Volunteer Opportunities

Thrift Store

Over 25,000 people donated clothing and household items to Palmer Home last year.  Many of these items are used on campus and the remaining items are sold in our thrift stores.  Presently, Palmer Home has thrift stores in Columbus, Starkville and Horn Lake, Mississippi.   The purpose of the thrift stores is to generate funds in support of Palmer and provide a service to the community.  The three thrift stores process over 70,000 pounds of clothing a year.  Other donations, such as household items, lawn equipment, jewelry, etc., are constantly being restocked.  Pickup service is provided for bulk items.   Volunteers are needed to assemble furniture, sort clothing, stock shelves, serve customers and pickup or deliver items.  Other duties are assigned as needed and all volunteers are welcomed.

Sponsorship

Through the years sponsorship has been a great blessing to Palmer Home and it's children.  Palmer Home offers three forms of sponsorship.  Prayer Sponsors agree to pray for a specific child every day for a year.  They are given a picture of a child and receive periodic prayer requests.  Pledge Sponsors give monetarily to help finance a child’s expenses throughout the year.  Pledges may be made monthly or less frequently.  Personal Sponsors are couples or families that demonstrate the dynamics of a Christ-honoring home by spending quality time with a child, whether a few hours, a weekend, or inclusion in holiday and vacation plans.  In addition, college age students or singles may become Big Brothers or Big Sisters as a part of our Personal Sponsor program.  Personal Sponsors, Big Brothers, and Big Sisters must complete an application and screening process.

Tutoring

 Since we have preschool children through seniors in high school, tutors with a variety of interests and abilities are always needed.  Typically, tutoring will include reading with or to our younger children, helping all ages with homework, or tutoring in specific subject areas.  We rely on our tutors to be consistent in their commitment to our children.

Horticulture

 Palmer Home has twelve greenhouses at the Columbus campus, an orchard, and a garden.  Poinsettias and Easter Lilies are produced and sold to individuals and churches for the Christmas and Easter seasons.  Houseparents and children utilize the greenhouses for the production of spring annuals that are sold to generate special funds for cottage activities.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, including blackberries, blueberries, peaches, muscadines, and tomatoes are utilized on campus.  Volunteers are welcomed in any area.

Construction

 The Palmer Home Columbus campus covers 100 acres and has seven cottages, two administration buildings, a gym, and several other buildings.  The Palmer Home Hernando campus covers 120 acres and has three cottages, with several other buildings currently under construction.   Maintenance and improvements are a large undertaking that would be impossible without the help of Christian groups who come throughout the year to do volunteer work.  Painting, cleaning, and building are all projects to be done by the day or week.
  Volunteers also have the opportunity to interact with children and staff.  Some groups come for a one-day project, while others may stay as long as a week and work on several projects.  Whatever time is given to Palmer Home is appreciated.

 Music

 Palmer Home has both a traveling choir and an on-campus choir. The traveling  “Treblemakers” choir performs all over the Southeast making a joyful noise.  The choirs rehearse twice a week for one or more hours. All students with musical interest are rehearsed individually or in small groups.  Volunteers are needed to help by monitoring children and encouraging good behavior during rehearsals.  Persons with musical abilities may be able to assist in the rehearsal by playing along as the children sing.  Others with musical ability may be able to teach a child how to play an instrument. 

Administration

 Volunteer opportunities arise in our administrative offices during key times of the year.  During the holiday season, assistance is needed in processing our Christmas card sales.  At other times we may need help with answering the phones or with preparing large mailings.  If you feel you have gifts in these areas, please contact our Volunteer Department.

 Off-Campus

 Some groups or individuals may be unable to come to Palmer Home to volunteer, perhaps prohibited by distance or schedules.  Still, there are a number of volunteer possibilities.  Some friends may choose to make items that we can use in our cottages or sell in our thrift stores.  Other friends may wish to conduct some type of fund raising event in their community to benefit Palmer Home.  Please contact Palmer’s Director of Volunteer Services prior to any fund raising activities.

If you are interested in volunteering at Palmer Home for Children, please call us at 662-328-5704 or you can send us an E-mail.

 Palmer Home for Children - P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703 - Phone:(662)328.5704