Commission Celebrates Volunteers April 21 to 27

Volunteer centers and organizations across Missouri and the nation "celebrate the American spirit" during National Volunteer Week April 21 to 27. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network, the week provides an opportunity to recognize the efforts of 109 million Americans and an estimated one million Missourians who regularly volunteer to help make their communities better places to live.

The week's theme, "Celebrate the American Spirit - VOLUNTEER", reflects the
resolve of the American tradition of neighbor helping neighbor. National
Volunteer Week affords the opportunity for organizations who depend so much
on volunteers to give something back to the people who give so much of
themselves.

"So many of our community organizations could not function without the
efforts of committed volunteers who seek only to make a difference," said
Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell, chair of the Missouri Community Service
Commission. "National Volunteer Week is another opportunity to show them
that indeed they have made a difference - our communities are better places
because of them." 

The Missouri Community Service Commission encourages all organizations,
schools, churches, hospitals, and other entities that utilize volunteers to
take time out in the week ahead and recognize their efforts. Volunteers
strengthen America by strengthening communities. National Volunteer week
provides a special opportunity to encourage adults and young people alike
to get connected to their communities by helping others.

The Missouri Community Service Commission works to foster an ethic of
service and volunteerism in all citizens, and administers many of
Missouri's National Service programs. To search for volunteer opportunities in your area, please check out the Commission web site at www.movolunteers.org.