Today’s blog post comes from Lenny Lend-A-Hand, HandsOn Twin Cities Mascot & Community Volunteer

Hellloo- Dolly! Lenny-Lend-A-Hand here representing HandsOn Twin Cities from the great state of Minnesota (I FINALLY was able to hang up my winter jacket, WOOT!).

Now that spring has sprung and spirits have been rejuvenated, it’s perfect timing to get out in the community and volunteer for National Volunteer Week.  HandsOn Twin Cities has been busy organizing over 60 projects, mobilizing over 1,000 volunteers in the metro area.

With the highest number of volunteers per capita, I’m proud to celebrate the great community members who make a difference here in the Twin Cities. Without our great volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish as much good as we do. Just one week isn’t nearly enough to squeeze in all of the thank yous we owe to our volunteers.

Since Earth Day is right around the corner, the majority of our projects are environmentally focused. There will be lots of rakes, gardening gloves, and mulch to go around! Staff will also be working with volunteers packaging food for local food shelves, as well as making hygiene kits and nutrition packs for families in need.

Personally, I’m looking forward to putting an artistic spin on community education by painting storm drains with the message “PLEASE DON’T POLLUTE! Drains to the Mississippi River!”  With the longest river in the nation rushing right between our Twin Cities, it’s our civic duty to engage, inform, and remind patrons to do their part in improving local water resources. (Plus with clean water, I’ll be even more excited to take a summertime dip in the good ole Mississippi!)

Speaking of civic duty, our nation’s President has called on the American people to not only appreciate their volunteers during National Volunteer Week (April 10^th-16^th 2011) but to engage in service as well.

“During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the profound impact of volunteers and encourage all Americans to discover their own power to make a difference.  Every one of us has a role to play in making our communities and our country stronger. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives.”

– President Barak Obama April 7^th, 2011

I couldn’t have said it better myself! So come on nation of do-gooders- go that extra mile, support your favorite cause, and Lend-A-Hand this week! Together we ALL can make a difference!

Cheers to Volunteers!

Lenny Lend-A-Hand is HandsOn Twin Cities Mascot & Community Volunteer. He can be found at volunteer projects around the Twin Cities. You can read about the work he’s doing at his blog.