Thank You! – Gratitude to Volunteers

In case you missed it amidst all the green hoopla, last week was National Volunteer Week. The week, established by former President Richard Nixon in 1974 and now organized by the Points of Light Institute, this year gave gratitude to people who “take action and solve problems in their communities.”
Volunteerism is surging, according to institute CEO Michelle Nunn, who notes a 60 percent increase this year in the number of people volunteering in its 250 local organizations this year. According to Nunn, “As this year’s theme — Celebrating People In Action — suggests it is also a time of inspiration as we honor the thousands of individuals who take action all year round, to strengthen their communities.”
Nunn’s observations of this surge are evidenced in companies like General Mills, a former employer of mine. The Minneapolis-based company points out that a whopping 82 percent of its employees volunteer, a surprising increase of over the company’s previous figures. It provided the consumer packaged goods firm a reason to gather in the workplace and package 2,000 pounds of rice for the local Emergency Assistance Program. Many other companies, their employees and professionals of all stripes devote time to making their communities better through volunteerism. In this day and age, they recognize the value of giving thanks through solid action.
So, to all of those who volunteer, in whatever capacity, gThankYou wants to pause to say a heartfelt, “Thank You.”