignment with Operation Shoestring’s vision and/or detrimental to the community we serve.
