Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

September Is Arkansas Volunteer Month

Gov. Mike Huckabee has proclaimed September as Arkansas Volunteer Month to recognize exceptional contributions of the state's volunteers.

Arkansas' volunteers light the way' by responding to every kind of crisis or disaster. They also have been making a difference every day by contributing their time and energy to support programs and causes statewide as well as those closer to home  in their own country or community.

They have tackled serious social problems, such as abuse and illiteracy, hunger and homelessness. They have helped their fellow Arkansans overcome every kind of natural, personal or fiscal challenge. Volunteers have given support and comfort when it was needed most. They have helped rebuild homes  and hopes.

Arkansas' volunteers have "been there" for their follow citizens, especially when times were toughest.

The most recent Economic Impact of Arkansas Volunteers study, covering the year 1998, reveals that 403,185 persons donated 14,263,115 hours to governmental and nonprofit organizations in a dozen different catergories for an estimated value of $219,511,598. The real value of Arkansas' volunteers, however, is impossible to determine or even estimate. It is immense.

The Division of Volunteerism of the Arkansas Department of Human Services promotes and supports volunteerism in the private, nonprofit and government sectors as a means of solving problems for all Arkansans.

The division, housed with the Arkansas Department of Human Services has offered technical assistance, information and training on all aspects of volunteer program management and recognition since 1974.

For more information contact the DHS Division of Volunteerism, P.O. Box 1437, Slot 1300, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437, or call 1-501-682-7540 or TDD 501-682-1605.