Volunteer Newsletter: Ready to Reconnect?

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Dec 16, 2025

SHIP'S LOG

From New Neighbor to Advocate: Geneva Sydnor Finds Her Community Connection

"Volunteering is not just a way to give back. It shows your commitment to the community," says recent retiree Geneva Sydnor. After moving back to the area just a few months ago, Sydnor immediately began looking for meaningful ways to reconnect with and contribute to the community she once again calls home.


A quick online search for a local nonprofit led her to the Volunteer River Counties hub, where she created an account and registered for a special Hub Launch event in September at The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc.


The event introduced participants to the realities and difficult choices faced by individuals experiencing intimate partner violence. Attendees also took part in hands-on volunteer activities, assembling snack packs for families and preparing printed outreach materials. "Taking that class opened my eyes," Sydnor reflects.


Sydnor has already signed up for another volunteer shift in December. She also helped spark a new partnership between The Haven and her church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Farnham, which hosted its own Community Cares event and holiday brunch this month in support of The Haven.


If hearing Sydnor's story inspired you to want to work with the Haven too, visit their page on Volunteer River Counties to find out more about their current needs. Or, check out all the different volunteer opportunities available with the 68 other non-profit organizations you can find on the hub!

HUB HIGHLIGHT

Your Voice, Our Future: Please Take Our Annual Volunteer Survey

At Volunteer River Counties (VRC), volunteers are the lifeblood of everything we do. As we plan for the upcoming year, we need your crucial input to ensure our resources are effective, engaging, and useful for you.


We are asking you to take just a few minutes to share your experiences and ideas. If you have ever thought, "I wish VRC did X," or "It would be easier if Y," this survey is the perfect place to let us know!


How to Participate

The survey is quick, confidential, and easy to complete online. It should only take about 5-10 minutes of your time. You can access the survey directly using the button below:


MUSTER LIST

Be the Voice of Volunteer River Counties on Social Media!

You already donate your most valuable resource-your time-to serve your neighbors. Now, we're asking for just one more small, but incredibly powerful, contribution: your voice.


Why Your Share Matters

Our greatest asset is you, our dedicated network of volunteers. People trust personal recommendations more than any official announcement. When you share your experiences and photos on social media, you aren't just posting a link; you're building trust and inspiring action.


Your post might reach a neighbor who's never heard of Volunteer River Counties, a friend who's looking for a purpose-driven activity, or a local business owner searching for a worthy organization to sponsor. Every like, share, and comment translates directly into:

  • More volunteers for your favorite cause.
  • Greater awareness of local issues and community needs.
  • Increased support for the Volunteer River Counties effort.


Some easy ideas to help you get started:


1. Share Your "Why"

The most authentic content comes straight from the heart. Post a picture from your last volunteer experience and tell your followers why you choose to volunteer with that organization. Use our official hashtag so we can see and share your story: #VolunteerRiverCounties


2. Repost Our Updates

Follow Volunteer River Counties on Facebook. When we post about an event, an upcoming volunteer opportunity, or an inspiring volunteer, simply hit "Share" or "Repost" to your own feed. It takes seconds, but it doubles our reach!


3. Encourage Friends to Join

If you see one of our volunteer recruitment posts that you think would be a great fit for one of your friends or family, tag them directly. A personal invitation goes a long way!


With your help, we can recruit the next wave of Volunteer River Counties volunteers! Ready to jump in? Start sharing today, tag your posts with #VolunteerRiverCounties, and help us keep the momentum flowing!


Questions about what to post? Contact our program coordinator, elizabeth@volunteerrivercounties.org, for ideas or official graphics.


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