The City of Santa Clarita is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week, this year happening from April 23 through April 29, 2006. To accommodate the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, during which hundreds of locals volunteer their time, the City will be officially honoring volunteers at a special Volunteer Recognition Dinner on May 30. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Week is meant to be a time to thank one of America’s most valuable assets –volunteers. It is also intended to call the public’s attention to all that volunteers do to improve communities nationwide. National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. Additionally, governors, mayors and other elected officials make public statements and sign proclamations in support of National Volunteer Week. The 2006 Volunteer Week theme is "Inspire By Example." because it truly reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help, as well as, to inspire others to serve.

 

“Our City is very fortunate to have a solid corps of volunteers who come together time and time again to donate their time and expertise to our community,” said Susana Campbell, Volunteer Coordinator for the City. “Some volunteers come all the way from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to lend their hands at events such as the Cowboy Festival. Others volunteer to help day in and day out, without fail. National Volunteer Week is a time when we can recognize their service and honor the tireless commitment of our volunteers and the upcoming Recognition Dinner will truly celebrate their dedication.”

 

For more information on National Volunteer Week, or to become a volunteer, contact the City’s Community Services Office at 661/255-4165.