Giving volunteers recognition doesn’t need to be an expensive project. Volunteer trainer Betty Stallings compiled the following list of creative and low-cost ways to show appreciation to volunteers. Volunteers will appreciate a brief note written by you accompanying the object.
Creative Ways to Recognize Volunteers
(adapted from Betty Stallings, The Volunteerism Project, 1992)
What a bright idea!…: note stuck to Christmas light bulb
A Cracker Jack idea…: box of Crackerjacks
Your ideas are so exciting I could just pop…: a balloon
Thanks for raisin’ the tough questions…: a mini-box of raisins
Your great work has me wreathed in smiles…: small grapevine wreath
I’m lucky to have you to help…: a rabbit’s foot
No one holds a candle to you…: scented votive or birthday candle
You are a lifesaver…: roll of Lifesaver candy
You are the apple of my eye…: real or artificial apple
What an angel! Here’s your halo…: two silver pipe cleaners twisted together in halo
Your vision is our guiding light…: mini-flashlight
You’ve given our project the sweet smell of success…: potpourri or sachet packet
Your presentation was right to the point…: box of tacks of push-pins
Thanks for energizing us…: batteries
By any measure, you’re a leader…: tape measure or ruler
Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings…: band-aid
“Prescription” pep-up pills for tough jobs, cheering up…: M&Ms in old medicine bottles
Thanks for your hard work; I know it has been a headache…: aspirin or Tylenol packet
I’ll help you see this project through…: goofy joke glasses
I know you’re feeling snowed under right now…: inexpensive snow globe
Don’t worry, it will be fine OR You’re a doll…: box of worry dolls
Many motivated and marvelous volunteers…: M&Ms
You take the cake…: cupcakes
Thanks for working your buns off…: hot-cross buns or cinnamon rolls
A toast to a job well done…: plastic wine glass filled with jellybeans
Let me know when I can come out…: construction paper doghouse
A noteworthy accomplishment…: memo or note pads
Let’s celebrate…: party whistles
You are “berry” special…: fresh berries or jam
Thanks to you we’ll soon have this project wrapped up…: wrapping paper
Hugs and kisses…: Hershey’s chocolate kisses
I’ll stick with you…: stick of gum
Thanks for sharing your creative juices…: box of juice
Thanks for rising to the expectations…: packet of yeast
Have more ideas about how to recognize volunteers? Send your suggestions to Andrew Feldman at the United States Tennis Association.
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