Volunteer Appreciation to honor Columbia's volunteers
This Saturday marks the end of National Volunteer Week. The city of Columbia currently has more than 6,000 volunteers, who will be honored at a Volunteer Appreciation Reception in May.
Neighborhood Services Manager Leigh Britt said invitations to the annual event were sent out Wednesday. Usually about 200-250 volunteers attend the reception.
The event will include entertainment a meal. Mayor Bob McDavid is expected to attend as well.
“We think it’s a great gesture to show our volunteers how much we appreciate them,” Britt said.
Among the thousands of city volunteers are 47 people who offer their services to the Columbia Police Department. Of this group, 35 people actively participate in volunteering, a CPD news release stated. According to past Maneater reports, volunteers also helped the department look for potential burglaries during spring break.
“There are so many volunteers throughout the city, and we’re obviously very proud of ours,” CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said.
Police volunteers assist with events like Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ, the Show Me State Games and other events which require traffic control and assistance, the news release stated.
Six volunteers who have undergone additional screening play a larger role in the department.
“Three of our volunteers practically run our program, from handling the administrative details to serving as the liaisons when officers request volunteers for events,” Haden said in the news release. “This allows me to simply supervise the over-all program and come to work each day trusting the program is in good hands.”
These volunteers monitor various crimes including burglaries, thefts from car and drivers leaving the scene of an accident. They also assist with the Bait-Car program, the news release stated.
Another group of volunteers who have also undergone additional screenings respond to the police department when juveniles come to the department because of abuse, neglect or the arrest of a parent.
New police volunteers will begin training on Saturday, Haden said. According to the news release, these volunteers have already passed background check