Celebrating the Heart of Our Community: National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Each year, National Volunteer Appreciation Week gives us the opportunity to pause and recognize the people who consistently and generously show up for others. At Heart of Maine Resource Center, volunteers are not just supporters of our work—they are the foundation that makes it possible.

From packing food boxes each month to helping coordinate distributions, from lending their skills on home repair projects to planting, weeding, and harvesting fresh veggies, volunteers bring our mission to life in tangible ways. Their time, energy, and compassion ripple far beyond any single moment of service. They help create a space where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

Over the past year, we’ve seen volunteers step in during all seasons—through snowstorms, busy summers, and everything in between. They’ve helped ensure that more than 300 neighbors each month have access to nutritious food. They’ve given not only their time, but their care, building relationships that strengthen our entire community.

What stands out most is not just what our volunteers do, but how they do it. With kindness. With respect. With a belief that everyone deserves dignity and access to the resources they need to thrive.

Volunteerism is powerful because it brings people together. It reminds us that we all have something to offer—and that small acts, when multiplied, can create lasting change. Whether it’s a few hours once a month or a week spent working alongside a team, every contribution matters.

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we simply want to say: thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring about your neighbors. Thank you for being part of this work and helping to build a stronger, more connected community here in the Maine Highlands region.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is a wonderful time to take that step. There’s a place for you here, and we would be honored to welcome you.