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Volunteering for the Long Run

Written on: April 30th, 2010 in Helping Our Neighbors

As you may know, April 18-24 was the Delaware Week of Service.  It was an incredible experience, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic volunteers.

This week, these opportunities continued as we recognized the members of the New Castle County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) as well as the recipients of the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards.  These two events, honoring our youth and the retirees who have long been there for us, illustrate the strength of our heritage and the promise for our future.  These volunteers have dedicated themselves over the long term, and I hope that we can all find inspiration from them, as we work together to build a better Delaware.

New Castle County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program:

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Molly Cohen, who was awarded the Wilmington Trust Award for Outstanding Senior Service.  Here are some impressive numbers:

• Molly has provided over 18,000 hours of service to the community. At 95 years old, she still serves at Riverside Health Care and Jewish Family Services. 
• In 2009, 1,144 NCC RSVP volunteers provided 232,583 hours of service.
• Volunteers served in 82 different nonprofit and state agencies performing 231 unique jobs. 

These volunteers have laid the foundation for the next generation of volunteers in Delaware, and we should all be proud of the legacy they have created.

Youth Volunteer Service Awards:

Earlier this week, I met a number of high school students from across the state, who have already chosen to contribute to our community.  Fifteen individuals and three groups of young people were recognized for their outstanding service.

Week of Service & Other Volunteer Photos: 

 We have posted an album of photos submitted by volunteers on my Facebook page.  I hope you’ll take a look through them and learn about some of the activities that took place.

If you have volunteer-related photos and a story to tell, please submit your photos to this Flickr group.  This group will continue beyond the Week of Service, and we look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to!

The Delaware Week of Service may be over, but we hope you’ll make this a year of service!

There are opportunities that can fit everyone’s schedule, skill set and interests.   Learn more at http://www.volunteerdelaware.com/.

Tags: Delaware, Governor Jack Markell, volunteer, volunteering, volunteerism, volunteers, Week of Service