To the Editor:

National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, is about inspiring, recognizing and motivating individuals who have given countless hours to their community.

New Jersey has almost nine million potential volunteers and over 40,000 nonprofits in need of their services. If you are not yet supporting an organization, we encourage you to take a moment during National Volunteer Week to look around and see how you can be a part of changing your community and helping others in need. Does your local senior center need help answering the phone? Does your school need a garden? All non-profits can also benefit from your professional work skills.

Equally as important, we encourage non-profits and community organizations to celebrate your volunteers. Volunteers are the foundation of your group and can have a profound impact on your mission and success. Please take the time to thank these special people. Use this week to recognize the volunteers who dedicate their time to your cause — send a special thank-you note, have a recognition breakfast or give an award.

Together, volunteers and the organizations they support can set an example in the community and show others that by working together social change can happen and needs can be met.

We would like to hear from you. Please share your inspirational volunteer story or the story of how volunteers have made an impact on your organization at www.VolunteerConnectNJ.org. We would be honored to highlight your experiences on our website and celebrate how volunteers have the power to make a difference.

Amy Klein
Director of Community Relations 
Robin Fogel
Board President