DHSS Press Release

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ABUNDANT DURING EIGHTH ANNUAL DELAWARE WEEK OF SERVICE APRIL 23-29

NEW CASTLE (April 21, 2017) - The eighth annual Delaware Week of Service, which takes place April 23-29 and coincides with National Volunteerism Week, will be celebrated with volunteer opportunities across the state.

"There is no better feeling than the feeling you get when you are volunteering to support others," said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. "I encourage everyone to find a way to make a difference in the lives of those in need, and a difference in your life, by giving your time and services this week to help someone else."

In 2015, more than 193,000 Delawareans formally volunteered, contributing 23.2 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service. (https://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/DE ) Additionally, thousands of Delawareans helped neighbors, friends or strangers without having those efforts documented.

Delawareans can visit www.VolunteerDelaware.org to search for volunteer opportunities for the Delaware Week of Service. Organizations can register to list their volunteer needs and opportunities to serve. Individuals and groups can log in to search for volunteer projects and programs. It is recommended that anyone interested in volunteering check the website often as new events are being added daily. Delawareans also are encouraged to visit www.VolunteerDelaware.org after the Delaware Week of Service for ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Some of the volunteer opportunities during the Delaware Week of Service

The State Office of Volunteerism, in collaboration with the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, is kicking off the Delaware Week of Service on April 24. Please contact Charles Harris if you plan to visit any of these AmeriCorps programs: 302-255-9881 or charles.a.harris@delaware.gov

April 24: Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Dogfish Head Brewery, 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton (back parking lot of DFH brewery). House framing, park in the front parking lots (lunch provided and chili party at 3:30 p.m. in the brewery).

April 25: Reading Assist Institute, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. *

Location: A Colonial School District elementary school in New Castle County.
* Commissioners are welcome to visit a school and meet a Reading Corps member and their student. Contact Vickie Innes (302-420-8711) to schedule a time and school location.

April 26: Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Location: Near 611 South Lee Avenue, Ellendale. House framing, featured sponsor: Knights of Columbus.

April 26: Teach for America (TFA), 9 - 11 a.m.

Location: Community Education Building, 8th Floor, 1200 N. French St, Wilmington. TFA members at Great Oaks Charter School.

April 27: Ministry of Caring, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Location: Emanuel Dining Room, 121 N. Jackson St., Wilmington. RSVP Dorine Menchhofer at dmenchhofer@ministryofcaring.org and note you are with the AmeriCorps/State Office of Volunteerism group.

April 28: Delaware State Parks, 9-11 a.m.

Location: Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington. Meet in the parking lot at Thompson's Bridge. Work to be performed: Team members will be clearing culverts along the Brandywine Trail that are threatening to wash out the trail. Wear closed toe shoes and clothes to get dirty if you want to participate. Bring water to stay hydrated. It will be about a ½-mile hike to the work site.

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.

Delaware's Government

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