Most people associate April with the hallmarks of spring—warmer temperatures, longer days, Easter celebrations, and budding trees. What many people don’t know is that April is also National Volunteer Month. National Volunteer Month was established in 1990; however, it evolved from National Volunteer Week, which was instituted in 1974 by President Richard Nixon.
The Impact of Volunteers
National Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions of volunteers to our society. According to recent research conducted by the US Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, it’s estimated that between 2020 and 2021, volunteers donated more than 4.1 billion hours of their time to serving their communities. In terms of economic value, that time adds up to nearly $123 billion nationwide.
Arizona communities benefit from the state’s strong spirit of volunteerism, too. Over that same time frame, more than 1.4 million Arizona residents performed a total of 80.1 million hours of service, amounting to $2.2 billion in value.
Want to Get Involved? Come Volunteer at FSL!
It turns out that volunteers have a lot to gain from giving back, too. Substantial research has shown that volunteers are healthier, happier, more fulfilled, and more connected to their communities as a result of their service.
At FSL, our volunteers are an integral part of our team. Their contributions allow us to continue providing compassionate care and services to the 20,000+ Arizonans we serve each year. And with a wide variety of individual and group volunteer opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s assistance with our food bank and meal services, facilitating activities for senior center attendees, or helping with behind-the-scenes administrative or technical work, we welcome all of our volunteers’ abilities and contributions!
To learn more about current volunteer opportunities or how to join the FSL volunteer family, visit our website or contact us today. We can’t wait to work with you!
About FSL
Established in 1974, FSL is dedicated to providing integrated, customized care for those who need it in the Phoenix area. We offer a wide range of home- and community-based services, including:
- Affordable housing options
- Nutritious meal programs
- Health & Wellness programs
- Senior centers
- Recreation programs
- Support for caregivers
These services are designed to enable Arizonans of all ages to live happier, healthier, more independent lives. So, if you or someone you know is struggling to have their needs met, don’t hesitate to contact us and find out how we can help you. And if you’re looking to give back, consider donating or volunteering your time to our mission. We can’t wait to work with you!
