In observance of National Volunteer Week and to honor local volunteers, Martin Volunteers is promoting “Signs Across Martin County” as a way for businesses and other organizations to thank volunteers for their service.

“If a business, school, church or agency has a marquee, we are encouraging them to use it during the week of April 27 to thank volunteers,” said Carol Hodnett, director of Martin Volunteers, a program of the United Way of Martin County. “It’s so important to salute the thousands of volunteers in Martin County who freely devote their time and talents to making this area such a wonderful place to live and work.”

Every year, through the encouragement of Martin Volunteers, dozens of businesses use their outdoor signs to display their thanks. The signs provide a sense of pride in the volunteers, their friends and families. Plus, they are a reminder to everyone about the impact volunteers have in Martin County, and they can serve as a call to action to people who do not currently volunteer.

Businesses may phrase their marquee salute to thank volunteers or to encourage volunteering. One suggestion would be to include this year’s National Volunteer Week theme: "Volunteer to Change the World.” Or you may simply state something like: “Thank You, Martin Volunteers.”

For more information, please contact Martin Volunteers project coordinator Anne Lalley at (772) 220-4472, ext. 232. Information about Martin Volunteers is available at www.martinvolunteers.org.

Background on National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is a service of the Points of Light & Hands On Network, and it is being observed April 27-May 3 this year.

National Volunteer Week started in 1974, when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. It is a designated time for volunteer centers, nonprofit agencies, businesses, government offices, hospitals, faith-based organizations, and schools to highlight their own volunteers and support service projects in the community.