National Volunteer Week - 2010

The unfortunate crisis in Haiti has reinforced the importance and need for volunteering in our society. The need for help is not only limited to world tragedies, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, local communities, and relief shelters are just some of the groups that benefit from an outstretched hand.

Volunteers, who perform sometimes daunting tasks will be celebrated during National Volunteer Week held April 18-24, 2010. Volunteer Week, recognizes the enormous contribution of our volunteers, giving a chance to reward the individuals and groups, but also to increase awareness and recruitment.

Responding to tragedy, whether from nature, as we see in Haiti, or man made as seen in the war torn countries of Africa and the middle east is a scary prospect. Volunteers can find themselves in dangerous situations and of course get no monetary compensation. A small gift of a water bottle, or duffel bag personalized specially with a verse of encouragement, can go a long way to make their volunteering efforts seem even more rewarding.

On the home front, Volunteers are found in nursing homes, enhancing the lives of our elderly. They bring happiness from their visits and serve as surrogate family and friends for some. After making so many people feel special, Volunteer Appreciation Week serves as a time to make the volunteers feel special. The importance of the event is more than the travel mug or tote bag that they receive as a gift, the recognition is what rewards them.

Volunteering is not limited to adults, youth volunteers are active in many groups, building houses for those who have lost theirs to natural disaster, mentoring, visiting nursing homes and much more. These young volunteers are sometimes only rewarded with a t-shirt. "Considering the efforts they provide and the people they help, they deserve a lot more than that" says Promos On-Time events coordinator, Karen Bianchini. "At the very least, a small party with gifts and keepsakes will let volunteers know their time has been appreciated".

The events of this past year with its natural disasters, recession and conflict all contribute to the need and the importance of volunteering. National Volunteer Week is a small event that gives organizations and communities the chance to say thanks.