President George H.W. Bush was responsible for establishing National Volunteer Month in 1991. He realized what we know to be true: this country may not function well without the spirit of volunteerism—a spirit that continues to exist in America. Small cities in this country cannot cover all their needs without the dedication and spirit of volunteerism. Consider the many rural fire departments that depend on some of its residents to help as volunteer firemen. 

Many wonderful people donate their time, talent, and energy to worthwhile causes daily. We celebrate those people during April, National Volunteer Appreciation Month. Fortunately, most volunteers are trained to participate in volunteerism from an early age. For some, they were Candy Stripers or transporters at neighboring hospitals every summer. Still, others may volunteer at local libraries, hospital greeting desks, and other historical places. 

The Washington Post reports that “as demand for nonprofit services has increased, the number of Americans who volunteer has continued to decline, leaving many nonprofits across the country straining to provide services” 

Operation Xcel is blessed to have several volunteers, including students from High Point University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, homemakers, parents, and others.  We appreciate the time each person takes out of their schedules to donate their time to the good cause of helping our students excel academically, socially, physically, and socially. The students who graduate from the program and continue excelling through college and profitable careers prove that the seeds of volunteerism continue to flourish in the students’ lives.

We will spotlight some Operation Xcel volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 21st through the 27th.  Let’s take the time to express gratitude to every volunteer serving people at your place of business, at the retail stores where you shop, and at the hospital, should you have to visit there!

At Operation Xcel, we celebrate everyone who willingly donates their precious time to help us serve the students and their families at Operation Xcel.   We wish you a meaningful and Happy Volunteers Appreciation Month!

Remember to come back during National Volunteer Week to meet some of our volunteers!