Contact:
Kimberli Meadows, 202-729-3238
kmeadows@pointsoflight.org

THE POINTS OF LIGHT FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2004
Organizations Urged to Celebrate Volunteers April 18-24

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 30, 2004) - The contributions of volunteers will be recognized in ceremonies across the U.S. during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. This year's theme, "Volunteers Inspire By Example" sets the stage for national, regional, and local organizations to applaud the efforts of men, women, and young people as well as encourages others to help solve serious problems through volunteering. The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network sponsors the annual week-long event.

"President George W. Bush recently stated that 'Americans are doing the work of compassion every day by visiting prisoners, providing shelter for battered women, and bringing companionship to lonely seniors. These good works deserve our praise,' and National Volunteer Week is an excellent opportunity to salute our unsung heroes and encourage others to get involved, " said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation.

Goodwin added, "Volunteering is not just nice, it's necessary." According to the Independent Sector's 2001 Giving and Volunteering Survey, 83.9 million American adults over age 21 volunteered 3.6 hours per week in 2000, which was the equivalent of over 9 million full-time employees at a total assigned dollar value of $239 billion. This number was based on the volunteer hourly rate of $15.40 during the year 2000. The current dollar value of a volunteer hour is $16.54. Assuming that the same number of volunteer hours was served in 2002 as in 2000, the total dollar value of volunteer time for 2002 is estimated at $256.4 billion.

This is the 30th annual celebration of National Volunteer Week, which began in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the Week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every president since has signed a Proclamation promoting the Week. Additionally, governors, mayors, and other elected officials make public statements and sign proclamations in support of National Volunteer Week.

Organizations such as businesses and nonprofits that are interested in participating in National Volunteer Week can find resources at www.PointsofLight.org/NVW.