DHS to host annual awards ceremony honoring state volunteers

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Volunteers and community partners play an important role in helping organizations achieve their goals and their mission.  In Oklahoma, more than 700-thousand volunteers donated more than 100-million hours of service to nonprofit or community organizations.

To pay tribute to those volunteers who give selflessly of their times and talents, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) will hold its annual Volunteer/Partner Recognition Awards Ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

“So many citizens across the state donate countless hours to helping those in their communities,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement.  “This awards ceremony is just one way of saying thank you for making a difference in the lives of children and families we serve.”

This year’s theme is “Volunteers Make a World of Difference.”

“Oklahoma is truly blessed with thousands of volunteers who play significant roles in making positive changes in the lives of others,” Jacobs said.  “Many of these individuals contribute their time, talent and resources to those in their communities who are in need of a helping hand. Through their actions they transform the quality of life for others and their communities.”

Statistics show if a dollar amount is attributed, volunteer hours provided to DHS recipients total more than $37 million dollars.  Additionally, nearly 70 percent of all Oklahoma volunteers say they do favors for their neighbors. 

“These individuals give so much of themselves, and never ask for anything in return,” Jacobs said.  “This awards ceremony is our way of giving them a moment in the spotlight and offering our sincere appreciation for all they do.”

Volunteering and Civic Engagement in Oklahoma

Trends and Highlights Overview

Overall, in Oklahoma in 2013:

• 26.6 percent of residents volunteer, ranking them 28th among the 50 states and Washington, DC.
• 735,540 volunteers
• 85.4 million hours of service
• $1.9 billion of service contributed
• 32.3 volunteer hours per capita
• 65.8 percent of residents engage in "informal volunteering" (for example, doing favors for neighbors)
• 26.2 percent frequently discuss politics with family or friends
• 92.6 percent frequently eat dinner with other members of the household
• 40.3 percent frequently talk with neighbors

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