Held in April every year, National Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. It is an opportunity to join the impact of volunteerism and encourage more people to get involved in their communities.
And it’s a great month to reaffirm personal commitments to giving back.
In Rock County in 2024, 690 volunteers donated 53,835 hours of service at 64 locations. That’s up from 563 volunteers in 2022 and 494 in 2022.
In terms of volunteer hours, those people contributed 53,835 hours in 2024. That’s up from 49,586 in 2022 and 33,810 in 2020.
These figures were shared by Linda Wenzel who manages A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota in Rock County.
She said volunteers in Rock County donated a good share of their time through the following Top 10 organizations in 2024:
1. ATLAS-Rock County/Redeemed Remnants had 38 volunteers serve 4,039 hours in 2024.
2. Grace Quilters’ 18 volunteers contributed 3,349 hours last year.
3. Rock County Historical Society volunteers —19 of them — worked 3,095 hours.
4. Sanford Medical Center Luverne tracked 34 volunteers who contributed 2,382 hours.
5. Friendly visiting volunteers — 37 of them – served 2,218 hours in 2024.
6. St. John Lutheran Church has 14 volunteers who logged 2,125 hours last year.
7. Rock Ranch placed seventh on the list with 59 volunteers who recorded 2,120 hours.
8. Blue Mound Area Theatre volunteers include 35 people who contributed 1,976 hours.
9. American Reformed Church has 18 volunteers in its mission outreach who worked 1,969 hours.
10. The Hills Quilters have 12 volunteers who served 1,938 hours in 2024.
The task of putting a dollar value on volunteer time is a difficult one, because volunteers provide so many intangibles that cannot be easily quantified.
Even so, the Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles yearly earnings data that is indexed by Independent Sector – a leadership network for nonprofits, foundations, and corporations – to generate a national rate for volunteer time as well as individual rates for each state.
Using the 2023 Minnesota value of Volunteer Time ($36.31 per hour), Rock County volunteers contributed $1,954,748.85 in labor to dozens of local organizations and causes.
If these numbers sound impressive, it’s because they are.
Our local volunteers and organizations contribute priceless services for our local residents, and it’s something to be proud of.
Especially in April during National Volunteer Month.
As we all consider the significance of the month and its meaning, we can consider our own contributions to the community.
If you’re new to volunteering, consider your skills and availability: How much time can you commit? What skills and talents can you offer? Matching your strengths and availability to the needs of a site will create a mutually beneficial partnership.
When you’re ready to commit, call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064, and she’ll connect you with an organization that best meets your interests and offerings.
Once you’ve found an opportunity that resonates with you, lean into the fulfillment that comes with volunteerism.
Remember, every contribution matters, your enthusiasm is contagious, and don’t forget to embrace the opportunity to learn.
- Lori Sorenson, editor
