Rockwall AgriLife Extension recognizes volunteers on National Volunteer Week

(ROCKWALL, TX — April 11, 2016) Each year, 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 recognized during the 42nd anniversary of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, 2016.

Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that 26.5% of adult Americans (64.5 million) volunteered 7.9 billion hours of service worth $175 billion in 2012. Rockwall County Extension volunteers conducted more than 6,750 service hours, worth more than $160,000 in 2015 alone.

Rockwall County residents rely heavily on volunteers in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. These volunteers work with the 4-H & Youth Development Program, horticulture programs through certified Master Gardeners, Program Area Committees, and teachers from local schools. Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as helping organize an event at the youth fair, teaching a child with a 4-H project, or leading a project to serve the community.

Rockwall County volunteers are instrumental in carrying out the mission of Extension by being involved in every aspect of the agency, including determining the needs of the local residents, planning and implementing programs to address these needs, securing resources, and evaluating programs. An example of these volunteers is the Leadership Advisory Board. The board consists of appointed county citizens who work with the county Extension staff to plan and oversee Extension activities.

The work of Extension volunteers never ends. They assist citizens through Extension programming to improve knowledge in agriculture literacy, family life skills, and youth development to enhance Rockwall County communities. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service would like to express our gratitude for the countless hours these outstanding individuals provide. We are grateful for such a wonderful group who supports and promotes the agency and its clientele.

Those interested in joining the team of Extension volunteers, visit rockwall.agrilfe.org or contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 972.204.7660 or email rockwall-tx@ag.tamu.edu.

Submitted by Dr. Aimee Sandifeer – Rockwall County Extension Family & Consumer Science Agent.

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