Tulsa Leads the Nation in Volunteerism Hours

Tulsa is famous nationwide for the kind hearts and helping hands of its volunteers. The National Volunteer Week, April 27 – May 3, organized by Volunteer Central, celebrates the commitment and service of Tulsa’s many citizens who have embraced charitable causes. It also reaches out to public service ‘beginners’ who want to learn Volunteering 101 and explore volunteering options from reading to elementary school kids to cleaning up parks or helping at the Animal Shelter.

Our city consistently ranks first among top 50 metropolitan areas in the number of volunteerism hours per resident and volunteer retention rate (73 percent). Tulsa also has the nation’s largest community charitable foundation.

According to a 2007 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Tulsans donate 60 hours of service work every year – that’s nearly twice as much as the U.S. average!

But many dedicated Tulsans beat all statistics. Tulsa’s “super volunteer,” Marty Laughlin has donated more than 10,000 hours to the Tulsa City County Library’s Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literary Service. Laughlin’s romance with volunteerism has lasted for more than 20 years. She spends two days every week meeting new students, assessing information for literacy tutors, and referencing library materials. In the words of library staff who work with Marty, Laughlin’s “behind-the-scenes magic makes a great difference for hundreds of Tulsa families.”

If you are interested in volunteering:

• Call Volunteer Central at 918-447-1888

• Visit www.1-800-volunteer.org  to explore service opportunities in Tulsa and surrounding communities. You can join more than 1,500 volunteers serving 600 organizations in the spheres of arts, education, employment, environment, health, housing, and many others.