U.S. adult volunteers perform 7.9 billion hours of service worth $184 billion

Each year, thousands of volunteers in Indiana donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live.

These volunteers were among the millions across the country who were spotlighted during the 42nd anniversary of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16.

Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that 25.3% of adult Americans (62.8 million) volunteered 7.9 billion hours of service worth $184 billion in 2014. In Indiana approximately 1.28 million volunteers contributed 135.9 million hours of service, valued at $3.1 billion. 27.5% of Indiana residents volunteered ranking Indiana 24th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the Indiana 4-H Program. In 2015 nearly 18,000 youth and adults volunteered in some capacity with 4-H. In Pulaski County, 300 volunteers, both youth and adult, serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program, through the Master Gardner and Homemaker program and volunteers who serve on boards. 

“We could truly not do the work that we do for the youth and local residents in our community if it wasn’t for caring, supportive volunteers,” said Dr. Natalie Daily-Federer, county Extension director. “We have some amazing and giving volunteers who are truly passionate about helping young people learn and grow into great leaders. Volunteers learn and grow from their own volunteer experiences as well.”

Pulaski County 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. 

Volunteers also help us organize and staff educational programs and workshops.  

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 work of Extension volunteers is continuous. Every day volunteers lend a helping hand to make Extension programs more beneficial to the residents of Pulaski County.

 Those interested in joining the team of Extension Volunteers are invited to contact the Pulaski County Extension which is located on 125 S. Riverside Dr. in Winamac. The staff can be reached for questions at 574-946-3412. The Pulaski County Extension Office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.