Thank the Volunteers in Your Life During National Volunteer Week

20 March 2018

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is encouraging community members to use National Volunteer Week (April 15-21, 2018) to take a moment and thank the volunteers in their lives.

 

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization—without their hard work and dedication, we couldn’t do the work we do every day to help kids, families and communities thrive,” said Anthony Walters, Chief Strategy Officer, YMCA of South Hampton Roads. “By bringing people together from all walks of life around a shared purpose to do good, the Y is creating a stronger, more cohesive community.”

 

As one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, nearly 600,000 people volunteer at the Y each year. In 2017, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads led the nation in Togetherhood projects, a program led by volunteers with a purpose to partner with the community and serve those in need. Local Y volunteers left an enormous footprint—20 community partners joined 860 volunteers for 3,625 hours of service in their communities across South Hampton Roads, Northeastern North Carolina and the Eastern Shore of Virginia, They helped gather supplies for four legged friends as they awaited their forever home, helped feed families during the holidays, opened their hearts to victims of domestic violence, and helped families that lost everything in tragic accidents rebuild their lives. The work is not over—2018 means more opportunities to help make a difference and help build a better us.

 

National Volunteer Week is a great time to get involved and give back. Here are ways you can take an active role at the Y and in your community:

 

  1. Get involved in or propose a Togetherhood Project at your local Y.
  2. Help with Y fundraising efforts to ensure those in need can access essential programs and services to reach their full potential.
  3. Get involved with a Y mentoring or tutoring program to help youth learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their goals.
  4. Coach a sports team, teach a class or ask Y staff about other ways to get involved with a program of interest.
  5. Invite friends and neighbors to join you in contributing to a stronger community.