Volunteer

at a Processing Center

Millions of shoeboxes are collected during National Collection Week. Before these special gifts can bring hope and joy to children around the world, each one has to be carefully inspected and made ready for overseas shipment by volunteers like you. You can help prepare shoeboxes for delivery by volunteering at one of our eight processing centers across the United States.

Volunteer registration for the processing centers opens in August. If you haven't already done so, take a minute now to create a profile on our volunteer page so you can complete the process quickly when registration opens for your area.

Processing Center Dates & Locations

Address information will be released when available.

Monday, Sept. 12
Baltimore/Washington and Dallas/Fort Worth
Tuesday, Sept. 13
Boone (NC) and Denver
Wednesday, Sept. 14
Atlanta and Minneapolis
Thursday, Sept. 15
Charlotte and Southern California


We have opportunities at the processing centers for volunteer groups of all sizes. You can volunteer as an individual or with family and friends.

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Friends

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I move through check-in quickly?

    Groups that complete online waivers for all members before arriving at the processing center earn a FAST PASS to expedite the check-in process.

  • Can I update my reservation?

    You can manage your reservation at www.occvolunteersignup.com. If your group size decreases, it is critical to the operation of the processing center that you notify us. To increase your group size, check availability at occvolunteersignup.com.

  • What are the roles at a processing center?

    Volunteers form teams responsible for removing financial contributions from shoeboxes, inspecting gifts, sorting inappropriate items, working with filler items, separating boxes by age and gender, and boxing shoeboxes in designated cartons. Due to the fast-paced environment of the warehouse and changing needs, you may be asked to do different tasks.

  • Are there employment opportunities?

    Yes: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/seasonal-employment-opportunities/

  • What are the dates of operation?

    Processing begins Tuesday, November 22, 2016, and continues through December 17, 2016. The hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for Thanksgiving Day when the processing centers will be closed.

  • Can any age volunteer?

    All volunteers MUST be at least 13 years of age. Due to the warehouse environment, we cannot allow exceptions to this age requirement. At least one chaperone for every four youth (volunteers between the ages of 13-17) is required to ensure the safety and appropriate behavior of your youth.

  • What if my child is too young to volunteer?

    Children under age 13 are not able to volunteer in a processing center. However, tours are available throughout the season when families with children under 13 or individuals who want to know more about the project can come to the processing center.

  • What is the address of the processing centers?

    Processing center locations vary year-to-year, depending on warehouse availability. Address information will be released when available.

  • What should I wear to the processing centers?

    Our processing centers are set up in warehouses, so please be comfortably and appropriately dressed for this environment. It is best to wear closed-toe shoes appropriate for standing for long periods, and warm, layered, casual clothes as the temperature inside can vary. Breaks are available as needed.

  • Can I bring food for my group?

    A break area in the processing center has vending machines and space to store your meals and snacks. Ice is not provided; however, you may bring your own coolers. All food and drinks must remain inside the break area. Tobacco products are prohibited on the property.

  • What if the day I'd like to serve is full?

    First, join the waiting list for your preferred time, then search for other openings. We typically have the most open time slots during the week and in the evenings. After that, check back throughout the season – time slots open as registered group sizes decrease.



We also need year-round volunteers to serve in a variety of unique roles. Click here to learn more about these opportunities.