On today's show, Adrian and Ethan discuss the importance of volunteers in the community.

The week of April 18 – 24 is National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by Points of Light and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and honor the countless individuals who selflessly invest in the lives of others. These ordinary citizens make extraordinary contributions to individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities, and our Nation.

According to The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), here are the latest numbers (prior to the pandemic):

• 77.4 Million Americans Volunteered

• 7.8 Billion Hours Served

• $203.4 Billion (Estimated Economic Value)

Volunteers make it possible for a nonprofit to accomplish its mission. It has the people it needs to do the necessary work and provide its services to those who could not otherwise access them. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, many organizations run with no paid staff at all, which makes volunteers essential to their mission.

The needs of nonprofits and charities for volunteer assistance have continued unabated during the pandemic, and for many have increased exponentially.

Did you know? 51% of all food programs rely entirely on volunteers. 65% of network food banks are accepting and in need of volunteers.

Every volunteer experience is a little different.