Submitted by Thurston County
Thurston County Commissioners today, approved a proclamation honoring the many volunteers who serve county government and the citizens of the county.
The proclamation declares the week of April 18 through 22 as “Volunteer Recognition Week” honoring the more than 825 women and men who give their time in support of more than 40 boards, commissions, advisory groups and other programs and organizations.
Thurston County Commission Chair Sandra Romero says volunteers are a cornerstone of many county programs. “Just about any program provided by county government is impacted in a very positive way by citizens who give of their own time and expertise. Without their selflessness, we just would not be able to provide the range of services that we do.
A review of the efforts of county volunteers shows:
- Volunteer hours donated in a year are in excess of 25,000
- The estimated value of the donated time is more than $476,000 dollars
- Volunteers are vital in such organizations as the Medical Reserve Corps, Search and Rescue, Office of Assigned Counsel, Veterans’ Advisory Board, Victims’ Advocates, Stream Team, Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputies, Fair Board and dozens of other bodies.
County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe says, “Many of the volunteers give up evening time and weekends to assist county government and we really appreciate their willingness to serve.”
Commissioner Bud Blake says the donations of volunteers really make a difference. “A single person cannot do everything, but everyone can do something. The hundreds of people who give to county government contribute greatly to making this a great place to live. Their efforts are truly outstanding!”
In one example alone, The WSU-Extension Master-Gardener/Master-Recycler program totaled more than 12,000 volunteer hours last year, which would equal six full time employees.
