The Volunteer & Community Resource Center (VCRC) celebrated National Volunteer Week with proclamations by Martin County and City of Stuart officials.

During a City Council meeting April 24, Stuart Mayor Carol Waxler proclaimed April 23-29 as National Volunteer Week. On April 25, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners also issued a proclamation commending volunteers in service to Martin County.

The proclamations noted that:

• 1,909 volunteers registered with VCRC devoted 79,825 hours in service to nonprofit and government agencies throughout Martin County during the past year.

• 980 of these volunteers are age 55+ and serve their fellow citizens through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

• Through these many dedicated volunteers, the county is achieving the goal of meeting the needs of its citizens today and in the future, making this a wonderful place to live and work.

“Volunteers perform countless acts of service and are among Martin County’s most valuable assets,” said Carol Hodnett, VCRC director. “National Volunteer Week is the ideal time to honor volunteers and call attention to their tremendous contributions.”

For example, in 2005, the volunteers who serve the Stuart Police Department and are registered with VCRC recorded 2,387 hours of service. They are engaged in many aspects of police work, including Citizens on Patrol, Boat Patrol, parking enforcement, evidence handling and recovery, and reserve officer duties.

“They are doing police work. They are a part of our team. We treat them as if they were employees,” said Sgt. Marty Jacobson, a member of the VCRC advisory board and the director of the Stuart Police volunteer program. “They participate in training and day-to-day operations of the agency.”

ABOUT VCRC

The Volunteer & Community Resource Center, a program of United Way of Martin County, engages people of all ages and backgrounds in volunteer service that enriches the individual and strengthens the community.

Its many local projects include the White Doves Holiday Project, the School Supplies for Students Drive, disaster services, the Florida Volunteer Administration Certification training course, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). It also works with more than 100 nonprofit agencies, schools, libraries, civic and faith-based organizations countywide, placing and supporting volunteers.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (772) 220-4472 or visit www.martinvolunteers.org.