A selfless act. To give without expectation of reward or recognition.
That is exactly how you would explain the kinds of people that we recognize during this week, National Volunteer Week! In Broome county, we are so lucky to have so many volunteers that dedicate their time and efforts for the greater good of the community.
The Ross Park Zoo has been in our community since 1875, and is the 5th oldest zoo in the nation! The zoo would not be what it is or where it is without the help of their dedicated volunteers.
There are many programs that happen over at the Lee Barta Community Center. Fresh Cycles is a bike repair workshop that is run off of volunteers helping educate newcomers on how to repair their bikes. This is a great program that promotes community involvement and physical fitness!
Vines, or Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments, is a volunteer ran program that focuses on bringing people together through the passion of growing plants. These volunteers work hard to establish community gardens, urban agriculture and community green spaces. Not only does this give local people this useful information, but it also supplies families with fresh produce!
VITA, or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, is made up of, you guessed it, volunteers! This program provides help to people looking to file their tax return that make less than $66,000 a year. Last year alone, the total value provided to the community was $3,251,158 (when combining savings in tax prep fees, refunds and in-kind value and time.) All of that done from the dedicated time and efforts of volunteers!
There are many programs that utilize volunteers, and have a huge impact on our community. If you want to give back to the community, consider volunteering yourself! You can find more about how to sign up and information here.
Thank you to all of the volunteers that have so selflessly given their time and talent for the better of the community. You rock!
