DHSS Press Release

MARKELLS URGE DELAWAREANS TO JOIN WEEK OF SERVICE APRIL 15-21

DOVER (March 2, 2012) - In advance of the third annual Delaware Week of Service April 15-21, Gov. Markell joins first lady Carla Markell in calling on Delawareans to plan or find special volunteer projects, and for nonprofit organizations to register their volunteer needs at www.volunteerdelaware.org

The Delaware Week of Service expands on a weekend of service that the Markells hosted in January 2009, in lieu of the traditional Inaugural Ball, and the Weeks of Service in 2010 and 2011. The 2012 Week of Service will coincide with National Volunteerism Week.

"It is always gratifying to me to see residents from every part of our state volunteer their time and talents in service to others," Gov. Jack Markell said. "The positive difference made by Delawareans goes well beyond the specific service they provide. Their example also encourages others to take the first steps to finding the volunteer opportunity that will turn their own passion into action."

As first lady, Carla Markell has made the promotion of volunteerism one of her priorities. She urges those interested in being involved with the Week of Service to visit the Volunteer Delaware website, www.volunteerdelaware.org and to use the key words "Week of Service." Individuals and groups can log on and choose a project from either one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities. Organizations also can register their needs and volunteer opportunities.

"The website is a great way to track the progress we're making as a state of dedicated volunteers," Carla Markell said. "We're so pleased that several Delaware organizations are joining the effort to engage our citizens in volunteer service during the Week of Service, including the State Office of Volunteerism, the Governor's Commission for Community and Volunteer Service, and others. All of these efforts contribute to the powerful momentum we are building in Delaware." For the first lady and her family, the idea of connectedness is a powerful one. "Thousands of volunteers in Delaware donate millions of hours of service each year and provide vital services to many of our residents," she said. "To all of our hard-working volunteers, the Governor and I want to say a personal thank you for helping to make our communities safer, healthier, stronger and more emotionally satisfying."

Events for the Week of Service include a teen volunteer fair at the Hockessin Library, a teen volunteer presentation at the Kent County Library, and more. The Delaware Week of Service will conclude with a volunteer fair at the Kent County Library from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 21. At the fair, the week's successes will be celebrated and information about ongoing volunteer opportunities will be available.

Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the State Office of Volunteerism, praised Delaware's volunteers for making a difference in so many people's lives. "We honor these selfless volunteers of all ages who reach out in support of friends, neighbors and other individuals who are vulnerable. They remind us that every single person matters and that everyone can help. Through their shared spirit of volunteerism, Delawareans show us how powerful actions and ideas can be when they are carried out in the service of others."

For information about Week of Service events, to list your events or to find ways to get involved, visit www.volunteerdelaware.org

For more information about the Delaware Week of Service or Volunteer Delaware, go to www.volunteerdelaware.org, or contact Carrie Hart, Volunteer Service Administrator, at (302) 857-5006.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.