Behind every successful program, event, and initiative at The Open Link is a powerful force that keeps everything moving forward: volunteers.
During National Volunteer Month (April) and National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we pause to recognize and celebrate the individuals who generously give their time and talent to support our mission. Their dedication is at the heart of everything we do.
In 2025, 301 volunteers contributed 9,415 hours of service to our organization. That incredible commitment represents thousands of moments where someone chooses to show up, lend a hand, and make a difference in our community.
Volunteers help power nearly every aspect of our work. Some assist with daily programs, like our Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels, and some volunteer with our seasonal programs, including Operation Holiday Cheer and our Code Blue shelter. Others lend their expertise behind the scenes, leading as Board members, assisting with outreach, organizing materials, preparing spaces, and/or providing administrative support. No matter their volunteer area, each volunteer helps ensure that our work in the Valley remains consistent and runs smoothly. This helps our neighbors in need feel welcomed, seen, and supported by this community. Every task, large or small, plays an important role in helping us fulfill our mission to help, educate and empower. Not only does the power of our volunteers fuel our mission, it also empowers The Open Link to leave an impact far beyond what our small staff could accomplish on its own.
The impact of volunteer service here at TOL also goes far beyond just the hours logged. Our volunteers bring energy, compassion, creativity, leadership and a deep commitment to helping others to their work each day. They create meaningful connections with our program participants, staff, and other volunteers, strengthen relationships within our community, and help expand the scope of each of our programs and services.
One volunteer’s service can even lead our clients to assistance in other programs! For example, our High School Equivalency (HSE) tutors may initially work with a student one-on-one for a few months or years as they learn and prepare to earn their HSE diplomas. Another volunteer will proctor tests as they move through each exam subject. These HSE volunteers then proudly watch our adult learners as they graduate and earn their High School diplomas! Additionally, while enrolled in HSE classes, students often connect with Food Pantry volunteers providing supplemental food for their family and Summer Kids Meals volunteers may help their children receive free breakfasts and lunch during the summer months. Perhaps Operation Holiday Cheer volunteers provided toys and gift cards for their children and/or grandchildren to take off the pressure of simultaneously pursuing school, holiday shopping, feeding their family and perhaps job placement. The list goes on!
As the individual’s journey takes them through the organization, each volunteer involved in their journey shares a collective sense of accomplishment. These volunteers collaborated and provided the tools needed to help their neighbor through a challenging time. We as an agency feel a sense of gratitude and pride to be of service to others and involved in a small piece each person's journey!
Each volunteer has their own story of what inspired them to get involved. Some volunteers to give back to their community while others want to learn new skills, meet new people, and support a cause that matters deeply to them. Whatever the motivation, the result is the same - a stronger, more powerful, and deeply connected Valley community.
Volunteering also creates meaningful experiences for those who give their time. Many of our volunteers say that their service allows them to grow personally and professionally, build new friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact they can have on the lives of others. The act of helping others often leaves our volunteers feeling just as inspired and empowered as the individuals and families they serve.
The 9,000+ hours our volunteers contributed over the past year represent far more than just time. They represent compassion in action, dedication to service, and a shared belief that positive change happens when people in the Valley come together.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to each one of The Open Link’s volunteers who supports our work. Your time, energy, and commitment make a lasting difference. Because of you, we are able to reach exponentially more people, strengthen our programs, and continue building a community where all of our neighbors can thrive.
To our 301 volunteers: Thank you for being the driving force behind our mission. Your generosity powers our work and mission.
For those who are considering volunteering: We invite you to join us. Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for ongoing opportunities to serve, volunteers help make our community stronger. Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to get started!
Together, we are powered by volunteers.
