National Volunteer Week salutes volunteers in Rockwall County

(ROCKWALL, TX – April 21, 2020) During these uncertain times, it is especially important to recognize the importance and value of all Rockwall County volunteers. Each year, thousands of 4-H volunteers donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live.

Rockwall County Extension volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during the 46th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2020.

Approximately 63 million Americans volunteer about 8 billion hours of their time, talent, and effort to improve and strengthen their communities. With the Value of Volunteer Time ($25.43 per hour), these Americans are contributing approximately $203.4 billion to our nation through nonprofit organizations of all types. In 2019, 93,621 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Volunteers contributed 5,477,611 hours of service valued at $139,295,650.

The Texas 4-H Youth Development Program relies heavily on the work of volunteers. In 2019, more than 27,000 adult and youth volunteers contributed countless hours in various capacities to the 4-H youth in their Texas communities. Volunteers, both youth and adult, serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program. Rockwall County 4-H volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as helping organize an event at the county fair, helping a child with a 4-H project, or leading a project to serve the community, among many other responsibilities.

4-H volunteers are just one group of volunteers who are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. 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. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service would like to express our gratitude for the countless hours that all these outstanding individuals provide! We are grateful for such a wonderful group who supports and promotes the agency and its clientele.

Submitted press release, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Rockwall County Road & Bridge.