Summer volunteering is almost over, it's time for kids to head back to school, and parents back to work.  Now is a great opportunity for organizations to continue engagement with those summer volunteers by thanking them for their great work. In order to mobilize volunteers for longer periods of time you have to keep them engaged.  Saying "thank you" is a great way to build and continue relationships. Everyone likes to be appreciated.

It's important to find as many ways as possible to thank those who volunteered, and you can get creative in the process.  Some ideas include use of personal notes, newspaper ads, billboards, and television messages.  You can even team up with other agencies for a joint recognition of volunteers' contributions.

Your organization/program/event may have received other forms of help other than hands-on volunteer work.  Be sure to acknowledge those generous gift givers and let them know what a difference their contributions have made.

Share your tips with us for how you thank your volunteers/staff whether it be candy, flowers, pictures, gift certificates, etc.

If you are a volunteer what has been the best way you've been thanked?

On behalf of Points of Light Institute, thank you to all volunteers associated with us! We appreciate your service!