Skagit County proclaims April 2025 as Skagit Volunteer Appreciation Month

Skagit County commissioners on April 7 unanimously proclaimed April 2025 as Skagit Volunteer Appreciation Month and heard presentations from local nonprofit and government volunteer coordinators about recruitment and services that rely on volunteers.

Community Action of Skagit County’s Liz (last name not specified in transcript) and volunteer center staff described a countywide matchmaking service that connects volunteers with more than 200 nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Speakers from Meals on Wheels, Hospice of the Northwest, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and Planned Parenthood told the commissioners how volunteers help deliver meals, provide veteran pinning ceremonies, support environmental restoration work and greet health-care clients.

The presentations highlighted a range of volunteer roles including meal-packaging and delivery drivers for Meals on Wheels, veteran pinning volunteers from Hospice of the Northwest, classroom and beach-seining volunteers for salmon programs, and front-desk and greeter roles at Planned Parenthood. Renee Nelson, senior program manager for Skagit County’s Meals on Wheels, said the program typically has “approximately 275 to 300 volunteers” and described fundraisers that support services. Paige Schmelzer, volunteer manager at Hospice of the Northwest, said the hospice’s volunteer-led veteran pinning program had performed “over 158 pinning ceremonies to date” and estimated more than 1,500 flags will be placed for veterans on Memorial Day this year.

The commissioners emphasized the role of volunteers in community services and fundraising. Commissioner Ron Wiesen read the proclamation and moved its adoption; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

The commission also heard logistical information about the Skagit Lead & Serve Expo, scheduled for April 11 at Skagit Valley College, where about 20 nonprofit organizations will present volunteer and board-service opportunities. Community Action staff said residents can sign up for volunteer-matching emails at volunteercenter@communityactionSkagit.org or by contacting Tracy Montaran at Community Action’s main line.

The proclamation resolution and the presentations underscore the county’s reliance on volunteer labor across senior services, environmental restoration, hospice care and health-care access programs. Commissioners encouraged residents to attend the April 11 expo and to consider volunteer and donor roles.

The Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt “Proclamation 2025 — Skagit Volunteer Appreciation Month” by voice vote; the motion carried 3 to 0.