The sixth annual Delaware Week of Service, is 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,org, 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.org 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.”

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 www.volunteerdelaware.org

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