April 18-24 marks this year’s National Volunteer Week.  It’s an opportunity that “celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities” according to the Points of Light Institute.  In our community it means recognizing those people, businesses, and agency advocates who work tirelessly to make it better in Midland County.

SPACE, Inc. has a community service core value that encourages employee involvement.  The United Way of Midland County Volunteer Center provides several opportunities throughout the year for SPACE employees to make an impact and we take advantage of it!  Day of Caring, Rake a Difference, Season of Caring, Sharing Tree, and many more events see SPACE employees and trucks helping out.

This year’s Volunteer Week will see a new event called “Spirit of the Community” that will bring together all the recognition events usually held during the week and add a couple of new ones.  Several awards will be given, including Heart of the Community, Shining Star, and the Torch Bearer Award.  Volunteens will also be recognized for their contributions and service.   The evening event will take place on April 20th at the Great Hall.

We don’t know who the winners of all the awards will be, but that’s not why we volunteer anyway.  SPACE employees give of their time and talents regardless of any recognition.  It’s nice to know, though, that there’s a whole week devoted to demonstrating how volunteers are appreciated and valued.