We had some folks who were wonderful and volunteered at many events - we invited them to join our board. This way we had a few more board members and we also kept them in our ogranization. We gained from their experiences as a volunteer - what worked and what didn't.

We have a volunteer luncheon in the spring to recongnize all of them. Maybe have awards for different areas library, office, bus helpers, classroom, etc. so their would be quite a few that get recongnized.

Also send the person a note directly or even in your newsletter!!!

Cindy

Our school use to give out gift cards, until it was noticed that the cards kept going to the same person and others got upset. Now, we write thank you notes and put their names in the school newsletter after an event.

Whatever way vounteers are recognized and thanked shows them they are valuable and without them success would be limited. I do not know of any organization that does not recognize their volunteers. A personal note, a luncheon/coffee/breakfast are nice gestures and it builds upon the community spirit of the school and does eliminate that click mentallity.

I'm in agreement with bucksco. I also agree that an all-volunteer recognition is nice!

I don't know, I've always thought that people volunteer because they enjoy doing it, and they believe in what they do. Maybe it's me, but I get a bit uncomfortable with too many thanks. I help out because I think it's good for the school, and that benefits my kid. I choose things that I enjoy, and I feel a reward in the camaraderie and the fun.

A personalized thank you note sent to them at home does wonders. It shows you took the time just for them.