This month we recognize the volunteers in our community who give in a uniquely American way…donating valuable time, energy and helping hands that few nonprofits could afford to pay for. April 18-24 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and Kinship Center salutes all those who make life better for others through their volunteer service to Kinship Center.

“Volunteers have been the lifeblood of our agency from the very beginning,” says Kinship Center Executive Vice President Carol Bishop. “Local citizens helped us get started 25 years ago, and community members are still making a huge difference in our ability to change children’s lives.”

Monterey County Firefighter Justin Reyes, above right, devotes many dozens of volunteer hours each year to bringing seasonal cheer and fire safety education to Kinship Center children. Shown here with wife Michelle and Kinship Center Board of Directors member Dick Murnighan, Justin was recently selected as a KSBW 2010 Jefferson Award honoree for his selfless giving to some of the county’s neediest children.