Earlier this month, nonprofit organizations around the country celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week by recognizing the many ways volunteers enrich the organizations in which they serve. I came across an anonymous quote last week that said, “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.” It captures how we feel about our volunteers here at Outreach. Our volunteers lighten the staff workload by helping to lighten the financial load on our clients and members.

It takes about 15 volunteers and seven staff members to operate Outreach on a daily basis, and we currently have 73 volunteers who donate their time and energy every month. Add to that another 150 or more who help out as our church ambassadors and at special events throughout the year. From school children to working adults to retirees, we have a broad community of caring individuals who help us fulfill our mission every day.

In 2015, volunteers contributed 11,889 hours of service to Outreach, which provided a payroll savings of more than a quarter of a million dollars! Pantry volunteer Neil Barton logged in the most hours last year at 462, while intake receptionist Winnie Volpe came in a close second with 430 hours. Our longest serving volunteer at 18 years was Barbara Smith, with Pat McKellar not far behind, serving for 13 years.

Intake volunteer Cherie Wright said, “I volunteer at Outreach because our mission of compassionate assistance truly makes a difference in the lives of those in need. Volunteering is the best gift I ever gave myself.” If you, too, would like to feel both needed and fulfilled, please contact our fabulous volunteer coordinator, Barb Powell, at 894-2988.

If you would like to learn more about our mission and programs, please visit us online at www.tboutreach.org or at our 25^th Anniversary Open House on Tuesday, June 28 from 2-5 pm.  Also, don’t forget to sign up for the garden planting perma-blitz on May 21. Please visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gfwpl/event/769220/.

– Submitted by George Alley