Every year, National Volunteer Week reminds us of the extraordinary power of giving back. It shines a light on the individuals who dedicate their time and skills to create stronger, more connected communities. During this special week, millions of people celebrate volunteerism, not just to honor those who serve but also to inspire others to step forward and contribute to causes close to their hearts.
What is National Volunteer Week?
National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration held in April, designed to recognize and thank volunteers who dedicate their time to serving others. It also serves as a call to action, encouraging people nationwide to contribute to their communities through volunteer work. Whether it’s helping local charities, supporting families in need, or giving your time to environmental cleanups, volunteering brings people together for the greater good.
Why Volunteering Matters
Volunteering is about more than just showing up. It’s about creating a ripple effect of compassion, kindness, and community care. For organizations like Goodwill, volunteers play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our mission. Many of the programs and services we offer wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of people like you.
When volunteers engage with nonprofits, they:
- Provide manpower for essential tasks, such as sorting items, organizing events, or assisting in stores.
- Reduce operational costs, allowing nonprofits to allocate more resources toward community programs.
- Offer important community connections, helping organizations better reach and serve local populations.
- Create visible proof of community solidarity, building trust and goodwill within their neighborhoods.
The benefits of volunteering extend beyond the organizations themselves. For individuals, volunteering can help foster a sense of purpose, improve mental health, and build stronger social connections. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, meet like-minded individuals, or simply find a way to help, volunteering is a profound way to make an impact.
Volunteer & Support Goodwill
Goodwill has long been a beacon of hope for individuals looking to build better lives. Our mission of “helping people reach their full potential through the power of work” is driven by the generosity of volunteers who contribute their time and talent. During this National Volunteer Week, consider the many ways you can get involved with our organization:
1. Community Donation Drives
Love organizing? Host a donation drive in your neighborhood. Collect gently used items like clothing, books, and household goods, then donate them to your local Goodwill. These items fuel our operations, supporting job training programs and community services. Every donation makes a difference to us.
2. Store Assistance (Court-Ordered Volunteer Work)
For many people, Goodwill stores are the face of our organization. Goodwill accepts Court-Ordered Community Service Volunteers in our retail stores, helping them gain a second chance. Court-Ordered Community Service Volunteers assist in organizing inventory, processing donations, and or stocking shelves, ensuring every shopper has a great experience while essential funds are raised for our mission.
3. Mentorship and Training Programs
If you have professional expertise, consider volunteering your time to our Workforce Development Services! Some of our programs, such as the Excel Center Adult High School, accept volunteers for a variety of tasks- from organizing, to tutoring, to mock-interviews!
4. Community Events
Every Thanksgiving, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake hosts a large, free Thanksgiving Dinner in Baltimore City. This event is made possible by our network of volunteers. Volunteers are crucial for planning, managing, and executing community events like this one, which serve as key opportunities to engage the community and raise awareness of our mission. If you would like to be added to our Volunteer Email List to hear when we share Thanksgiving 2025 Information, please click here and email us (jbalog@goodwillches.org).
5. Learn & Support
There are many ways to support Goodwill- shopping, donating, learning, sharing, and supporting.
Each action you take makes a meaningful difference. When you shop at Goodwill, you’re supporting programs that help individuals in need gain employment and independence. Donating gently used items not only helps fund these programs but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste. Learning about our mission and sharing it with others spreads awareness and strengthens our efforts to create positive change. Every contribution, big or small, adds up to a powerful impact, and together, we can build a brighter future for our community.
Real Stories of Impact
Volunteering isn’t just about contributing; it’s about transformation—for both those giving their time and those receiving the benefits.
Here are a few words from 2024’s Thanksgiving Volunteers, curtesy of CBS News:
“Dozens of volunteers made sure meals filled their stomachs and the resource fair inspired their hopes.
“I helped someone today and they immediately smiled and that made me smile and I’m so happy I made her day,” said student volunteer Evelyn Kim.
“Knowing that I did help people makes me feel a hundred percent awesome,” student volunteer Ameria Boxdale added.
Darryl Green, who attended the 67th-annual Goodwill Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair, said events like these give him a whole new outlook on life.
“A lot of us don’t have families, and when you get to socialize with people who are in the same predicament that you are in, it changes your whole outlook about how you feel about yourself and where you are in your life,” Green said.”
Read the rest of the story here: Baltimore’s Goodwill Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair provides warm meal, resources – CBS Baltimore
Build a Better Future with Goodwill
National Volunteer Week is an invitation to come together, celebrate community, and create a powerful impact. By stepping forward to volunteer, you’re helping Goodwill empower individuals and strengthen neighborhoods. You’re fueling change—not just for others, but for yourself as well.
Are you ready to join us in making a difference? Learn more about how you can support Goodwill this National Volunteer Week and beyond. Together, we can turn compassion into action. Your community is waiting. Let’s get started.
