This week, April 15-21, is National Volunteer Week, an opportunity for organizations across the country to pause and recognize the importance and impact of the millions of selfless individuals who volunteer in our communities. Governor Northam recently honored some of Virginia’s most remarkable individuals and organizations that have committed to service across the Commonwealth at the 2018 Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. Their stories of service were touching, uplifting, and an inspiration for all of us to do more for others. I encourage you to read more about these remarkable volunteers at VirginiaService.virginia.gov.
And yet, this amazing group of volunteers are just a fraction of the more than 2 million who serve annually in Virginia. Each day, individuals give their time and talents to make our communities safer, healthier and stronger. Whether it is the parents and grandparents volunteering in our schools, community members collecting and donating food to our food banks, or busy professionals utilizing their skills to help individuals and organizations in times of need — volunteers are the force behind addressing our greatest challenges.
On behalf of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism, I would like to thank these fantastic volunteers. Thank you for caring. Thank you for committing. Thank you for understanding the power of service. We want you to know that we see you and we hear stories of how you are changing communities for the better. You provide hope to so many and inspire others to follow your lead to serve.
Jessica Bowser
Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism