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Annual volunteerism week begins in First State

A river clean-up, a clothing drive, and rehabilitating buildings are among the volunteer events scheduled for Delaware’s Sixth Annual Week of Service, which kicks off Sunday.

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.

Carrie Hart of the State Office of Volunteerism, says people participate for a variety of reasons.

“As the Governor and First Lady say and it’s so true, we’re a state of neighbors and so when you’re volunteering you’re out there helping your community, helping your neighbors, helping yourself, helping your family, and helping your children for a better future,” said Hart.

Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) and First Lady Carla Markell set the tone for volunteerism by hosting a weekend of service instead of the traditional Inaugural Ball to mark the start of his administration in 2009.

The first weekend of service was expanded into a full week in 2010.

Hart says many people want to keep helping out well after the Week of Service has ended.

“They come back to us after the week and say, “Hey, I want to keep volunteering. How can I get involved with Volunteer Delaware? Or what are some organizations in my community?”  said Hart. "So to see those sparks that extend beyond the week of service is just very fulfilling to all of us.”

Delawareans seeking out special volunteer projects should visit the state's volunteerism website.

At VolunteerDelaware.org, organizations can register their needs and volunteer opportunities, and individuals and groups can log in to choose a specific service project.