Volunteer week salutes those going extra mile

  • Published
  • By Vance Family Support Center
  • Vance Family Support Center
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Vance Air Force Base will join communities across the country to recognize the contributions of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, Sunday to April 24.
This year's theme, "Volunteers Inspire by Example!" sets the stage for the Points of Light Foundation, its partners in the national network of Volunteer Centers and Foundation members to applaud the efforts of volunteers.
The Points of Light Foundation and the national network of Volunteer Centers sponsor National Volunteer Week. Vance will use National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to thank those volunteers who make outstanding contributions throughout the year and to remind base residents about the importance of volunteering and making volunteer service a regular part of their lives.
To salute the volunteers of Vance, the Family Support Center will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks from noon to 2 p.m. April 23 at the base picnic area.
All volunteers are encouraged to stop by for a well deserved thank you.
"America was built on the spirit of volunteerism. Without the efforts of millions of volunteers who give their time to help others in their communities, our country would be a different place," said Robert Goodwin, president and chief executive of the Points of Light Foundation.
Goodwin noted that volunteer community service is everyone's responsibility and each of us can make a difference. "Saying 'I must do something' will always solve more problems than simply saying 'something must be done,'" he added.
President Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week in 1974 as an annual celebration of volunteerism. Every succeeding President has signed a Presidential Proclamation supporting the Week and promoting volunteer efforts.
Recent surveys underscore the importance of volunteers. The estimated dollar value of volunteer time is $17.19 per hour for 2003. Total dollar value of volunteer time for 2003 is estimated at $266.4 billion.
Last year, there were more than 400 Vance volunteers actively involved in both the base and Enid communities. In celebration of National Volunteer Week and the many residents of Enid and Vance who already volunteer, the Vance Volunteer Incentive Program encourages anyone not already involved to get connected to the many volunteer opportunities available.
The Vance Volunteer Incentive Program gives a parking card each month to those who volunteer more than 12 hours on base and put their name in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from the exchange. With the parking card, volunteers may park in the slots on base marked VAFB Volunteer.
To learn where volunteers are needed at Vance, call Jim Walsh at 7120 or a favorite organization in Enid and ask for their volunteer coordinator.
(Courtesy of the Vance Family Support Center)