Most of us (especially if we don't benefit from a charity) don't realize how much volunteers really touch our lives. I know I had no idea until recently how many volunteers and how many man-hours it required to make our small town's little league come together each spring.
In our town of just 5,000 people there are about a dozen teams, each with two or three coaches plus team mothers that keep everything organized and all the children comfortable. At a league level there are six umpires, two field maintenance dads, two secretaries, a treasurer, a finance controller, a president, a concessions manager and countless other parents that pitch in to make sure the children get to participate in this great American pastime. Without volunteerism something as simple as little league baseball would be completely impossible.
We're only one game into the season and I'm already planning my personal "thank you" gifts for the people that coach my son's team.
If you're organizing an event that relies on volunteers, remember to reward your helpers with a lasting memento of their contribution. Not only is it good manners, it goes a long way toward getting their help again next year.
Thank You Gift Ideas:
Metropolitan Business Tote
From $2.27
Acrylic Magnetic Photo Frame
From $6.25
25 Piece Tool Kit Flashlight
From $4.68
Aluminum Water Bottle
From $1.75
