Gwinnett Board Thanks Volunteers

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners this week took time out to thank the thousands of volunteers who give of their time and effort in the county.

National Volunteer Week is April 23-29.

"Volunteering is a way to be a part of something bigger than yourself, to interact with people of common interest, and to leave a legacy of a stronger, better community," said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Charlotte Nash. "We are extremely grateful to the thousands of Gwinnett residents whose selfless contributions advanced the quality of life in this great county we call home."

Commissioners on Tuesday recognized 55 Gwinnett residents who worked on their own time on behalf of other people, and nature, in the county.

Among the volunteers was Sue Voorhees, who recently received a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her work at the county’s animal shelter. Established by President George W. Bush, the award honors volunteers who contributed more than 4,000 hours over a lifetime.

Voorhees is well-known locally for her devotion to the kittens at the shelter.

Last year, almost 62,000 people donated nearly 922,000 hours of service through Volunteer Gwinnett, a countywide volunteer program designed to involve more residents in volunteer activities associated with County government.

The value of that time and effort is estimated at $21.7 million — almost enough to cover the county’s road and street resurfacing budget.

Volunteer Gwinnett offers opportunities for service ranging from environmental initiatives through the Department of Water Resources or Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful to spring planting at the McDaniel Farm Park. You can care for abandoned strays at the animal shelter or deliver needed meals to members of the Greatest Generation.

Information about volunteer opportunities in Gwinnett can be found online.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners