NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (7/3/2017) Delaware wants to recognize its top volunteers.
Nominations for the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the state Office of Volunteerism through Aug. 11.
The awards recognize the contributions Delaware’s volunteers, 18 and older, make to their communities.
Individuals, organizations, community groups and corporate volunteerism can be nominated for volunteer efforts in 2016 in these areas:
- Arts/culture
- Community service
- Economic opportunity
- Education/literacy
- Environment
- Health & special needs
- Healthy futures
- Human needs
- Public safety
- Social justice/advocacy
- Veterans/military families
The Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person who has had a longtime commitment to volunteerism.
Award recipients will be honored at a special ceremony Oct. 25 at Dover Downs Hotel.
“Thousands of Delawareans give their time and effort each year, volunteering in their communities and working to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Gov. John Carney. “Their selfless work to help others also builds a better Delaware for all of us. And though they do this work without thought of reward or recognition, these annual awards are a chance for us to say thank you and to highlight their contributions.”
The nomination form will be available on www.VolunteerDelaware.org.
Nominators also may request a nomination form by emailing dhss_VolunteerDelaware@state.de.us or calling 302-857-5006.
In 2015, more than 193,000 Delawareans formally volunteered, or a rate of almost 26 percent, ranking Delaware 28th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. The more than 23 million volunteer hours served in 2015 contributed the equivalent of $628 million to the state’s economy.
The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the state Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.