1. Acknowledge volunteers and hard workers in your newsletter.

2. Tell others of the volunteer’s contributions.

3. Say thank you to the volunteer when others are around to hear you.

4. Give a hearty, well-deserved pat on the back or a genuine, warm hug.

5. Send a beautiful, handwritten thank you card. No emails!

6. Present the volunteer with a certificate of appreciation. You can find these on the Internet and print them on your printer.

7. Give a large candle with the note: “No one holds a candle to you.”

8. Give a rock that you decorate with one of the following sayings: “Thanks, You Rock!” or “Thanks For Being So Rock Solid!”

9. Give a cupcake with the note: “You take the cake!”

10. Give a small, inexpensive gift that appeals to your volunteer's interests. For example, a reader would probably enjoy a book of inspirational sayings or a nice bookmark, a chocoholic would relish a box of her favorite candy, and a coffee drinker would appreciate her favorite coffee or a new mug. If you have heard them mention some small item they would like, get it. On the other hand, if you have a special skill, make a small gift. Knowing you put your time and effort into making something with your own hands adds extra value for the recipient.

11. Collect money from the group or organization and give a bigger gift, such as a large plant, flower arrangement, or gift certificate to a favorite store or restaurant. Tailor the gift to the recipient’s hobbies or interests with a gift basket of various items the volunteer would like, such as items for working outdoors for an avid gardener or soaps and oils for a bath lover.

12. Treat the volunteer to the movies, lunch or a snack, such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, pie and coffee, or just a soda.

13. Bring “goodies” to share with the staff on obscure holidays or occasions, not just after special projects are done.

14. Throw a special picnic, barbecue or party to say thanks!

15. Purchase a beautiful small bowl and turn it into a “Blessings Bowl” or decorate a small box to be a “Warm and Fuzzy Box.” Encourage members to write on a slip of paper one or two sentences describing how the recipient has somehow touched their life or what they admire about that person. It will serve as a memento of all that the recipient brings into the lives of others.

Of course, you should not be overly concerned about how to say “thank you.” Most important is to remember to always express appreciation in some way or another

I like the volunteer of the month idea.

I do a lot of little things for our volunteers. I send little notes home with candy or candy bars attached. I also sent thank you cards handwritten after the carnival. I send birthday cards to them. I try to keep up with what is going on in their rooms, so I have an idea of what they are doing, and if I can help in some way. For ex. K and 1st are having Indian days this week. We had a ton of apple juice donated at grandparents day that we donated to the room parents to use for the activities. I write out thank you cards and have the princiapl sign them and give them to them.

Good luck!

Brandi

I am looking for some reward ideas for volunteers at our school from the staff. They used to have a luncheon for us at the end of every year but are looking for new ideas. One suggestion was a front row "Volunteer of the Month" parking spot at schoool. Any other thoughts?