National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week, as does the Walworth County Board of Supervisors. This year’s National Volunteer Week is April 19 to 25.
The purpose of National Volunteer Week is to publically recognize and thank the contributions that volunteers make in their communities.
“Volunteers are a valuable resource in Walworth County, contributing to the cost effectiveness of government operations and positively impacting and enhancing County programs,” Colleen Lesniak said in a press release.
Lesniak, the Volunteer Services Coordinator, said Walworth County is fortunate.
“(We) work with more than 600 individual volunteers and partner with numerous nonprofit agencies as well as civic, church, and school groups who generously give of their time and talent to make our communities a better place to live, work and play,” she said.
Volunteer Week serves as an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, and government entities alike to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service to others. It also serves as a way to promote volunteerism and focus attention to the renewal of our national commitment and culture of service that has shaped America.
Lesniak said volunteer engagement has had a tremendous impact on many County programs.
“Almost every County department utilizes volunteers in one way or another,” she said.
Volunteers work withLakeland School, Lakeland Health Care Center, Department of Health and Human Services, Public Works and Parks, UW-Extension, Walworth County Jail, Clerk of Circuit Courts and more.
“In 2019, the county’s volunteer hours totaled over 35,000 hours which is equivalent to 17 full-time staff members,” Lesniak said.
For more information on volunteer opportunities with Walworth County Government, contact Colleen Lesniak by calling 262-741-4223 or sending an email to clesniak@co.walworth.wi.us.
