At Crosslines Community Outreach, volunteers don’t just support the mission; they make it possible.
Last year alone, volunteers donated thousands of hours of service across our programs. If those hours had been paid at a modest $15 per hour, the value of that time would exceed $2 million in salary costs. That isn’t a feel-good statistic. It’s real capacity — capacity that allows Crosslines to serve more people, more often, with care and dignity.
Behind that impact is a small but mighty Volunteer Engagement Team led by Director Diana Flannigan and Coordinator Bambie Wurzburger.
Their work is not about filling shifts. It’s about building community, matching people’s skills and availability with real needs, and creating volunteer experiences that are meaningful for everyone involved.
“Volunteers are not extra hands,” Diana often says. “They are partners in the mission. When someone gives their time, they’re giving us something incredibly personal — and we take that responsibility seriously.”
From pantry support and client hospitality to administrative help and special projects, volunteers show up where the need is greatest. And Bambie ensures they are trained, supported, and welcomed every step of the way.
“People want to help — they just need to know where they fit,” Diana adds. “Our role is to help them find that place where their time makes a real difference.”
That difference shows up daily — in shorter wait times, warmer welcomes, smoother operations, and the ability for staff to focus on complex client needs. Volunteerism isn’t a side note at Crosslines; it is woven into how we serve.
Simply put: we could not do what we do without our volunteers. And the need continues to grow.
Bambie says, “Our volunteers are more than volunteers, they are family. They take ownership in the way we treat the folks we serve. Which helps us stay within our mission. They are literally our lifeline.”
As demand for services increases, so does our need for volunteers who are willing to show up, learn, and serve alongside us. Whether someone has a few hours a month or a few hours a week, there is a place for them at Crosslines.
Interested in volunteering with Crosslines? Learn more at ccozarks.org/volunteer or reach out to Bambie or Diana to find the opportunity that’s right for you!
We are #BetterTogether!