volunteer appreciation

  • Simple volunteer appreciation help sign in a doctors waiting room with a chair and magazines in a basket on the floor

Simple Volunteer Appreciation Help

Simple Volunteer Appreciation Help Global Volunteer Month begins April 1st every year, and if you are new to volunteer engagement, or find yourself with a backlog, simple volunteer appreciation help is top priority. Appreciation is an important tool in a Volunteer Engagement Professional's (VEP) retention toolbox. A simple act of appreciation can be the most memorable. The thank you note Customized, handwritten notes from a direct supervisor have the highest appreciation value. After reviewing your unduplicated 13 month volunteer roster, decide if you have the capacity to make this happen. If your roster is larger than 25 notes per employee supervisor, consider one of the following quick options: Take a photo of the staff holding thank you signs, "we love volunteers" or something personal to your organization. Upload the image Walgreens.com and use any of the photo postcard designs on the "Mail for Me." If you use a Retail Me [...]

  • Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition

Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition

Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition recipient was born at TMC and grew up in Marana and Tucson. After receiving an engineering degree from the University of Arizona, she moved to California to pursue a career in aerospace. She enjoyed her time working on satellite systems, but eventually she tired of the California life and missed the Sonoran dessert. Upon her return to Tucson, she continued work as an engineer. It was at this time she found her passion for Hospital-based volunteering. After approximately 16 years of hospital volunteering at Banner- University Medical Center and Tucson Medical Center, she’s contributed over 14,000 hours of volunteer time. Most of that time was spent working with Tucson hospital NICUs, helping the staff care for their tiny patients. Community Service Recognition Sandra Wong's volunteerism is a wonderful story of commitment to community. TMC's volunteer engagement professionals submitted Sandra for the Community [...]

By |January 17th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , |Comments Off on Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition
  • Heather Volpe Community Service Recognition

Heather Volpe: Community Service Recognition

Heather Volpe: Community Service Recognition Raquel Cooley from Nova Home Loans would like to recognize Heather Volpe with a Community Service Recognition. She is a nurturing mother with a heart committed to service. Heather embarked on her remarkable volunteer journey over 20 years ago. Her altruistic path began at the Tucson Community School, where she actively participated in the parent co-op, fostering an early appreciation for community engagement in her children. Heather's dedication soon enlarged beyond the school gates, leading her to the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Girl Scouts, where her nurturing spirit finds a natural home. She imparts valuable lessons of leadership and community service to the next generation. Heather’s volunteerism is a testament to her diverse and enduring impact. From ladling soup at Casa Maria and the Gospel Rescue Mission, to wielding a hammer with Habitat for Humanity. She embodies the principle that compassion knows no [...]

By |January 17th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , |Comments Off on Heather Volpe: Community Service Recognition
  • Zainab Rana Community Service Recognition Children's Museum Tucson

Zainab Rana: Community Service Recognition

Zainab Rana: Community Service Recognition Children's Museum Tucson celebrated Discovery Nights volunteer, Zainab Rana: Community Service Recognition recipient at the SAVMA Awards 2024.  Zainab has been volunteering regularly during Discovery Nights programming at the Children's Museum Tucson helping run the program alongside paid staff members. Discovery Night is every Thursday evening and it is free admission during the time the program runs, so they see many visitors. Zainab helps run the activity planned for each Discovery Night by learning how to do it and showing children and their families how to do it too. She has helped with several different activities, including during some very highly attended nights, and she knows the drill at this point. When she arrives for Discovery Night, she jumps right in and at the end of the activity, she helps wrap up and organize things before the event ends. The staff have noticed how Zainab [...]

By |January 16th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Zainab Rana: Community Service Recognition
  • Sandra Maxfield: Community Service Recognition

Sandra Maxfield: Community Service Recognition

Sandra Maxfield: Community Service Recognition Sandra Maxfield is the Community Service Recognition recipient, lovingly submitted by Linda, Jennifer, and Tricia Lohse of the Tucson Foundations. Sandy, a Canadian transplant, embraced the Old Pueblo arts and culture and health and human services community as a community volunteer as soon as she arrived. While working in Michigan as a Registered Nurse, Sandy met Robert Maxfield during his medical residency. The two married and moved to Tucson to build a medical career and a family. Sandy fully adopted the Southern Arizona nonprofit community with her enthusiastic and influential volunteer leadership. As a governance volunteer, Sandy has served on the Boards of Directors for the: Tucson Museum of Art, Arizona Theatre Company, Tucson Pima Arts Council, Amerind Museum, and Arizona Aerospace Foundation among others. Her years of governance work in policy building, outreach, and fundraising has inspired many new residents to engage in [...]

By |January 15th, 2024|Categories: Member Share, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Sandra Maxfield: Community Service Recognition
  • Eric Majchrzak: Community Service Recognition

Eric Majchrzak: Community Service Recognition

Eric Majchrzak: Community Service Recognition Eric Majchrzak, Community Service Recognition recipient from ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation willingly gives his time and experience. He helps grow the Center’s Leadership Council into a collection of champions, who fully align to advance the mission. As a result of Eric’s leadership, our Center realizes greater levels of achievement and impact than ever in our 25-year history. Eric is a volunteer extraordinaire. He leads our Leadership Council, the constituted board of our Center, with humility. His purpose-driven approach successfully engages others. Nothing speaks to Eric’s abilities as a volunteer leader more than his contributions over the past 18 months, by guiding our Center’s strategic efforts. During that time-frame, Eric led an extensive planning effort to assure our long-term relevancy and sustainability. His keen understanding of how to shape the future by placing a premium on listening to stake holders. Accordingly, this [...]

By |January 14th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Eric Majchrzak: Community Service Recognition
  • Larry Housner: Community Service Recognition

Community Food Bank Honors Larry Housner Community Service Recognition

Larry Housner Community Service Recognition The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona would like to present their 2024 honoree Larry Housner, Community Service Recognition. We are proud to express our deepest gratitude to Larry Housner for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the mission. Since March of 2020, Larry has been an invaluable member of our volunteer team, standing out as a shining example of selflessness and compassion. One remarkable aspect of Larry's service is the amount of time and effort he has dedicated to our cause. Over the course of his volunteer journey, Larry has generously contributed over 1582 hours of his time. This remarkable commitment goes beyond, highlighting his passion for serving our community. Throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic, Larry has consistently demonstrated his loyalty and passion for serving others. His steadfast support in our Emergency Food Distribution efforts has been nothing short of exceptional. [...]

By |January 13th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Community Food Bank Honors Larry Housner Community Service Recognition

Art Hoffman: Community Service Recognition

Art Hoffman: Community Service Recognition Arthur Hoffman is a Community Service Recognition recipient for his loyal volunteer service to Habitat for Humanity Tucson since 2011. Contributing in countless ways, Art not only gives Habitat Tucson his precious time, but the gift of wisdom, skills, and tremendous professional experience. In his time with Habitat Tucson, he leads the IT efforts, participates in construction, lays new flooring, attends and builds at events such as the Veteran Builds, Women’s Builds and more. Moreover, he is counted on for strategic consultation in the areas of technology and project management. Art is an active ambassador and advocate for the work at Habitat Tucson. He traveled internationally with Habitat for Humanity on three, 4-month assignments in France, Australia, Scotland, and Japan. With over 34+ years of experience at IBM leading IT standards worldwide, large contracts and project management, Habitat Tucson is grateful to leverage his many [...]

By |January 12th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Art Hoffman: Community Service Recognition

Fredericka Hills: Community Service Recognition

Fredericka Hills: Community Service Recognition Interfaith Community Services nominated Fredericka Hills for the Community Service Recognition. Her volunteering shows the love to empower and teach others. Since 2015, she has volunteered with Workforce Development, helping job seekers find employment, for instance. Fredericka works with clients to update their résumés by listening and identifying their skills, building up their confidence and teaching them how to get hired and stay hired. About half of all clients who come to ICS looking for employment, find employment. Fredericka’s role is key to that success. Fredericka fondly recalls how she connected a neighbor needing help at her assisted living business to a client with care-giving skills. She recalls listening to one individual having a hard time holding a job, and how she spoke truthfully and kindly as she would to her own son. Additionally, he has since maintained his employment. With an inspired faith at [...]

By |January 11th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Fredericka Hills: Community Service Recognition
  • Picture of smiling volunteer Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition

Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition

Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition recipient has been an integral part of our workplace at Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. After having been a girl member all the way through Girl Scouts, to her High School graduation, Jennifer continued her relationship with the organization by becoming a volunteer. For 11 years now, she is happy to jump into the work of any team. Jennifer is a positive and beautiful energy in our offices, assisting staff with their workloads. We all are so happy to nominate her for this honor! At Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, every Girl Scout has their own curiosity, dreams, and talents. When they come together to decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a dance-off, or filming a movie—they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, [...]

By |January 10th, 2024|Categories: Member Share, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , |Comments Off on Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition
  • Aimee Graves Community Service Recognition

Aimee Graves: Community Service Recognition

Aimee Graves: Community Service Recognition As the CEO of The Haven, Aimee Graves: Community Service Recognition was a perfect fit.  is a nonprofit professional who selflessly invests in emerging leaders through her volunteer work with Community Foundation for Southern Arizona's Center for Healthy Nonprofits. She imparts lessons learned, and offers expert guidance. Her legacy of generosity inspires a mentorship pathway for nonprofit leaders today and into the future. Supporting her peers through volunteerism is what makes Aimee a stand out. Aimee engages in community volunteerism serving on advisory boards for the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for Research on Women and the Frances McClelland Institute. She previously co-chaired Women United for UWTSA, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson. Graves is a graduate of Greater Tucson Leadership, Class of 2019. Her Day Job She joined The Haven in February 2022 as their Executive Director, bringing over 15 [...]

By |January 9th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on Aimee Graves: Community Service Recognition

Community Service Recognition: James Geringer

Community Service Recognition: James Geringer Easterseals Blake Foundation honored event volunteer with a Community Service Recognition. James Geringer is flexible and versatile, two skills that serve the organization well in his role as a special event volunteer. Additionally, the the events team describe him as passionate, reliable, cooperative, patient, creative, energetic, positive, willing to help, compassionate and organized. Without ever being asked, and with a smile on his face, James signs up for the holiday food box project. His willingness to fill in last minute or serve as a floater has made him an essential part of the team. From making the 100 mile trip for "Blues in Bisbee" to help out with a few small tasks, to popping into Mr. An’s before his day job for event set up. He has an ever courteous attitude to guests, volunteers, and clients alike leaving all with a positive and lasting impression [...]

By |January 8th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , |Comments Off on Community Service Recognition: James Geringer
  • Community Service Recognition: Linda Down Reid Park Zoo Docent

Community Service Recognition: Linda Down

Community Service Recognition: Linda Down Reid Park Zoo honors retired educator and volunteer Docent, with Community Service Recognition: to Linda Down! As a volunteer Docent, Linda engages Reid Park Zoo guests by utilizing interpretive artifact stations and handling small animals, educating about species natural history, individual history, and conveying conservation messaging and actions; she is instrumental in furthering the Zoo’s mission “to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places.” Linda is also a Docent Mentor, training new Docents on a number of artifact stations, running the giraffe encounter, species and habitat conservation concerns, and in interpretive techniques. In addition to her daily volunteer duties, Linda routinely assists with special evening events educating guests and assisting staff with a number of tasks. Linda is proactive, and where she sees a need, she will take steps to become qualified [...]

By |January 7th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors, Uncategorized|Tags: |Comments Off on Community Service Recognition: Linda Down
  • Gabriela Cervantes Community Service Recognition

Gabriela Cervantes: Community Service Recognition

Gabriela Cervantes: Community Service Recognition Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona submitted Gabriela Cervantes for Community Service Recognition in 2024. She is a Marketing Specialist for Snell & Wilmer, and the founder of Gabriela with one L Consulting. Additionally she facilitates University of Arizona courses, is an Independent Fora Travel Advisor, serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona Board of Directors and is a "Big Sister." Gabriela, while originally from Nogales, has been a Tucson mover and shaker for over 25 years. She has served on many nonprofit boards, fundraising committees, and leadership councils over the years. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona is privileged to have had her time, talent, and treasure for the past six years. Gabriela was matched to her Little Sister in 2013, when her Little was just six years old. In 2018, she joined the Board of Directors and has [...]

By |January 6th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Gabriela Cervantes: Community Service Recognition
  • Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon

Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon

Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon Children's Clinics honors Weekly In-Clinic & Adaptive Recreation Volunteer with a Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon! Alexis is a full-time honors college student at the University of Arizona. She fills her time with volunteering, athletics, and creative activities. Alexis is majoring in physiology and medical sciences and has her eye on being a physical therapist. After seeing a posting in a newsletter on campus, she joined Children’s Clinics as an adaptive recreation volunteer for their soccer season. Alexis immediately connected with the kids in adaptive recreation and stayed on for tennis, dance, theatre, cheer, and rock orchestra. In addition to Adaptive Recreation, Alexis volunteers weekly at Children’s Clinics playing many roles including supporting the rehab and physical therapy teams, photographing special events, designing flyers and other promotional materials, and creating video content for the childhood experiences program. She is a motivated, kind, and generous individual. [...]

By |January 5th, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: , |Comments Off on Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon
  • Mark Brown Community Service Recognition

Mark Brown: Community Service Recognition

Mark Brown: Community Service Recognition TEP proudly submits Mark Brown, for Community Service Recognition. He started as a Tucson Electric Power employee volunteer for the Community Food Bank, packing food bags in their warehouse. When the previous coordinator decided to take a step back, there was one clear choice for leadership. Mark stepped up and became the activity coordinator for the monthly event. He continued to organize dozens of TEP volunteers and their families. His consistent and sustained support, scheduling up to 12 months out, got him noticed. It was his dedication to the challenging work of packing bags and scheduling teams that brought an invitation to serve on the Community Food Bank Advisory Board. He held that position for many years, and now serves on the Executive Board as Vice-Chair and other committees. His leadership strengthened the CFB and TEP partnership by improving longstanding event engagement with the Letter [...]

By |January 4th, 2024|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Mark Brown: Community Service Recognition
  • Melissa Acuna Junior Achievement of Arizona

Community Service Recognition: Melissa Acuña

Community Service Recognition: Melissa Acuña Melissa Acuna, a Cox Communications employee, and Junior Achievement volunteer will receive a Community Service Recognition for her service. With the support of hundreds of education, business and volunteer partners, Junior Achievement here in Southern Arizona is giving kids the tools to succeed. Our volunteer mentors from the community teach students about the importance of money management, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. Arming today’s youth with this critical education will result in less financial instability and debt, a better-trained workforce, a more robust economy, and healthier families. Junior Achievement programs, developed by experts, are designed to keep kids engaged and meet them at their level of understanding. But it’s through our volunteering that students can connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world. Melissa Acuña a Career Mentor For example, Melissa Acuna, volunteers at CE Rose K-12 teaching the global market system. [...]

By |January 3rd, 2024|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: |Comments Off on Community Service Recognition: Melissa Acuña
  • SAVMA Volunteer Fair

SOUTHERN ARIZONA VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND CELEBRATION FAIR

The Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association invites you to a volunteer fair at the Reid Park Zoo on Thursday, September 16th from 4:30-7pm. Who can Attend? All members of the public are invited to attend the 2021 annual SAVMA Volunteer & Recognition Fair. Additionally, current volunteers are welcome to attend as a “thank you” from the Southern Arizona nonprofit community. Attendees have the opportunity to explore the zoo during this family-friendly night and enjoy music, raffle prizes, and more. Furthermore, guests can learn about ways to support their community. What organizations will be there? Representatives from local nonprofit organizations will introduce potential volunteers to their important causes.  These organizations include: Interfaith Community Services Big Brothers Big Sisters Easterseals Blake Foundation CASA of Pima County Literacy Connects Youth on their Own Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest And more! What is the cost? Thank you to TMC Foundation and United Way [...]

By |August 31st, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, SAVMA Events|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on SOUTHERN ARIZONA VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND CELEBRATION FAIR

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week

Where would we be without volunteers? If your organization is like the Reid Park Zoo, you would not be able to function as efficiently, nor effectively without volunteers. They keep us organized in the office, do community outreach, and educate guests. They donate time and resources, and ensure the organization is achieving its mission. Volunteers are truly the backbone of many organizations and worth more than the national average of $27.20 per hour. April 18-24th is National Volunteer Week. During this week, and throughout the year, it's important that we celebrate the people who donate their time and talents. We should also take time to recognize the reasons people volunteer. Through this, we can create meaningful opportunities and celebrate them appropriately.  Why people volunteer: Personal ties - many people volunteer because they have a connection to the organization. For these volunteers, create activities that directly relate to the mission, as [...]

By |April 23rd, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples, SAVMA Events, Uncategorized|Tags: , |Comments Off on Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week

Tips for Meaningful Volunteer Appreciation 

  On Thursday, February 18, 2021, volunteer managers gathered together for a roundtable discussion on volunteer appreciation. As we approach volunteer appreciation week, here are the top tips on creating a meaningful thank you experience for your volunteers. Trinket/giveaway Ideas It’s very easy to rely on trinkets or small gifts as tokens of appreciation. Get creative and look offering for experiences by partnering with local organizations. A ticket swap allows volunteers to create memories while opening the door to future partnerships. Creating experiences is not always be feasible, especially in the time of COVID-19, so look for items to give away that have meaning. At the Reid Park Zoo, volunteers receive lapel pins in the shape of different animals to recognize their hours of service. Other items to consider are things that can be used while volunteering --branded hats, jackets, sun sleeves, etc. Event Ideas When [...]

By |March 12th, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, Uncategorized|Tags: |Comments Off on Tips for Meaningful Volunteer Appreciation