(Seguin) — Not everyone who helps in the operation of the city collects a paycheck at the end of the day. In fact, it’s the volunteers who are often considered the backbone behind the city’s success.
Stepping in to pay tribute to those men and women who religiously lend their time and talents to the city is Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen.
Dodgen says she was honored to host a Volunteer Appreciation event on Tuesday recognizing local volunteers who assist with year-round efforts for the city.
“April is National Volunteer Month and there really is truly a volunteer week in the month of April but I thought last year when we were doing the budget, I thought why are we not honoring volunteers for the city? They are on boards. They are on commissions. They volunteer with Kyle (Kramm, Seguin Main Street, CVB director) with downtown events — when they volunteer when we have clean-up days — all kinds of things and when I began looking at it, I began looking at cities that are around and a lot of them honor their volunteers. So, I wanted to do that this year. Maybe not on a grand scale but to start and begin nd then I wanted our directors and council to say ‘hello’ to them as they came in and say ‘thank you’ and have a little gift for them as they leave,” said Dodgen.
Dodgen says there is anywhere from 150 to 170 individuals who commit hours and hours of their time to the city.
“They commit to being there, being present, reading things, studying to be up and aware of what’s happening and to ask questions. It’s a big job. Our city runs on committees and commissions. The committees and commissions are the people and community’s way of saying ‘this is what we want.’ That then goes to the council and so it’s a big deal. So, I just wanted to honor all the work that they’ve done and the things that they participated in and just say ‘thank you’ to them,” said Dodgen.
In addition to recognizing those who contribute their time to the city, the Mayor also extended some thanks and appreciation to the rest of those in the community who find the time to also give back.
“And thank you to all of you who volunteer for anything because it’s important for our community. We have a huge community that volunteers on multiple levels. I was at an event not too long ago and they asked everyone in the room who was a volunteer to stand up and there was probably not a single person in the room that didn’t standup,” said Dodgen.
Dodgen says the city is constantly compiling a list of volunteers who also want to contribute to the city’s success. Those citizens wishing to serve are asked to call the city at 830-379-3212.
