Friends of McCreery Park
Join the effort to make McCreery Park the heart of Saluda. If you’ve got ideas, energy, or just a love for Saluda, there’s a place for you with us. Our Vision: With its location right in the heart of downtown Saluda, McCreery Park can become a true hub for the community-a place for residents of all ages to gather, enjoy events, and connect. And with thoughtful improvements, it can also be a beautiful, welcoming space that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, helping support Saluda’s businesses and tourism. Volunteer Opportunities: We need volunteers to help with…
- Ideas to improve the visual appeal and functional capabilities of the park.
- Landscaping, planting, and watering
- Public art projects that reflect Saluda’s charm
- Community outreach to encourage more park use
- Concerts, group & family activities, and special events
- Website updates and communications
- Fundraising and grant support
friendsofmccreerypark.com
Historic Saluda Inc.
Historic Saluda Inc. has three primary areas of focus: Historic Association-preserves and documents Saluda’s rich history while educating the community and visitors, including collecting, sharing, and storing archives, artifacts, and oral histories; Historic Preservation-advocates for and educates the community on the importance of historic preservation, while working collaboratively with local, state, and national organizations to help preserve and protect Saluda’s historic properties; and Museum-the museum will open in 2026 in the historic Saluda Presbyterian Church after extensive planning and will recognize Saluda’s extensive history. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Help with work to set up a museum. May involve manual labor and help to upfit the space
- Volunteer during fundraising events
- Assist with the biennial home tour, next tour 2026
- Once the museum is open, volunteer as a docent to help tell the story of Saluda.
Typical Time Commitment: Varies by task and opportunity
Meals On Wheels/Polk County
Senior Services Meals On Wheels is a non-profit program, national in scope, which provides free nutritional lunches for people who need help with meals. The meals are delivered Monday through Friday, except for holidays. Senior Services offers a variety of programs to local Seniors. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Use your personal vehicle to deliver meals, usually to 5-8 homes. Take note of anyone you deliver to who has some urgent need for assistance and report that to the MOW coordinator
- Polk County Senior Services, including teaching/aiding in classes, exercise, art, and walking club
Typical Time Commitment: 1-2 hours in the middle of the day, on a day per week
Mountain Page Theater
Mountain Page Theater, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to providing a performing arts center for our community with a dedication to creating a special place for youth and supportive adults who wish to learn and thrive in an artistic environment. The Young Acting Krew (YAK) after-school program, which is approved by the Polk County School Administration, has an educational curriculum that includes every aspect of theatrical production. Our qualified staff and team of volunteers strive to set an example for the YAK players who are learning this theatrical art form. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Parking attendants for plays and performances
- Assistance during shows with seating, tickets, and concessions
- Assistance with costumes and costume design and creation
- Assistance with creating props and scenery
- Assistance with snacks and beverages for the children
- Landscaping/maintenance of the theater and grounds
- Assistance with fundraising events
Typical Time Commitment: Varies with the task www.Mountainpage.theater
On Track Saluda
On Track Saluda is a community organization designed to assist residents of all ages in living healthier, happier lives. Inspired by the Blue Zone project, which has identified five communities around the world in which people routinely live significantly longer and healthier lives, our purpose is to encourage people to adopt the practices common to those communities. The three core pillars are healthy eating, making exercise and movement a consistent practice, and finding opportunities for social connection and purpose. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Healthy Eating: lead a cooking demonstration; make healthy recipes available; help with food preparation for a special event
- Movement: lead a walk; teach a class in some form of movement
- Connections: lead a group organized around a shared activity; assist with various events, connecting new and old friends, and improving our community
- Communications: assist with the website, Facebook page, Instagram, press releases, posters, etc.
Typical Time Commitment: Can be 1-2 hours per week or on a project basis OnTrackSaluda.org
PEAK After School
(PEAK: Polk Enrichment Activities for Kids), Saluda Elementary School An after-school program that targets students with academic and social needs. Funded by 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the program is provided at no cost to the students’ families. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Provide tutoring to students one-on-one or in small groups, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm, Mon-Thu
- Share a skill/time with students, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm, Mon-Thu
- Assist After-School staff with day-to-day activities
Typical Time Commitment: One hour per week minimum commitment for tutors and those assisting with day-to-day activities. Skill sharing can be as frequent/infrequent as the site staff and volunteers decide.
Saluda Community Land Trust
Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) is dedicated to preserving Saluda’s rural, small-town character by preserving farm and forest land in the Saluda area and promoting community engagement. SCLT strives to connect people with nature by working with landowners in conserving land, maintaining trails and properties that are open to the public, and hosting outdoor events. SCLT also has established and maintains the Saluda Dog Park and assists with the management of Twin Lakes. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Maintaining trails
- Monitoring conservation easements
- Assisting with the newsletter
- Social Media
- Caring for garden areas
- Maintaining Saluda’s Dog Park
- Organizing seasonal events
- Leading a Walk in the Woods
- Walking trails periodically to report maintenance needs
- Hosting swim days at Twin Lakes
Typical Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per month
Saluda Community Table
The Saluda Community Table is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves a free meal on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Saluda Senior Center. Meals include a vegetarian option, with attendance usually at 100-120 people. Donations for the meal are accepted, though not required. As an energy conservation measure, attendees are asked to bring their own tableware. Local musicians provide music for this popular community-building event. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Work with a team to prepare a meal
- Co-lead a team to manage the meal process
- Assist with set-up, clean-up, serving, greeting, beverage and dessert stations
- Provide dessert items-cakes, cookies, etc.
- Serve on the Saluda Community Table Committee or Board
- Sponsor a meal
Typical time commitment: 2-5 hours per event
Saluda Depot Museum
The Saluda Historic Depot and Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to unite the citizens and visitors of Saluda in the preservation and operation of the historic Saluda train depot as a heritage museum emphasizing the significance and contribution of the railroad, the Saluda Grade, and the history of the town of Saluda. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Docent
- Development, maintenance, and repair of displays
- Archives
- Grant writing
- Fundraising
- Facility maintenance and repair
- Native garden maintenance
- Artifact research
- Assisting with Train Tales, Night at the Museum, etc.
Typical Time Commitment: Docents-flexible hours from 2-4 hours per month to 2 hours per week. Depot is open April through December, Thursday through Saturday, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm, and Sunday, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Other activities: Time varies
Saluda Living In Place
Saluda Living In Place is a dynamic and responsive organization that helps adults 60 and over in the greater Saluda community live independent, vibrant, healthy, and active lives, remaining in their own homes as long as possible. A non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, it is affiliated with Village2Village, a national network of organizations serving elder adults, and the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. There are no paid staff members; everything is done by volunteers. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Provide transportation in one’s personal vehicle to a medical appointment or other essential need
- Make home visits to persons who are lonely or isolated
- Assist with minor home repairs to improve safety and reduce the likelihood of falling.
- Do administrative tasks such as mailings, assisting with publishing the newsletter, distributing publicity materials, etc.
- Assist with monthly educational programs, a monthly free breakfast for veterans, and occasional social activities
Typical Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week; occasionally longer or more frequent hours www.slipnc.org
Saluda Pop-up Food Pantry
Saluda Pop-Up Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization that partners with MANNA Food Bank to purchase free or low-cost food for families experiencing food insecurity. The Pantry distributes nutritious, supplementary food every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to over 100 families residing in Polk and Henderson Counties. Food is also donated by the Columbus Food Lion and local Dollar General. The Pantry is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors and has approximately 90 volunteers and one paid staff member. The Pantry is open 10:00 am-4:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10:00 am-1:00 pm on Saturdays. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Pick up food on a scheduled Tuesday from MANNA Food Bank in Mills River and deliver to the Pantry
- Help unload food from the MANNA truck or when a volunteer picks up the food
- Stock all food shelves
- Organize and manage the produce table and meat area
- Pick up donated food from the Columbus Food Lion on Saturdays and deliver to the Pantry
Time Commitment: Volunteers work in two-hour shifts during the Pantry’s open hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with each two-hour shift hosting three volunteers. Volunteers reserve their shifts in advance through an online sign-up platform and can work as much or as little as their schedule allows. www.saludapantry.com
Saluda Center
The Saluda Senior Center, also known as the Saluda Center, is a non-profit, community-based, volunteer-run organization whose purpose is to provide a gathering place for members of the Saluda community. There are many various activities and events held here every week, and the schedule can be found on the website. The Center is also available for private events on a rental basis. The Center operates two thrift stores-the Thrifty Barn, which offers clothing, jewelry, etc., and Cottage Treasures, which offers furniture and household items. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Assistance at the Thrifty Barn, Friday-Saturday, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
- Assistance at Cottage Treasures, Friday-Saturday, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Typical Time Commitment: One 4-hour shift a month www.thesaludacenter.com
Saluda Visitor Center
Be part of welcoming the world to Saluda! Saluda’s Visitor Center is often the first stop for people discovering Saluda. We help guests with directions, maps, recommendations, and insider tips to make their visit special. It’s a simple and rewarding way to share your love of our town. You’ll meet new people while helping local businesses and be a part of keeping Saluda welcoming and vibrant. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Greet visitors with a friendly smile
- Answer questions about shops, restaurants, parks, and events.
- Share brochures and maps
- Seeking helpful folks who enjoy meeting new people.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Friendly love for Saluda and willingness to share it
- Basic comfort with answering questions
No experience needed-we’ll show you everything you need to know. Time Commitment: One or more AM or PM shifts a month. 11:00 am-1:30 pm or 1:30 pm-4:00 pm
Saluda Sister City
Saluda Sister City’s mission is 3-fold: Help the children of Saluda and Carunchio, Italy, our sister city, to see and understand each other and the broader world; Provide Saluda citizens with opportunities for learning, travel and international experiences with a focus on, but also beyond, Italy; and Encourage the children and our members to embrace and appreciate cultural diversity. A non-profit 501(c)3 corporation under Saluda Downtown Foundation, we operate solely through volunteers. A Board directs projects, and members and volunteers do the work. Typical Activities:
- Work with students and teachers at the school to create and fund materials and learning opportunities
- Arrange cultural exchanges for students each summer between our two cities
- Arrange annual trips to Carunchio and assist with travel planning to other areas of Italy
- Stimulate cultural awareness in the community directly by offering programs such as dinners, talks, exhibits, etc., and by engaging local retailers to have Italian-themed events.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Leadership positions
- Occasional help with specific projects.
Time Commitment: Commitment can be for a project or a quick assist when there is a specific need.
Event Volunteer Opportunities
Saluda Arts Festival
The Saluda Arts Festival is held annually on the third Saturday of May and attracts approximately 80 artists and over 3000 people. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Artist Support-help with set up, break down, etc.
- Children’s Tent-assist with art/craft projects
- Parking Attendant, Information Booth, Golf cart driver
- Clean up-breakdown tents, collect signs
Typical Time Commitment: 2-4 hours
Coon Dog Day
Coon Dog Day is held the Saturday after the 4th of July, drawing a large crowd. The focus is on coon dogs and their competitive activities. Coon Dog Day includes a parade and an evening square dance on Main Street. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Assist with set-up, crowd control, parking, parade, etc.
- Assist with clean-up
Membership Organizations
Saluda Community Alliance
The Saluda Community Alliance brings together people who care about Saluda and want to make a positive difference in the community. The Alliance supports local initiatives, encourages community involvement, and provides opportunities to share ideas and work together on projects that benefit Saluda. Board positions become available each November, and the only requirement is attendance at monthly board meetings. We especially welcome people who are ready to take an active role, bring new ideas, and get involved in the work of the Alliance. Individual membership is $75 annually.
Saluda Garden Club
You don’t have to know the difference between a begonia and a weed, have a garden, or even a flowerpot to enjoy being a member of the Saluda Garden Club. We are a nonprofit organization with diverse interests, knowledge, and gardening experience. The Club meets every third Monday of the month from March to November. We are informal and do not have meetings. Instead, we make visits to private and public gardens, farms, garden centers, vineyards, and education centers. The Club also sponsors hands-on workshops in a variety of nature-related activities such as eco printing, garden mosaics, flower arranging, and plant propagation. Some of our members are Master Gardeners who provide guidance on garden design and plant selection. Membership is $25 annually.
Saluda Men’s Club
Sponsored by the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, meetings are on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Parrish Hall. You do not have to be a member of the Episcopal Church to attend; all local men are welcome. A meal is served each month for a $20 fee, with beer and wine also available. Come for the meal and fellowship!
Women’s Club of Saluda
The Women’s Club of Saluda strives to serve our community and support one another in friendship, and wisely use our resources for our future leaders. The Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am at the Saluda Methodist Church. Each month features a different program, and dues are $25.00 a year.
Mountain Song
Mountain Song is a joyful community chorus bringing people together as a musical family. They are an inclusive, secular chorus and open to all singers, age 16 and above, who can sing their part in four-part choir music. You don’t have to read music or sing solos. Rehearsals are each Monday, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm at the Saluda Senior Center, each spring and fall.