Ready to help us with the 2025 Holidays?
​
Follow the 3 STEPS below to sign up as a Wayside helper. We've also listed the specific volunteering opportunities for BOTH Thanksgiving Day 2025 AND Christmas Day 2025. We hope you'll bring the love for our homeless and share your time, care, and energy!
​
STEP 1
Watch this short video:
STEP 2
Click on the button(s) below to sign up for your available time blocks via SignUpGenius OR call Tracy at 502-345-0081.
STEP 3
Download this waiver, complete, and bring along with your ID on your volunteering day(s). (PLEASE NOTE: Your ID is required!! This is for our clients' safety.)
REMINDER: Volunteers MUST bring a photo ID.
(For safety, we cannot let those without IDs volunteer.)
Can't Volunteer?
URGENT NEEDS
-
Meats
-
Towels
-
Coats (we really need 2x,3x,4x)
-
Dog Food
-
Desserts
-
Shower Shoes
-
Coffee
-
Toilet Paper
-
Can soda
​
Drop off all items at Hotel Louisville (120 West Broadway, 40202)
You can still help by providing any of the following much-needed items:
Want to donate?
We welcome any amount you can comfortably afford to give, using one of these three options:
(1) Call us at 502-836-7661
(2) Mail a check to: Wayside Christian Mission, PO Box 7249, Louisville, KY 40257
(3) Donate online over our SECURE SERVER by clicking the button below:
I am unable to volunteer, but I would like to donate.
I am volunteering and
I would also like to donate.
DOs and DON'Ts of Volunteering
​
DOs
-
Be friendly and put on a smile when working with our clients
-
Be understanding - many of our clients are going through one of the lowest periods in their lives.
-
Be patient - our clients may not do things the way you are used to; be patient and give them some time.
-
Wash your hands before working in the kitchen; put on gloves and a hairnet.
-
Be supportive - offer kind words of encouragement.
-
Pray - pray for our clients, get their first name, and pray that their lives will get better.
-
Use universal precautions in all activities. Use gloves if possible.
-
Wear conservative clothing
-
Lock up your purse or coat - we suggest you leave it in your car trunk.
-
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
-
Be aware that some of our clients may have criminal histories.
-
Be aware that about 1/3 of our clients have mental illnesses (some choose not to take medication).
-
Be aware that about 1/2 of our clients have an alcohol or drug dependency.
DON’Ts
-
Do not loan or give money to clients
-
Do not give any personal information (other than the first name), including phone numbers or addresses.
-
Never leave minors alone - adult supervision is required at all times.
-
Never be alone - have a partner or staff member with you or stay with your group.
-
Never touch, hug, or flirt with a client.
-
Do not argue with clients; report problems to a staff member.
-
Do not transport a client in your personal car.
Volunteer requirements
-
All volunteers must sign a waiver of liability
-
All volunteers 18 or older must have a photo ID on file
-
Minors must be with their parents or supervisors at all times.
-
Volunteers must go through a volunteer orientation, fill out a volunteer form, allow us to make a copy of their photo ID, and list their mailing address, email address, and cell or home number.
-
People with felony records may not volunteer without special review and approval.
​
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 502-345-0081 for more info and to get started!