Thank you, volunteers

Volunteers who signed up to lend a hand during National Volunteer Week were treated to lunch at Central Park this week. From left are Susan Brown, Sarah Jane Stetina and Rachel Braley. They were knitting items for local homeless shelters and hospitals during the luncheon hosted by Supervisor Janice Rutherford.

The Inland Empire United Way, along with Rutherford's office, promoted volunteer week earlier this month with volunteer opportunities throughout the Inland Valley. More than 340 donated their time to organize games for seniors, clean up local parks and put together birthday gift bags for disadvantaged children. Volunteers also helped the United Way's Kids Pack program and garnered more than 13,000 food items for underprivileged students.

"Volunteers contribute so much to our communities every day through their selfless acts of kindness to others, and it was an honor to join the United Way in prompting volunteerism and thanking volunteers by treating them to a delicious lunch," Rutherford said.

Visit the Hands On website for additional volunteer opportunities.