According to data from the AmeriCorps, 978,627 Kentuckians volunteered their time, talent and effort to improve people’s lives. 96.6 million hours of service and $2.3 billion of service were contributed.  Henderson County’s population is around 45,609 and the need for volunteers is more critical as programs expand.  

The Henderson County Extension office ended the year with a leadership appreciation program that was called “Henderson County Leadership Hall of Fame”.  We started the program in 2017.  Leaders were invited to attend a night of appreciation and awards ceremony where a leader from each program area was surprised with an overall award.   This year being in a pandemic, the event had to be changed to Facebook Live with 942 individuals reached online and those who won were present to accept their award.  

Each Extension agent needs community members to assist in teaching or organizing programs, leading clubs and groups, assisting with events or activities, and providing input and guidance.  Volunteer opportunities include: Club Leaders, council member, project leaders, and short term specific program volunteers. 

4-H gave an award this year to a group of individuals who served the community during a time where serving and getting the word out about 4-H was difficult. This group of 4-H members and volunteers partnered with the Henderson County Parks Department to pain a semi-trailer to represent 4-H. This trailer is a great marketing tool for 4-H in our community as well as out of town travelers who may have never heard about 4-H. This group went above and beyond to serve their community and 4-H community. 

 Time is worth money.  One hour equal $27.20 per hour.  For just the 1 award winner group that contributed over 40 hours on this project a year would be worth over $1088 value of their time. This past year Henderson County Volunteers have donated over 1000 hours of their time totaling over $27,200!