Ms. Deborah Ford ECACC--RCAC2nd.VC (919) 835-3566 ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources" <ParksRecreation(a)info.raleighnc.gov> To: cac-chair(a)eastraleigh.org Sent: Friday, April 4, 2014 2:10 PM Subject: April Newsletter Volunteer Program Newsletter April -  2014   ________________________________ This month we take time to celebrate YOU! This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Month. Each year organizations all over the United States take time to not only recognize the numerous hours and talents volunteers like you donate but they help raise awareness about the benefits of volunteering. Over the past year, the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department had over 9,000 volunteers who gave thousands of hours of time to help clean up parks, coach, participate in special events, teach classes, and assist with several programs. We want to extend a huge thank you to each of you for your volunteer service. It is because of your hard work and dedication to the department that we are able to provide the best customer service to our Raleigh community! ________________________________ "For Those Who Do" Lenovo has been a dedicated partner to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. Last year, the company had over 100 employees participate in landscaping projects at Chavis Park. They also donated several computers to the Community Center so that Raleigh area youth could have a computer lab to use during the after school program. On April 14, approximately 150 employees plan to assist with several landscaping projects at the newly renovated Halifax Park and install a retaining wall at Roberts Park. They will also organize a book drive for the youth programs to use at Roberts. Along with these volunteer projects, Lenovo has agreed to donate laptops so that both centers can have computer labs for their after school programs. With their financial contributions and volunteer service to our department, it is easy to see why the company's tagline is "For Those Who Do". ________________________________ College Students Pay It Forward From out of state universities to the area's several local colleges and universities, our college student volunteers have proven why the Raleigh community is rated #1. They have given up several Saturday mornings, gotten their hands dirty, and persevered through the weather to volunteer at parks throughout the City. Traveling over 500 miles, John Carroll University students chose Raleigh as one of their destinations during their "Pay it Forward" project. During this week long excursion, the group volunteers in various cities throughout the United States to participate in volunteer projects. This year the group spread several yards of mulch at Mordecai Historic Park. On March 29, NCSU held its annual citywide day of service, Service Raleigh. This year's Service Raleigh provided our department with 300+ volunteers at 12 parks throughout the City. Students participated in park beautification projects that included removal of invasives, litter pick up, adding chips to playgrounds, planting, and other landscaping activities. Thanks to all of the groups and individuals who have donated their time to assist with park beautification projects and spread awareness about the importance of a young person's impact on their community. ________________________________ April's V.I.Ps From mulching in 20 degree weather to pulling grocery carts out of a stream to planting hundreds of trees, our volunteers in parks (V.I.Ps) prove to be the best! Check out what our V.I.Ps have done to beautify our parks during the first part of 2014! New Online Registration We have recently launched a new online registration system. Create your volunteer profile today! Upcoming Opportunities Check out these upcoming volunteer opportunities and register now! Wake County Senior Games Raleigh Rockets Track Program Southeastern Masters Track & Field Meet Hershey Track & Field Games Youth Athletic Coach Group Projects Interested in coordinating a volunteer project for a group? Businesses, schools, churches and organizations are encouraged to contribute their time, talent and resources to our City Parks! Contact us to set up your personalized group volunteer project. Volunteer Testimonials "The thing I liked best about volunteering was meeting the awesome new people. The event was very organized and the entire experience was worthwhile. I will definitely be back very soon!" "Yes I would volunteer again, and I would recommend to everyone that I know. It was a wonderful experience. You can stand back and admire the fruits of your labor at the end." We want to hear from you! Let us know your comments and suggestions by completing our Volunteer Survey.   ________________________________ Visit the Volunteer Webpage for more information. Questions or comments? Contact Ashley Deans at ashley.deans(a)raleighnc.gov or 919-996-4810.  City of Raleigh  Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources  222 W. Hargett St.  Raleigh, NC 27601 ________________________________ This email was sent to cac-chair(a)eastraleigh.org using GovDelivery, on behalf of: City of Raleigh · 222 West Hargett St · Raleigh, NC 27601