CLEARLAKE, Calif. – National Volunteer Week (April 6 through April 12) was recognized and proclaimed in the city of Clearlake earlier this month.
While volunteers from HandsOn Network Action Center were present to accept the proclamation at the Clearlake City Council's April 10 meeting, countless volunteers were lauded for their contributions to the city.
“Volunteer. It makes you feel good and it's just a great thing to do,” Tammy Alakszay, volunteer network coordinator, said.
The proclamation declares the entire community can inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world and that individuals and communities are the center of social change, discovering their power to make a difference.
It commends the country's volunteer force of 63 million, hailing it as a great treasure and declares volunteers vital to a future as a caring and productive nation.
It also recognizes the ability for volunteers to connect with local community service opportunities through community service organizations such as HandsOn Network Action Center.
The network operates locally under the umbrella of North Coast Opportunities. Click the “volunteer” tab on the Web site at www.ncoinc.org to learn more.
City Manager Joan Phillipe said there is a significant number of people who volunteer for the city.
She said she wanted to ensure the city's appreciation was extending to include all those who may or may not have been in attendance for the April 10 presentation by the City Council.
Phillipe's sentiments were reiterated by members of the council.
Vice Mayor Gina Fortino Dickson said she wanted to give a special thanks to people who bring nutritious food to schools for students and send food home for nutritious food for families.
Councilwoman Joyce Overton commended community members for contributing 7,000 hours at the youth center in Clearlake.
“Almost everyone in our audience is a volunteer,” Overton said. “We appreciate you, as a city, and I wanted to say, I appreciate you as council member.”
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