As we wrap-up National Volunteer week, we are excited to announce Connections Volunteer Center of Delaware County (Connections), a program of HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties Inc. (HelpLine), has won the USA Today National Make a Difference Day award out of thousands of entries from across the country.
The last Saturday of October is National Make a Difference Day and is the largest single-day of volunteering event in the country. Connections had a record-breaking year in both the number of volunteers involved and the number of projects completed in 2014. 706 Volunteers participated, a 40% increase from the previous year. These volunteers completed projects at 18 nonprofit organizations as well as performing outdoor chores at 46 senior homes.
“We are proud to do the work we do every day learning the volunteer needs of our nonprofits and recruiting and matching volunteers to fill those needs.” says Suzanne Pingry, Connections Volunteer Center Program Director, “This signature event highlights volunteerism for meaningful engagement throughout the year. Our goal is to meet needs identified throughout Delaware County by our nonprofit partners and strengthen our relationships with the community we serve all year long.”
The USA Today Make a Difference Day annual awards are based on four criteria: project need, project goal, project performance and lasting impact on the community from one day of service.
“It is very exciting to have our project recognized in this way,” said Melinda Garcia Metz, Make a Difference Day project coordinator and Connections Senior Leadership Coordinator, “A new food pantry organized its warehouse area, many organizations saved precious resources by using donated manpower for needed improvements and older adults in our community rely on this annual event to have work performed that they are not able to do any longer.”
Connections Volunteer Center is a program of HelpLine and has designated HelpLine as the recipient of the $10,000 grant that is given with the award provided by USA Today, Gannett, Newman’s Own and Points of Light.
“HelpLine is excited to receive the grant to continue our good work serving the community. This award highlights the many goals we have already implemented in our communities. Through Volunteerism, Sexual Assault Advocacy, Suicide Intervention and other vital program offerings, HelpLine and Connections will continue to Make a Difference within our local community.” said Sue Hanson, Executive Director of HelpLine.
Connections staff will attend the awards luncheon in Washington D.C. on May 6th.
