Join our Herd of Volunteers!

As a symbol of community pride and cooperation,
Salem's Riverfront Carousel needs your help!

Standing on Tradition! - Community Cohesiveness
The history of this organization and its building project brought together artists and wood-carvers who designed the Carousel's unique character, experts who outlined the financial needs and defined self-sustaining revenue potential, specialists who organized ideas into marketing materials, writers who put the stories into words, and public speakers who inspired groups ranging from school children to residents of
Salemtowne Retirement Community’s involvement.
ALL of these people were volunteers!
It was their dream and is now our mission to serve the community.

Community in Motion!
Oregonians really volunteer!
Every year, 52% of Oregonians give their time to build stronger communities.
Excerpt from www.oregonvolunteers.org.

Since the ‘dream’ began, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel continues to touch the hearts, spark the imaginations and ignite the creative spirits of hundreds of volunteers in the Salem area. Donations of time from those who want to have part in our region’s ‘Jewel of the Willamette Valley’ and living history continue to delight us! We are pleased with the community’s response and support as we venture together ‘keeping the dream alive!’Volunteers in Action! A small army of creative, caring volunteers donated more than 16,900 hours of support work in 2006 – an outpouring of devotion worth over a quarter of a million dollars...on average, that amounts to nearly 80 hours, or two full weeks of work for each volunteer…

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel relies on volunteers and their efforts, whether working as carousel operators, token booth attendants, gift gallery assistants, carvers & painters, special event helpers or on community service projects. Our volunteer workforce of approximately 60 ‘part-time employees’ log an average of over 16,000 hours every year during our 364 days of operation! Job opportunities range from sales, customer service to operations, gardening, cashiering to wood-working; from highly skilled laborer to entry level positions in all areas. Job descriptions within our organization include:

* Gift Gallery Attendant

* Carousel Operator

* Token Booth Attendant

* Artisan Carver/Painter

* Events & Parties - Coordination & Assistance

* Public Relations & Marketing Development

* Administration & Clerical Support

* Maintenance, Grounds & Janitorial Services

‘Come Along For The Ride’ as we all work together to keep our community in motion.

* Join a group of individuals dedicated to creating a fun atmosphere of visitors.

* Make friends and meeting interesting people.

* Be part of a historical landmark and an enduring symbol of community pride.

* Share your talents and previous work experience.

* Learn valuable skills though on-the-job training.

The Carousel offers exceptional & diverse opportunities to those interested in helping to live out our mission and serve as Ambassadors of community pride, cooperation and quality customer service. Because of you and your generous donation of your labor – the investment of your time & talent, the sharing of your skills & abilities and the wisdom of your past experiences combined with your enthusiasm and commitment – we are better able to reach our goals of becoming a self-sustaining organization.

The Heartbeat of the Carousel! “Maybe it’s the magnetism of all those smiling children’s faces. We have been very fortunate. We are absolutely delighted and deeply grateful for their (the volunteers) help. It’s wonderful so many people have a good feeling about us and have wanted to come out and give their time.” – Marie Bradford, Executive Director

We value our volunteers and strive to create an atmosphere where each volunteer’s experience is enjoyable & unique! From individuals, groups, retirees or students & youth – we can customize a flexible schedule with respect to your personal concerns – that meets both your needs and the needs of our organization. The Carousel staff works hard to provide a strong support system and individualized training program with a highly successful job-shadowing approach. We believe in celebrating with you – our deep appreciation for your continued contributions to us & our community of visitors!

* Enjoy an environment of history & happiness.
Some of our volunteers have been ‘horsin’ around’ here since the beginning – their love, dedication, commitment and experiences are now invaluable to us. They are the heartbeat of the Carousel and gladly mentor ‘newcomers’ by sharing stories and providing ‘hands-on’ help during the learning curve.

* Enjoy the flexibility of our customized scheduling with respect to your personal needs.

* Enjoy a 10% discount on all Gift Gallery regular priced merchandise.

* Enjoy Volunteer Appreciation events throughout the year.
These events allow our volunteers an opportunity to share their love of the Carousel with their families, and give the Carousel staff the opportunity to recognize the efforts and dedication of each volunteer.

* Enjoy the tax write-off.
Your volunteer time is considered a ‘charitable contribution’ to our 501c3 non-profit organization and may be listed as a tax deduction using your round trip mileage and/or documentation of gasoline expenses each year.

Whatever your hearts desire...
“Who says dreams can’t come true?...It is an exciting story, and like a carousel’s journey, this story has no end…I am so proud to live in a community where a project like this can happen; proud to live among people who still know how to believe in their dreams…I invite you to join us – come along for the ride and share the dream, too.” - Hazel Patton, Founder, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel 2001.

Just imagine!
There is a place for you at the Carousel – just waiting for you to ‘come along for the ride’ and ‘help keep the dream alive’.

To sign up to Volunteer now Click Here and fill out this form!

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator with any further questions.
Volunteer Coordinator:
Laura Tea-Pelley 503.540.0374 ext#304

About Salem's Carousel

Educational & Promotional Programs

SADDLE UP!
Discount Ride Programs

News Bits

Image Gallery

Carousel History

Links