Take Time to Thank Volunteers

Now that the school year is underway, many sports, religious education classes, scouts, clubs and organizations that have been on summer break are gearing up for the new year. Most of these organizations are run on volunteer hours and wouldn’t be as successful without the commitment of so many people.

Most volunteers don’t expect to be specially recognized, but it only takes two simple words to let them know they are appreciated: Thank You.

Thank you to service organizations that provide so much to the residents of Northborough. The hours incorporated into the planning of Applefest weekend are mind boggling. This year's event was another huge success. ., which organizes the Thanksgiving baskets, coat and boot drive, and the loaning of medical equipment out to those in need in town, is run by volunteers--many who have been with the organization for years. Friends of the Northborough Recreation is working hard on organizing events to raise summer camp funds for kids in need. There are numerous organizations in town that provide a needed service to the town residents such as the Northboro Junior Woman’s Club, Northborough Rotary Club, and Northborough Moms and Tots.

Thank you to the town committee members: Did you attend the summer music concerts? Those are the work of the Community  Affairs Committee. The Trails Committee, Cultural Council, Northborough Food Pantry, and Board of Selectman are also all volunteers. These committees and boards meet regularly and all help the town of Northborough on so many levels.

Thank you to school parent volunteers: who are able to share their time to assist teachers in the classrooms, keep up the courtyards, and work on the many fundraisers throughout the year. The schools’ PTOs work hard all year to coordinate special programs, field trips, activities and events that directly benefit our kids.

Thank you to the town sports coaches for soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, football, t-ball, and the list goes on. Hours are spent on the field with practices and games, many in all sorts of weather. Hours of patience and a sense of humor are required as the rules of the games are taught, skills are honed, and while keeping the experience fun for our children.

Thank you to the library volunteers at , which is always looking for help with book sales and book shelvers. Due to some budget cuts, staff time is limited to get some of these jobs done and having reliable volunteers helps the library continue to provide the services to patrons we have all come to expect.

Thank you to all the scout leaders of the Daisies, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. There has been a huge increase in the number of kids joining the adventures of scouting and all meetings, outings, overnights, activities and events are run by volunteers.

If your child is part of a group run by volunteers, remember to say thanks.

If you have the extra time, now is the time to get involved, find your niche, and give back in some way. It doesn’t need to be a huge time commitment and often it can be something you can do from home.

If you are a volunteer for one of the various groups that gives back to the Northborough community, thank you for your time and dedication.