Don’t you love it when you turn on the television or look at your phone and see the endless applause for the people going out into the world to volunteer their time and talents for the greater good? That’s not what you see?

That’s not what I see either…

Why is it that the people who choose to help, with no expectation of payment, get the least amount of recognition and credit?  Let’s change that!

Today is the first day of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and Generations Ashe, along with the Ashe County Volunteer Initiative want you to know “WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS”!

Plain and simple, we wouldn’t be able to continue serving, educating and assisting our community without a team of volunteers to help. 

Just how crucial are volunteers? Well, it is estimated that volunteer work saves Ashe County over 4 million dollars each year.  That is a reported 702 volunteers, working an average of 15 hours per week with the conservative assumption that each volunteer would make minimum wage if being paid. What an amazing impact that is to our community!

But the people being served aren’t the only ones benefiting.  94% of people who have volunteered in the last 12 months say that volunteering improves their mood, and 96% say volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life.  Youth volunteers, who serve at least 1 hour per week, are 25% less likely to struggle with anxiety, and 50% less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.  All that to say, no one looses when you have a strong volunteer community.

I recently spoke to Jennifer Richardson, Ashe County’s Volunteer Coordinator, about her work and the importance of volunteering.  Here is what she had to say:

“In my role as Ashe County Volunteer Coordinator, I get to be a support to all groups and organizations who utilize volunteers.  Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and help to make it a better place to live.  I really enjoy helping others and I’ve learned through my own personal experiences of volunteering, that it makes me feel good inside.  It brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  I want to share that with others.” 

Thank you for sharing, Jennifer, and THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS for the time, energy, talents and skills you have poured into our community. 

-Jessica Mast
Executive Administrative Assistant, Generations Ashe