Story submitted by United Way
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – In 2010, with the vision of developing a centralized hub for Clarksville-Montgomery County citizens to find meaningful volunteer opportunities, Rita Arancibia convened a group of local nonprofit organizations to launch Volunteer Clarksville.
Initially incubated under the Hands on Nashville program, Volunteer Clarksville has connected more than 4,000 volunteers and served 25+ nonprofits and agencies. The program also introduced Serve to Remember, an annual volunteer event that commemorates the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and salutes hometown heroes deployed from Ft. Campbell.
“I believe that we are all connected– and feeling connected to each other is at the heart of volunteering. There is no higher calling than to reach out and do things for each other. When we share our most precious gifts of time, talent and treasures to help and comfort those in need, we change lives, inspire others and leave a legacy through our service,” said Mrs. Arancibia.
The program and its website will now be offered through the local nonprofit that works to advance the common good with a core mission based on community impact. Ginna Holleman, local United Way Chief Executive Officer, is enthusiastic about the program’s potential to build volunteer capacity and service to the community.
“Volunteers play a vital role in United Way’s efforts to effectively address and meet community needs. We are excited to further strengthen and foster volunteerism opportunities through the Volunteer Clarksville network. We believe in our responsibility to build a better life for us all by joining the resources of those who wish to make a difference with those who need a helping hand. Volunteer Clarksville provides a diverse and extensive network to Live United in these efforts” said Mrs. Holleman.
“I am pleased that Volunteer Clarksville has found a new home. There is no better place for Volunteer Clarksville to continue to grow and support the community than United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region, commented Mrs. Arancibia. Like Volunteer Clarksville, United Way mobilizes the caring power of the community, pulling everyone together for the common good and making our community grow and become stronger.”
Becoming involved is easy by visiting the program’s website: www.volunteerclarksville.volunteerhub.com. Volunteers can view available projects and register to participate in those that match their interests. Organizations throughout the greater Clarksville region are invited to join together with Volunteer Clarksville to share service opportunities and extend their volunteer recruitment reach. For more information, please visit the website or contact the United Way office at (931) 647-4291.
United Way focuses its work on the building blocks of a better life for all – Education, Health and Income. The addition of Volunteer Clarksville to its local umbrella of service also supports a United Way Worldwide three year goal to help children achieve their education goals by recruiting one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors. This goal is being celebrated on June 21, 2013 through a national Day of Action. Join the movement by visiting the Volunteer Clarksville site to sign up for local opportunities or United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region’s website, www.liveunitedclarksville.org for more information.