SIXTH ANNUAL DELAWARE WEEK OF SERVICE APRIL 12-18 WILL CELEBRATE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM WITH EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE

DOVER (March 30, 2015) - The sixth annual Delaware Week of Service, which will take place April 12-18 and coincides with National Volunteerism Week, will be celebrated with volunteer events across the state.

The Delaware Week of Service expands on the weekend of service that Gov. Jack Markell and his wife, Carla, first hosted in January 2009 in lieu of the traditional Inaugural Ball. Since then, the Markells have hosted an annual Week of Service and a special Governor's Week of Service during the governor's second inauguration.

"The annual Week of Service highlights the support that is provided to friends, neighbors and passersby every day across our state," Gov. Markell said. "Our volunteers have an incredible impact, whether they are mentoring children, renovating buildings, cleaning up our parks and coastline, delivering meals to seniors, or supporting other individuals in need. This week allows us to highlight those contributions, but, as I am repeatedly told by volunteers, they don't need recognition because they get so much out of the experience of helping others. As a state, we are pleased to bring together the State Office of Volunteerism, the Governor's Commission for Community and Volunteer Service, and other organizations as we expand the spirit of service and build a better Delaware."

In 2013, almost 188,000 Delawareans formally volunteered, contributing 21.7 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service. Additionally, tens of thousands of Delawareans helped neighbors, friends, or colleagues without having those efforts documented.

At VolunteerDelaware, organizations can register their needs and volunteer opportunities, and individuals and groups can log in and choose a project. Carla Markell urged those interested in being involved with the Week of Service to visit VolunteerDelaware and search for opportunities using the keyword "Week of Service." Both one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities are posted.

"The website is a great way to track the progress we're making as a state of dedicated volunteers," Carla Markell said. "I look forward to working with the fantastic Delawareans who volunteer during our Week of Service and beyond."

Volunteering Opportunities
Week of Service

Gov. Jack Markell and First Lady Carla Markell call on Delawareans to seek out special volunteer projects to mark the annual Week of Service, April 12-18. Visit VolunteerDelaware often to find Week of Service events or for more ways to give back every day.

Week of Service Opportunities

Sunday, April 12
Shoe Recycling Drive to benefit Stand Up 2 Cancer (SU2C): Volunteers are needed to host shoe drives statewide. Youth are especially encouraged to host a drive at their school, in their neighborhood/community or among their friends as part of Global Youth Service Day. Contact Guadalupe Castillo Murphy with the State Office of Volunteerism at Guadalupe.Murphy@delaware.gov .

Monday, April 13-Friday, April 17
CHILD Inc. is in need of volunteers to help paint its shelters for women and family visitation centers in North Wilmington, Newark and Bear. This is a great group opportunity for groups or individuals. Contact Debbie Palmer-Sutter for more information at dpalmer@childinc.com or 302-254-5533.

Wednesday, April 15
New Castle County Library System Teen Volunteer Fair: 7-8:30 p.m., Brandywine Hundred Library, 1300 Foulk Road, Wilmington. The fair will connect community members, especially teens, to volunteer opportunities in New Castle County. Fair is open to anyone; no registration is required.

Thursday, April 16
Great Closet Clean Out! A Great Dames Career Clothing Drive: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., several locations. This Delaware Week of Service project is sponsored by Great Dames, Inc., in collaboration with the State Office of Volunteerism, United Way of Delaware, NAWBO Delaware, and Pettinaro Relocation. Drive seeks consignment-quality, new or nearly new, clean career clothing for women and men to benefit Wilmington Senior Center "City Styles Shop," Clothing Bank of Delaware, and Great Stuff (Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition). Drop-off locations: Greenville Place Apartments, Tower I, 210 Presidential Drive, Wilmington and Wilmington Senior Center "City Styles Thrift Shop," 1901 N. Market St, Wilmington. Contact Sarah Armstrong, sarah.armstrong0323@gmail.com .

Friday, April 17
Newark Community Resources Fair: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Newark Free Library, 270 Library Road, Newark. The fair, which will provide information on state and local resources, will be hosted by New Castle County Councilwoman Lisa Diller. Fair is open to anyone; registration is not required.

Saturday, April 18
Christina River Watershed Cleanup: 8 a.m.-noon, for locations and registration, visit ChristinaRiverCleanup. The Christina River Watershed Cleanup's mission has always been the removal of man-made debris from within the watershed, while raising public awareness for pollution prevention. Volunteer locations: Naamans Creek; First State National Monument; Fox Point State Park; City of Wilmington; Riverfront Wilmington; Kirkwood Pathmark; Hale-Byrnes House; Churchmans March-Christina; Churchmans March-Newport; Brookhaven Park; White Clay Creek State Park; Cooch-Dayett Mills.

For more information, go to 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.