Editorial

Editorial

Volunteers

This is National Volunteer Week and time to thank the many people whose activities on behalf of us all make life in Rappahannock so liveable.

There is no way to prove that volunteerism is more alive and well in Rappahannock than other places, but that certainly seems to be true.

From the many people who made last weekend’s Earth Day Kite Fly and Fodderstack 10K road race a success to those who will gather this weekend to complete the first house for the county’s branch of the Habitat for Humanity, the county is buzzing with activities made possible by volunteers.

Where would we be without the efforts of those who keep our fire and rescue squads ready to respond? They put in countless hours in training and responding to calls. Then they put in countless more hours raising funds to upgrade their equipment and keep their buildings heated and lighted.

From the Rappahannock Athletic Association to the Rappahannock Soccer League to the high school Athletic Booster Club, adult volunteers try to keep our youth occupied with healthy activities. Still others keep scout and 4-H groups going.

The school system has countless committees meeting to make plans for continuously improving the schools. Many community volunteers are involved in those committees. The PTO and volunteers working in both schools try to make our teachers’ jobs easier.

Of course our churches run on volunteer power, but so too do arts and environmental organizations.

Too oft6n the people doing the volunteering feel burned out and unappreciated. They feel that too few are trying to do too much. Parents who keep youth teams and clubs going wonder about other parents who feel they have done their job if they usually provide transportation for their own children, and some don’t even do that.

Take jUme this week to say “Thank You” to our volunteers, and come join them. There is plenty to do.