In honor of April being volunteer month, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to those who share their perspective, time and energy to make our community a better place. Volunteers are a core part of our community in Renton. Local volunteers have put in thousands of hours, and their contributions are invaluable.

In 2015, more than 5,000 volunteers helped the City of Renton with 100 projects and programs, giving more than 40,000 personal hours to our community. We cherish and appreciate these people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs who do their part to improve the lives of others—people like Del Meade, a 93-year old City Hall volunteer who was recently recognized for her many years of service.

Volunteers like Del play a vital role in our community and ask for nothing in return.

Locally, volunteers in Renton are involved in everything from our boards and commissions to beatification projects in our parks to working with our youth. They assist with victim services, emergency preparedness, and help with program events and festivals. Volunteers give counsel, organize, clean, coach, build, teach, inspire and do much more, giving of themselves for a cause. In fact, the success of many local groups and organizations is due to the work of volunteers.

Volunteering can be fun, interesting, and a great way to meet people with similar interests. There are opportunities for high school students to fulfill graduation requirements; retired volunteers to share their skills, and each of us can be engaged, enhance our life experiences, meet new people and participate through Renton volunteer opportunities.

I hope you will join me this month as we celebrate the selfless individuals in our community who channel their energy and community passion into volunteer activities. We will also hold a citywide volunteer appreciation banquet on April 21, where the city will recognize our many volunteers.

I encourage anyone able to do so to make service an integral and meaningful part of your life.

For more information contact our Community Services Department and Volunteer Program at 425-430-6600 or visit the volunteer page on our website.