Pictured: Members of various Douglas County volunteer groups alongside Douglas County Commissioners
Do you love seeing spring flowers and budding trees in our public spaces? Do you have an older adult in your life who can maintain independence thanks to donated transportation? Maybe you or someone you know has been helped off a trail after an injury, or even safely directed around a traffic accident. Or, perhaps your family and friends look forward to attending the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo every summer.
All these scenarios, and many you may not even notice, are due to the work of volunteers. Those who freely give their time in Douglas County account for more than 30,000 hours of service work each year.
If you’ve spent just one hour volunteering in any capacity, we honor and thank you! That’s why at their April 22 Business Meeting, Douglas County Commissioners officially recognized April as Volunteer Appreciation Month.
“Every year, our community gives back in so many ways,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “From adopting roads, to planting trees, to keeping our community safe, our quality of life in Douglas County is enhanced by the amazing work of thousands of volunteers.”
“Sometimes, the work isn’t glamorous. We had volunteers pick up more than 400 bags of trash on our roads, for example, but it all matters,” said Commissioner George Teal. “Our gratitude is deep for everyone who gives back to Douglas County.”
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our community,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “Whether you help older adults maintain their independence, keep our parks pristine for families, respond to emergencies, or contribute in another way, know that we are tremendously grateful for what you do for our community.”
“Our volunteers play a vital role in community safety, saving the Sheriff’s Office thousands of hours each year and making a meaningful difference in Douglas County,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly.
Are you inspired to donate your time to help the community? Visit the Douglas County Volunteer Opportunities webpage to learn about the endless opportunities get involved and make a true impact in the lives of others.