“It wasn’t the reward that mattered or the recognition you might harvest. It was your depth of commitment, your quality of service, the project of your devotion – these were the things that counted in life. When you gave purely, the honor was in giving, and that was honor enough.”   Captain Scott

Did you know that the estimated value of a volunteer’s time is $21.36 per hour? The estimate is based on the average hourly wage (plus 12 percent to allow fringe benefits) of all non-management, non-agricultural workers, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the Corporation of National and Community Service, 61.8 million Americans, or 26.4 percent of the adult population, volunteered eight billion hours worth, an estimated $162 billion, in 2008, while volunteer labor produced an estimated 6.8 million full-time equivalent employees, increasing total charitable impact more than 50 percent. 

How does this relate to OLLI volunteers, who gave 13,500 hours in 2010 to Eckerd College through various departments, mainly the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute? These hours equated to $288,360!

"America’s heritage of giving back is unique and distinctive," said Independent Sector President and CEO Diana Aviv. “Whether we help a single individual or ignite change that benefits millions, people in this country have come together through voluntary organizations for over two hundred and thirty years. Children who grow up learning to give back not only strengthen their communities but enrich their own lives in countless way. We celebrate the spirit of selfless service." 

We are grateful for the support of OLLI volunteers in so many different jobs on the Eckerd College campus and our six outreach OLLI centers.

If you would like to make a difference in your “down time,” contact the OLLI Volunteers Coordinator or stop by the OLLI Volunteer Office in CE 113.