Our volunteers have assisted our staff in enriching the lives of the residents in oh so many ways. Some of our volunteers serve coffee and doughnuts. Some lead religious services. Some provide assistance at bingo or another activity. Some play musical instruments or lead a sing a long. Others visit our residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. They help to keep the minds of these folks active. Some just take time to put a smile on the faces of the residents. Of course, our volunteers help in many other ways but they are just too numerous to mention.

The theme of National Volunteer Week this year is “Inspire by Example”. Certainly the volunteers at Hunt are examples of proud caring citizens who give of themselves in an effort to help others. We are extremely fortunate to have these individuals, young and old, take such an interest in the happiness of our residents.

National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing a week in April as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. Also, governors, mayors, and other elected officials make public statements and sign proclamations in support of National Volunteer Week.

We here at Hunt have been honoring our volunteers since 1981, but this year Hunt has become a volunteer certifying organization and will be giving out Presidential Volunteer Service Awards to our volunteers. It is indeed an honor to receive one of these awards

In 2003, President Bush created the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to explore ways to acknowledge the worthwhile contributions volunteers are making in our Nation. The Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, sports, education entertainment, government, nonprofits, and the media...

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation formed the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to express gratitude and pay tribute to Americans who, by their proven commitment and example, motivate others to engage in volunteer service.

If you have an hour or more a month to spare, you can join the volunteer team at Hunt.