Volunteer News | February-April 2026 | | Volunteer Opportunities and Announcements | | |
Greetings!
We are busier than the bees this spring! We are welcoming a new cohort of families at our Westside campus in May (our first on what will become our regular schedule), families are thriving in classes at both campuses, our ADC Family Campus family center is almost finished- and those are just the top highlights!
We hope you'll come buzz with us and blossom into a new volunteer activity!
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Special message from Sunny Holmes, Community Engagement Coordinator
My dear friends, after 8 years at Saranam, I am starting on the next chapter of my career. It has been an incredible honor to be a part of Saranam's amazing mission and I will miss you all very, very much! I have cherished getting to know you and working alongside you to help our families learn and grow. Your kindness and generosity are a marvel to behold; you are the epitome of meaningful, supportive community!
As I transition out of this role at the end of February, I will be doing my best to ensure our volunteer events continue smoothly. While we recruit and train a new staff person, please stay in close communication about your sign-ups and let us know about any questions you have. I wish you all love, health and of course- sunshine! -Sunny Holmes
Until the end of February, please contact Sunny Holmes, Community Engagement Coordinator, at (505) 377-5086 or sholmes@saranamabq.org with any questions.
After this time, please refer to the staff members in charge of the events listed below or you may contact Dianne Campbell, Director of Development at dcampbell@saranamabq.org or (505) 934-9110.
| | Remember you must now sign up for volunteer jobs through our online volunteer database, Volunteer Matrix. If you have any trouble, please let us know. | | There are so many ways to support families and learn new skills at Saranam this spring. We are moving in new families and settling into our new campus. Join us! | | | |
Donation Center Sorting and Organizing
Date(s): Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: Westside- ADC Family Campus (4651 Montano Blvd. NW), Donation Center
Details: Our much anticipated donation center is open! We are holding sorting and organizing sessions every week. Join us to help keep the space tidy and ready for whatever families need in their homes.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Westside Campus Cleanup
Date(s):
1st Tuesdays- March 3, April 7
3rd Thursdays: March 19, April 16
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Westside: Saranam ADC Family Campus Office (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Donation Center)
Details: Join us for our Campus Cleanup on the 1st Tuesdays and 3rd Thursdays of the month to undertake landscaping and repair tasks to ensure the campus is a welcoming place for our families to call home.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Dede Walden Facilities Manager
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Eastside Campus Cleanup
Date(s): March 28
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Eastside: Weil Family Center 10400 San Jacinto Dr. NE
Details: Our Campus Cleanups on the Eastside will take place on the last Saturday of the month through the spring. We will focus on repair and maintenance tasks that keep our campus functional and safe for our families.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Dede Walden Facilities Manager
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Volunteer Receptionist
Date(s): Mon-Fri 11:45-1:00pm and
Feb 23 8:45-11:15
March 9 (9:45-11:15), 23 (8:45-11:15)
April 13 (9:45-11:15), 27 (8:45-11:15)
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Office (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Donation Center)
Details: We’re seeking friendly volunteers to cover our front desk during required staff meetings and scheduled lunch breaks. Volunteers will greet visitors, assist donors, direct families and community members to the appropriate staff in our office and receive packages.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Brittany Evans, Office Manager
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Monthly Supply Sorting (FTA Campus, Eastside)
Date(s): Wednesday February 25, March 25, April 22
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Location: Eastside-Saranam Classroom (1100 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite A)
Details: Help us sort and fulfill each family's monthly supply orders. Families order from a set list and we gather and organize them for pick-up.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Monthly Supply Sorting (ADC Family Campus, Westside)
Date(s): Wednesday, March 11, April 8
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Office (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Donation Center)
Details: Help us sort and fulfill each family's monthly supply orders. Families order from a set list and we gather and organize them for pick-up.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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ADC Family Center Decorating
Date(s): beginning in April
Time: flexible
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Family Center)
Details: Do you love to put up new decor with the seasons? We've got a job with your name on it! When our family center opens, we need a volunteer (or volunteer group) to change over seasonal decorations every month. You will be responsible for bringing or making the decorations.
NOTE: The Family Center is NOT open yet. We anticipate it will be in April. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Stephanie Pankratz, our Family Activity Coordinator, at: spankratz@saranamabq.org
Requirements: none
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New Decorators
Date(s): April 2026
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus (4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Details: If you like to decorate, this is such a fun way to give back. Decorators will prepare a home for an incoming family. You can choose to do just one room, an entire home or anything in between. Decorators “shop” from our decorator store filled with donated items and use these to decorate their assigned home.
Decorating will take place in April 2026 and new families will move in early May.
If you are interested in learning more, email Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator, to sign up for our "New Decorator Meeting" in March: jclear@saranamabq.org
Requirements: none
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Furniture Moving and Set-Up
Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Donation Center (4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Details: Roll up your sleeves and help us get homes ready for decorating! We will be moving items into homes and assembling bed frames and other items.
We have some tools available, but additional are always put to good use.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Bed and Furniture Assembly
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Donation Center (4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Details: Are you handy? Our opportunity to help with bed set-up and furniture assembly is just right for you. Before decorating begins, we first need to ensure bed frames and furniture are assembled in each home. The more hands we have for this job, the easier it is. Volunteers will assemble furniture and place it in the appropriate room(s) of the home.
We have some tools available, but additional are always put to good use.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Decorator Store Setup
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 7am-9am
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Donation Center (4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Details: Volunteers will help set up Saranam’s “decorator store” of donated goods for our decorating teams to shop from. Tasks will include setting up tables, moving décor and bedding, and separating items by type.
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Decorator Store Runners
Date: Thursday, April 20
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Donation Center (4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Details: It's the happiest free shop you'll ever visit! Volunteers will help run Saranam’s free decorator store and deliver the household goods and furniture either to the correct homes. This would be a great job to do with all ages!
Requirements: Ability to lift at least 10lbs
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Welcome Kits
Date(s): Due by April 13
Time: flexible, remote
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Office (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Donation Center)
Details: Saranam homes/apartments are fully stocked with all the supplies families need to get started on their new futures. To do this, we create themed “welcome kits” for each home, including laundry, paper goods, first-aid, cleaning supplies, toiletry supplies, basic tool kit, and school supplies bundles. 10 of each welcome kit are needed. You can collect one or several!
Volunteers collect items, put them in container (bag, box or basket), and deliver it to Saranam. Sign up to collect items for one or several kits!
Requirements: none
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator
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Library Setup
Date: April (anticipated)
Time: To be determined
Location: Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Office (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Family Center)
Details: Our library isn't quite open yet but we are in planning stages for it. If you would like to help label books, put them on shelves, and create a warm, welcoming space, let us know!
NOTE: The library is NOT open yet. We anticipate it will be in April. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Stephanie Pankratz, our Family Activity Coordinator, at: spankratz@saranamabq.org
Requirements: Ability to lift at least 25lbs
| | Do you have a group that would love to get involved together? We have lots of opportunities for many hands to make light work. A couple of current opportunities are below. | | |
Meal Kits
Date(s): Flexible
Location: either campus
Details: Providing meal kits is a great way to share a budget-friendly, kid-approved meal that families can make again and again.
Volunteers provide at least 10 meal kits for our families, complete with detailed recipe and the nonperishable items for the meal. Saranam will distribute to families at one of our campuses.
Requirements: none
Contact Jennifer Clear, Housing Coordinator, to set up plan for your group!
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Spring Celebration Parties
Date(s): March 25
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Both Campuses
Eastside-Weil Family Center, 10400 San Jacinto Dr. NE
Westside-Saranam ADC Family Campus Office (4651 Montano Blvd. NW-Classroom)
Details: Do you love to throw a good party? Host a spring celebration with our families!
The spring celebration party will include a meal, an Easter egg hunt, a craft or activity highlighting spring and some good community time. We have opportunities at both campuses.
Your group will be responsible for stuffing Easter eggs, cooking and serving a meal, planning, as well as setting up and facilitating a game or craft.
Note: this is a group project. It is best with at least 3-4 people helping.
Requirements: none
Staff Members: Sign up online and direct questions to:
Westside Family Activity Coordinator- Stephanie Pankratz
Eastside Family Activity Coordinator- Susan Leung
| | We have lots of fun ways to align parent and child learning goals and build community. Join us for a family night or to provide a meal. | | | |
Family Nights at ADC Family Campus
Date(s): Mondays and/or Wednesdays
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Westside(Saranam Classroom 4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Details: Join us for our family nights at our ADC Family Campus! We need 1-2 volunteers to help us on Mondays or Wednesdays.
Please note that we do ask for consistent volunteers, not one-time attendees, to allow you a chance to build a relationship with our families. You do not need to commit to every week- if you would like to join just twice per month, that is fine!
Requirements: Saranam Safe Sanctuaries training and current background check
*Please email Stephanie Pankratz, Family Activity Coordinator, with your interest in this opportunity. We can work out a unique schedule for you.
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Share a Meal for Family Night
Dates for semester:
Eastside (Weil Family Center, 10400 San Jacinto Ave. NE)
- March 4, 11, 18
- April 8, 15, 22, 29
Westside (Saranam Classroom, 4651 Montano Blvd. NW)
Time: 5:00pm
Details: Food is the glue of community! We love to make a shared meal a part of our family nights. Volunteers will provide a meal for between 18-35 people (dependent on day selected). You are welcome to stick around and join our families for some good community conversation and fun!
Requirements: none
Staff Members: Sign up online and direct questions to:
Westside Family Activity Coordinator- Stephanie Pankratz
Eastside Family Activity Coordinator- Susan Leung
| | Our alumni events are so much fun! We would love your help making these fun, community-filled events happen! | | | |
March Alumni Event- BINGO
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 3-5pm
Location: Eastside- Weil Family Center, 10400 San Jacinto Ave. NE
Details: Join us for the most popular alumni event every year! We need 2-3 volunteers to help set up and help with this event. You can greet alumni, set up prizes, call BINGO and spend some quality time in community with families.
Requirements: Saranam Safe Sanctuaries training and current background check
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Leighann Plummer, Alumni Coordinator
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April Alumni Event
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 12:00-3:00pm
Location: Eastside- Weil Family Center, 10400 San Jacinto Ave. NE
Details: We are still dreaming up a theme for April's event, but we do know that we will need 2-3 volunteers to help with setup, facilitating activities, childcare, and more. Join us for the fun!
Requirements: Saranam Safe Sanctuaries training and current background check
Staff Member: Sign up online and direct questions to: Leighann Plummer, Alumni Coordinator
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Volunteer Training
We are holding a volunteer training on Saturday, February 21 from 9:00-12:30. Join us to learn more about Saranam's program, trauma-informed care, and child abuse prevention. This is a required training for anyone wanting to work directly and regularly with Saranam families.
To sign up, email Sunny Holmes at sholmes@saranamabq.org or call at (505) 377-5086.
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Volunteer Matrix Instructions
Need some help with our volunteer database, Volunteer Matrix? We can help!
Here are a couple of how-to videos outlining how to fill out an application and sign up for volunteer jobs.
Setting up a profile
Signing up for volunteer jobs
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Donation Drop-off Procedures
We are currently accepting a limited number of items. Our website is maintained with a list of what we can accept at this time.
See what are are currently accepting
Drop-off times:
ADC Family Campus- Westside (4651 Montano Blvd): Tues and Thurs. 11am-1pm
Please do not drop off items outside of our donation center or in our lobbies. Items must be accepted by a Saranam staff member.
If you would like to donate furniture, you can text Jennifer Clear, our Housing Coordinator, at (505) 362-6283 or via email at jclear@saranamabq.org to send photos, ask questions, and schedule a drop off.
Thank you for thinking of us for your donations!
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Dreaming of Home Breakfast
Share the Saranam love!
If you've been wanting to introduce someone to Saranam, our annual Dreaming of Home Breakfast is the perfect way for them to learn about our program and the spectacular transformations our families achieve.
Please note that this event is intended for people new to Saranam.
Thursday, April 9, 2025
RSVP to Dianne Campbell at dcampbell@saranamabq.org or
(505) 934-9110
- RSVPs are required -
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