The need for social services continues to climb and many agencies are struggling to keep pace.
At its annual meeting Thursday, United Way of Central Illinois President John Kelker says while his organization raised more than $2.6 million for its more than 40 partner agencies last year, the tens of thousands of volunteer hours donated is invaluable and helps these groups keep their doors open.
“There are projects they want done that will go undone without volunteers. Its not to say their staff will squeeze it in, it means it will not get done” says Kelker.
Kelker says each volunteer hour is worth about $25.
More than 400 people attended Thursday’s breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to, in the words of Kelker, “celebrate” last year and look forward to this year.