This year’s Action Day event will provide a robust 90-minute to two-hour volunteer experience where you will work in a group of up to 20 people to pack 400 backpacks. Your volunteer experience will include:

• Unpacking boxes of school supplies and setting up your station
• Packing backpacks  
• Boxing completed backpacks
• Cleaning up your station

This year’s volunteer project is suitable for ages 12+ and is accessible for all abilities. Each station can accommodate groups up to 20 people. Group sizes less than 20 (individuals, pairs, etc.) are also welcome and can sign up for any station with open spaces. To ensure participation in this event is accessible for our community-at-large, company/group registrations are limited to one station. 

Sign up to Volunteer! 

If the volunteer shift you are interested in is full, you can join our Rally Volunteer roster! As a Rally Volunteer, you'll jump into action and help pack backpacks at stations where volunteers are needed. To register, select a shift time and the "Rally Volunteer" option. When you arrive at Action Day, our captains will place you at a station in need of additional volunteers. *Please note, Rally Volunteers will have a delayed start of 10-15 minutes to allow for placement at stations around the Exhibit Hall. We cannot guarantee groups of 2 or more who sign up to be a Rally Volunteer will be placed at the same station. 

Volunteer shift times (you will be prompted to select a time on your registration): 

1. 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. 
2. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
3. 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
4. 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

If your shift time is no longer available, we welcome you to join our waitlist. Individuals on our waitlist will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis as volunteer spots become available.

If you need to cancel your registration or need assistance, please contact Mary Walker.

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025

Time: Volunteers must be pre-registered for one of the following shifts:

• 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
• 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

Arrival / Check-in Instructions: Saint Paul RiverCentre’s entrance is located off W Kellogg Blvd. Follow signage for Volunteer Check-in.

All volunteers must be pre-registered for this event. You do not need to print a ticket for entry - all volunteers will be checked in for their shift by First and Last name. You will be directed to your assigned Station, where you will stay for your entire shift. 

Attire: Volunteer activity will take place inside the Exhibit Halls of the RiverCentre. Please wear comfortable clothing. Closed-toe shoes required. 

Parking: The RiverCentre Parking Ramp is located directly across the street (W Kellogg Blvd) from Saint Paul RiverCentre and is connected via skyway system. Click here to view public transportation options, including buses and light rail.

Bag Policy: We encourage you to minimize personal belongings you bring to your shift. Bag check will not be available, and any belongings must be kept near your volunteer station during your shift.

Food & Beverage info: Free water stations will be available throughout the event. Food will not be available for purchase at this event. If you're looking to grab lunch with friends or colleagues before or after your volunteer shift, we encourage you to check out the many dining options nearby!  

Photo liability: By entering this event, you agree to Greater Twin Cities United Way's photo liability policy. Review full policy.