April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize volunteers’ tremendous contributions to our communities. Volunteering empowers individuals to make a difference, builds a stronger, more connected community, enriches lives through service, and fosters growth and development. In 2024, a remarkable 7322 volunteers provided valuable service to support nine Johnson County government departments, agencies, and offices, including Aging and Human Services, Corrections, Developmental Supports, District Attorney’s Office, Elections Office, Library, Park and Recreation, Sheriff’s Office and K-State Research and Extension Office. This top ten list highlights the various county departments, agencies and offices that offer volunteer opportunities, shedding light on some lesser-known facts about the diverse ways you can get involved.

1. Volunteers across Johnson County government provided 463,778 hours of service. The total value of the service hours contributed by volunteers to Johnson County government rounds to an impressive $15,531,925 (calculated using the Independent Sector Volunteer Rate $33.49 x 463,778 hours.

2. Volunteers are essential in delivering nutritious meals to older adults. The Aging and Human Services Home-Delivered Meals program served 233,400 meals, including breakfast, lunch, frozen meals and shelf-stable meals for inclement weather.

3. The Election Office records the most service hours in the shortest amount of time. During the November 2024 general election, 2,346 election workers volunteered across 16 advanced voting locations and 142 election-day polling sites, contributing 81,000 service hours.

4. Need service hours for school? Johnson County Library has many opportunities for teen volunteers. Last year, 407 teen volunteers help with everything from unloading book donations to helping with programs like Math Day at the Library.

5. For those seeking excitement, the Sheriff’s Office recruits volunteers to act as role players in training scenarios, including Active Shooter exercises.

6. Love the outdoors? Johnson County Park and Recreation has five divisions that utilize volunteers, including the JCPRD Golf Courses, Safety and Outdoor Education.

7. With tax season underway, we applaud the volunteers helping low-income residents with tax preparation. In 2024, K-State Research and Extension utilized 43 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers.

9. If you are passionate about the legal system and supporting victims, the District Attorney’s Office offers volunteer opportunities in its Victim Assistance and Traffic units. Volunteers provide crucial support, serve as court advocates, offer information, and provide referrals and resources to help reduce physical, social and psychological problems resulting from victimization.

10. Johnson County Developmental Supports welcomed 256 volunteers in their day services, where volunteers supported people with developmental disabilities through a wide variety of activities and engagement opportunities.