Opportunities From: HandsOn Twin Cities

Each year, Small Sums hosts the Stories Matter Fashion Show, an exciting evening that celebrates the workers who have experienced housing instability and are now on their path to stability! This event brings together fashion, storytelling, and community in a powerful way.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this night happen! Our models are individuals who've experienced housing instability and, with the support of Small Sums, are now equipped and empowered to enter the workforce! They will take the stage wearing both high-fashion designs and the work gear that helped them take the next step towards stability. As a volunteer, you'll play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and joyful experience for both our guests and models!

Volunteer Roles: 

- Set Up Crew (3:00 - 6:00 pm) 

Be a part of the team that sets the stage. Help transform the venue by setting up tables, chairs, signage, swag bags, food stations, and sponsor displays.

- Registration Crew (5:30 -7:30 pm)

Welcome guests with warmth, check them in, hand out drink tickets and name tags, and help guide them through the space. 

- Backstage Support (6:00 - 8:30 pm) 

This is where the magic happens! Support our models with outfit changes, ensure looks are runway-ready, assist with makeup, answer questions, and help solve those unexpected moments only backstage can bring! 

- Tear Down Crew (8:00 - 10:00) 

Help us end the night strong by packing up sponsor materials, folding up tables and chairs, and ensuring the space is left clean and cared for.  By volunteering, you're helping create a celebration that empowers individuals who have overcome extraordinary challenges. You'll be part of honoring their hard work and helping raise funds that will support others on a similar path. 

All volunteers will also receive a free ticket to the event!

Where? Saint Kates Rauenhorst Ballroom 2004 Randolph Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105

When? Thursday, September 24th. The event runs from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, with volunteer times varying.

During registration, please designate the role you would prefer.

At Small Sums, our mission is to equip individuals facing or at risk of homelessness with the necessary work gear, tools, training, and transportation to secure new employment. Our goal is to provide the essential resources that pave the way for lasting economic and housing stability.

Small Sums' Community Day is a special event dedicated to offering additional support to workers, helping them elevate their wages and improve their long-term prospects. This summer, we're excited to team up with our Community Partner, Wildflyer Coffee, for a Community Day focused on youth development and resources, connecting young people with tools and support to help them thrive.

We're looking for volunteers to assist with LinkedIn registration, resume building, interview prep, event setup and cleanup, food distribution, and helping attendees navigate the event. Whether you can lend a hand for a few hours or the entire day, your support will help create a welcoming and impactful experience for our community.

Looking to gain meaningful experience in the nonprofit sector? Small Sums is seeking interns (if connected with a course for credit) or volunteers for a flexible, tailored opportunity designed to fit your interests and career goals.

Interns/volunteers may work across a variety of areas, including:

- Direct Services

- Social Services

- Outreach

- Development

- Marketing

Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or someone looking to explore nonprofit work, this is an excellent opportunity to build real-world skills while making a difference in your community. From June through August, with the opportunity to extend. 

To learn more, please contact our Program Manager of Community Partnerships at sallye@smallsums.org

Directly serve workers who come through Small Sums by assisting with appointments, follow up calls, inventory, and other office support. This is a great opportunity to connect with and support your community directly with a hands on approach. Get to know both the workers and staff and join the fun and passionate group that is Small Sums!

This opportunity is at your demand! Find a date and time that works best in your schedule! Our office is open: 

Monday: 9-5

Tuesday: 9-5

Wednesday: 9-7

Thursday: 5

Friday: Closed

To set up a time to come in sign up below or contact our Program Manager of Community Partnerships Sally Elfishawy at sallye@smallsums.org.

Here's how you can help:

Best Food Forward Drive: Help us stock up on sturdy work boots for folks stepping into new jobs.

Winter Coats: Wrap someone in warmth (and kindness!) by collecting cozy coats.

Seats & Feet Drive: Underwear and socks may not be glamorous, but trust us, they are pure gold for workers starting fresh.

Make it a party! Challenge your coworkers, neighbors, or friends to out-donate each other. Get creative—host a themed collection day (ugly sweaters and all) or make it a family project.

Ready to join the fun? We've got everything you need for success. Just reach out! Together, let's outfit workers and make their season bright!

Contact us to get started: tosht@smallsums.org.

When workers reach us, they have already found a verifiable job, a testament to their resilience and determination under daunting circumstances. In addition to boots, work clothing, tools, and bus passes, we are pleased to provide care packs of kindness to help ease their load.

We are looking for businesses, community groups, and neighbors to purchase travel-size hygiene products and Ziplock bags with them to bring comfort on the go for our workers.

If you are interested in hosting your own Care Pack Drive & Assembly, please email Tosh Thompson at tosht@smallsums.org. 

Please note: This is a remote opportunity that occurs at your preferred location. Your group will be responsible for the purchasing and assembling of the care packs. We can provide you with suggestions of items based on needs and pricing. We can pick up the bags or you may drop them off at our office.

You can visit our Care Pack Wishlist for items that we include in our care packs.