The value of volunteer service through Points of Light and its enterprises has risen to a new threshold of more than $700 million.

In 2011, 4.3 million volunteers provided 32.2 million hours of service with an economic impact of $701,579,995. Points of Light's research team compiled the 2011 volunteer hours from HandsOn Network, generationOn and AmeriCorps Alums; days of service including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 9/11 Day of Service, Make A Difference Day and Make Your Mark Week; corporate activation; and service with national partners.

The value of an hour of service has also risen. Independent Sector released the 2011 rate per volunteer service hour completed as $21.79, a 43-cent increase over 2010.

This $700 million dollars in value represents significant support for communities, vital contributions for nonprofits and public institutions and transformational change for individuals - both those served and those serving.