Content courtesy of Walker Sands Communications, a Techweek Gives sponsor organization. 

With National Volunteer Week on the horizon (April 23 - 29), we wanted to share some ideas to help you make the most of the celebration and show your appreciation for those who give back.

Since its inception in 1974, National Volunteer Week has been a way to recognize and commemorate the efforts of volunteers across the country. As time has passed, the original emphasis on celebration evolved into a nationwide effort urging people and organizations to give back to their communities.

But whether it’s a simple thank you note or a volunteer project, National Volunteer Week is the perfect opportunity to honor and aid your local volunteer community. If you haven’t made any plans just yet, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate National Volunteer Week.

Support your community

What better way to celebrate National Volunteer Week than to help volunteers support their community or cause? Whether you’re donating resources through Techweek Gives or taking a few hours out of the week to mentor local youth, there are plenty of opportunities to give back and lend a hand to those who serve.

Thank a volunteer

Whether you say it loudly or softly, make sure to thank all of the volunteers in your company. At Walker Sands, we like to highlight individuals who give back to their community. It’s a good way to show how much we value our volunteers, and it also exposes other people to the different volunteering opportunities that are out there. For this National Volunteer Week, consider sending an office-wide email recognizing the volunteers in your office and their causes.

Give away goods

One way to give back during National Volunteer Week is to donate some of the inventory that you’re not using at the moment. From an extra laptop to an old hand-me-down jacket, any item that you share can go a long way to helping someone in need. If you do plan on giving goods, make sure you track your donations so you can move up the Techweek Gives leaderboard!

Raise money

If you’re pressed for time, you can always donate funds to the charity of your choice. If you’re having a hard time deciding on one, we’ve put together a list of nonprofits that support a number of local causes.

Whether you’re raising money, sending goods, or simply saying ‘thank you,’ there are many different ways to celebrate National Volunteer Week and contribute to your community. So, how will you celebrate?

The Techweek Gives campaign, powered by uBack, is working to raise $1 million and commit 10,000 volunteer hours in 90 days. To learn more, click here.