Thank the Volunteers in Your Life
The YMCA of Boulder Valley is encouraging community members to use National Volunteer Week — April 23-29 — as a way to take a moment and thank the volunteers in their lives.
“Without volunteers, the Y wouldn’t be the same; they’re the heart and soul of our organization and without their hard work, dedication and selflessness we couldn’t do the work we do every day to help kids, families and communities thrive,” said Jessica Clay, director of talent acquisition for the YMCA of Boulder Valley. “By bringing people together from all walks of life around a shared purpose to do good, the Y is creating a stronger, more cohesive community.”
As one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, nearly 600,000 people volunteer at the Y each year and here in Boulder, Broomfield and Weld counties, more than 868 give 16,000 hours through activities such as mentoring teens, coaching youth sports, serving on our boards and spearheading fundraising campaigns. These opportunities also help volunteers enhance their personal well-being and develop meaningful relationships — all while making an impact in communities they care about.
Significantly, Y volunteers have helped the organization provide free water safety lessons to several classes of Boulder County Head Start children, teaching them much needed skills and water confidence. Many more opportunities exist for others to help make a difference.
National Volunteer Week is a great time to get involved and give back. For those 16 years and older, here are a few ways individuals can take an active role at the Y and in their community:
1. Be a welcoming face as a volunteer at one of our membership desks.
2. Help with Y fundraising efforts to ensure those in need can access essential programs and services to reach their full potential.
3. Get involved with a Y after-school or summer camp program to help youth learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their goals.
4. Coach a sports team, teach a class or ask Y staff about other ways to get involved with a program of interest.
5. Invite friends and neighbors to join you in contributing to a stronger community.
6. Love to garden? Work a weekly shift at our Food Project Farm in Longmont.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA of Boulder Valley, contact Jessica Clay at [email protected] or visit our Volunteer web page.