Unique Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

You know how valuable your volunteers are, and you’d do just about anything to make sure they understand this, right? But you’ve grown weary of the tired ol’ volunteer banquets, and you’re thinking maybe they have too. What you need are some easy to organize and inexpensive ideas to make sure your volunteers feel the love. Relax, team SignUpGenius.com is on your side. Read on for creative ways to say, “Wow, you’re amazing!”

Give away Volunteer “Me” Time
What is the one thing that none of your volunteers have enough of? Free time! So why not send a little TLC their way? Provide a night of free babysitting or an afternoon of spa-like activities…manicures, facials and massages anyone? Ask your staff to cover the babysitting or contact a local chiropractor and Avon salesperson about donating their services in return for the opportunity to display information about their businesses at the event.

Volunteer Party with a Twist
If you’re going to ask your volunteers to attend an appreciation event on their behalf, make sure it’s fun. Better yet, include the important people in their lives. After all, why ask them to sacrifice more time away from their friends and family when you’re trying to spread the happy? Organize a breakfast bar at church where they can swing by with the fam and pick up some eats on their way into Sunday school. Host a “Sundae on a Friday” where volunteers can load up on sweets at your local ice cream parlor. Or invite them and their families to an outdoor movie with popcorn and soda on a summer’s night.

Give Volunteer Gifts They’ll Really Want
Don’t make the mistake of giving a gift that’s merely a showpiece of your organization. You may need to put on your big girl pants for this one, but unless you’re way cooler than we realize, your volunteers don’t want a t-shirt, mug or lapel pin with your organization’s name on it. Instead, give them a basket with the ingredients to a quick prep meal. Even better, contact half a dozen local eateries about donating a BOGO free coupon specifically for your volunteers. Put the coupons in a thank you card and wow your volunteers with unexpected mail.

It’s the Little Volunteer Thank You’s that Count
Don’t wait for the once a year Volunteer Appreciation event to say, “Thank you!” Yeah, they’re corny, but who doesn’t like receiving a roll of lifesavers with a “You’re a lifesaver!” note attached or a candle with a “You make our organization shine!” post it note? And we’re all suckers for a birthday card with a few words of thanks and a coupon for a free cup of coffee.

Whatever volunteer appreciation plans you land on, make sure you get them on the calendar at the beginning of each year. By following through on several of these unique volunteer appreciation ideas, you’re sure to keep you volunteers coming back for more!

Posted by Angel Rutledge