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Johanna Hicks -
Master Wellness Volunteers, Wendy Johnson, LaTarra Giles, Patsy Neal and Pat Connally prepare ingredients for the 4-H Foods Project. Courtesy/Johanna Hicks
Phone | 903-885-3443
Email | jshicks@ag.tamu.edu
Each year, thousands of volunteers donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during the 47th anniversary of National Volunteer Month. This year’s theme is Celebrate Service!
This month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the selfless service of our dedicated volunteers and the work they do to help AgriLife Extension identify the communities’ needs and share the educational resources of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Volunteers involve themselves in programs such as Master Gardeners, Master Wellness, 4-H Youth Development or on local committees focused on the specific areas such as agriculture, natural resources, family and community health or youth development.
Currently, about 77 million Americans volunteer almost 7 billion hours of their time, talent, and effort to improve and strengthen their communities. With the Value of Volunteer Time ($27.20 per hour) as established by the Independent Sector, these Americans are contributing approximately $187.7 billion to our nation through nonprofit organizations of all types. In 2020, 86,367 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Volunteers contributed 5,056,200 hours of service valued at $137,528,644.
AgriLife Extension volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as leading educational programs, providing guidance and ideas regarding community needs, helping organize events at the county fair, helping a child with a 4-H project, or leading a project to serve the community. Since the beginning of 2021, Master Wellness Volunteers have contributed nearly 100 hours of service, reaching 120 individuals. Our 4-H volunteers have worked with youth in the foods and clothing projects, livestock projects, public speaking, archery and contest preparation.
Hopkins County volunteers serve as our hands and feet in many instances. They are a strong force that help Texas A&M AgriLife Extension each more people, and for that, they are greatly appreciated. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the Extension Service, including determining the needs of the local residents, planning and implementing programs to address these needs, securing resources, and evaluating programs. Thank you, to all AgriLife Extension volunteers for the impact you make on the people and communities around you.
CLOSING THOUGHT
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." – E. E. Cummings