In recognition of National Volunteer Month, the City of Kirkland is celebrating the many volunteers who contribute throughout the year in service to the community. Each year, hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours of service through the City of Kirkland’s volunteer programs, providing a community benefit that in some years has been valued at nearly $1,000,000. In honor of Kirkland’s volunteers, the Kirkland City Council released a video expressing their appreciation.
“Volunteers are vital to a strong, thriving, and connected community,” said Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet. “We are fortunate to have amazing volunteers who serve through our many City volunteer programs. Volunteers run our vibrant neighborhood associations. Volunteers are hard-working members of our boards and commissions. And even a global pandemic couldn’t stop our community members from acting in service to one another.”
Volunteers help with a wide range of projects throughout Kirkland such as monitoring the city’s pedestrian flag crosswalks, maintaining the cross Kirkland corridor trail, and weeding public areas throughout town. They also help with community events like the Juanita Friday market and keep our community emergency-ready by testing our city's emergency communications radio systems.
Additionally, Kirkland is fortunate to have a large and active force of volunteers who work hard to battle invasive plants and restore natural areas. The Green Kirkland Partnership engages the local community in the restoration and care of natural areas in City parks. In 2021, more than 1,000 volunteers contributed over 6,600 hours of service in our forests and natural area parkland. Working alongside City staff and dedicated partners, volunteers planted over 7,400 native plants and enrolled over 40 new acres into restoration.
“Throughout the year, Kirkland’s volunteers put their commitment to community into action,” said Mayor Sweet. "We want to make sure they know how very valuable and appreciated they are.”
Volunteering for Kirkland is a great way to get involved, make an impact, and meet fellow residents. Positions are broad in needs; some have weekday, evening and/or weekend availability. For more information about volunteering through the City of Kirkland, please visit www.kirklandwa.gov/volunteer.
Original source can be found here.
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