VCE Celebrates Volunteer Service In Apriil

Every 4-H program benefits from this integrated approach to civic engagement and hands-on learning – and the dedication and service of caring volunteers.
Every 4-H program benefits from this integrated approach to civic engagement and hands-on learning – and the dedication and service of caring volunteers.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension will celebrate the volunteers who improve the lives of Roanoke area residents during National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, 2016, a time dedicated to demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

In 2015, VCE engaged nearly 30,000 volunteers who provided more than 900,000 hours of volunteer service in the Commonwealth. VCE offers several Master volunteer programs that provide training opportunities in gardening and horticulture; food, nutrition, and safety; natural resources management; water supply systems; financial management; and energy conservation. More than 15,000 adult and youth volunteers served over 200,000 youth ages 5 to 19 in hands-on educational programs designed to build leadership, citizenship, and life skills in Virginia 4-H, VCE’s youth development program.

National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their communities to be at the center of social change — discovering and demonstrating their collective power to make a difference.

“We have tens of thousands of volunteers in the Virginia Cooperative Extension family, and we appreciate and value each and every one,” said Edwin Jones, VCE director. “Without them, we could not make the difference that we are charged to make in the lives of the people of Virginia.”

Locally, 74 Roanoke Master Gardeners reached 4,754 residents in 2015 programs.  Two free public events will occur during Nat. Volunteer week.  On 4/12 at 2:00 pm the Blue Ridge Library will host a presentation on Straw Bale Gardening, 28 Avery Row, Roanoke 24012.  On 4/14 at 6:30 pm the Hollins Branch library will host Dividing Perennials, 6624 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke VA 24019

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. With the seventh anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund, and President Obama’s resonant call to serve, this year will be even more inspiring.

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