Volunteers are often the people who make an organization really tick. Ask almost any non-profit, church, school, or professional organization and they’ll agree: volunteers truly do make the difference. That’s why an entire week in April is dedicated to appreciating this group of individuals.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 10-16, 2011. How will you celebrate your volunteers this year? These are some of the most popular ways Baudville customers have recognized their volunteers for past National Volunteer Appreciation Weeks.

1. Create the right atmosphere
In advance of the official National Volunteer Appreciation Week , decorate with balloons and posters that generate excitement for the coming celebrations. Display your decorations at an entrance to communicate with all visitors the importance of your volunteers.

2. Host a party
Everyone loves a party and some recognition. Invite your organization’s director to make a few remarks to the volunteers at a National Volunteer Appreciation Week party. A special catered lunch or dessert reception is a great way to commemorate the celebratory week.

 
Get National Volunteer Appreciation Week gift ideas!

3. Show off your volunteers
Show the organization just how great your volunteers are and give them a glimpse of their impact. During National Volunteer Appreciation Week , share information about the number of volunteer hours worked, longest-standing volunteer, and other positive stories that are possible thanks to volunteers.

4. Reward your volunteers
Thank your volunteers for their valuable contributions with award certificates, Character Pin awards, and special gifts. If you don’t have an event to get all the volunteers together, display the volunteer gifts at your facility. Volunteers will have fun entering the building to pick up their gift. With a special emphasis on gift packaging and presentation, the gifts can serve as part of your National Volunteer Appreciation Week  decorations.

5. Have fun
Games and contests of all kinds are great for relieving stress and building teamwork between volunteers and staff. At Baudville, we’ve often used game ideas from the Minute to Win It game show. The games take about a minute to play and require common household materials. Plan a National Volunteer Appreciation Week activity for all to participate in and be sure to award prizes to the winners!

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Cori is Baudville's in-house Recognitionista (she's officially a Certified Recognition Professional, too)  and a member of the Millennial generation. Get her employee recognition tips and special discounts by liking Baudville on Facebook.