Iowa is Ranked Second in the Nation for Volunteers

The Corporation for National and Community Service recently announced new statistical findings for volunteers. For the second consecutive time, Iowa is ranked second in the nation for volunteers.

2010 data shows that 867,412 Iowa residents volunteered 80.3 million hours of service through or for a nonprofit or community organization. Service also takes place informally when people work with neighbors to address or fix a community issue. 10.2 percent of Iowa residents volunteered informally, totaling approximately 239,663 individuals. In Iowa, more than 19,000 people participate in national service each year through 790 national service projects and programs. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will commit more than $18,400,000 to support the national service initiatives (Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and other programs) in Iowa.

Locally, (statistics for Waterloo also include Cedar Falls) the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area had 56,300 volunteers. 37.6% of residents volunteer - ranking them 11th within the 75 Mid-size cities for 6.2 million hours of service. Waterloo-Cedar Falls volunteer 41.3 hours per resident - ranking them 23rd within the 75 Mid-size cities for $132.3 million of service contributed.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley places thousands of volunteers at 72 member agencies. “These statistics demonstrate what we at the VCCV see every day, our residents are generous with their volunteer time.” said Lauren Finke, Executive Director.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is committed to mobilize people and resources to solve community problems. There are currently over 185 active volunteer needs from 72 Member Agencies. The VCCV welcomes all nonprofits to become members free of charge. More importantly, the VCCV welcomes new volunteers. Contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 or visit http://www.vccv.org/ to get involved.