Volunteer Appreciation Week: Because Hope Moves Through People

Measuring the contribution of volunteering to progress and well-being is vital, not to convince but to confirm how much volunteers contribute to peace and development, and to document not just economic but also social benefits to communities. — Flavia Pansieri, former executive coordinator of the UN Volunteers

Thousands of World Relief volunteers help build communities of welcome across the nation each year.

During National Volunteer Week April 19-25, World Relief Memphis celebrates the volunteers who make this work possible in our city. Volunteers extend the reach of our staff, strengthen local churches and walk alongside refugee and immigrant families as they rebuild their lives.

Across the United States, volunteers play a vital role in strengthening communities of belonging. Last year alone, more than 4,200 volunteers and 260 teams partnered with World Relief offices across the country, helping create thousands of meaningful relationships and pathways to belonging.

“Volunteers walk alongside families to provide mentorship, assist with employment navigation, tutor adults and children, offer transportation and extend hospitality,” said Todun Afolabi, World Relief’s volunteer engagement program manager.

“Each interaction contributes to restoring hope and reducing isolation and creating thriving environments. By celebrating volunteer contributions, World Relief affirms that volunteerism is integral to building communities and long-term sustainability.”

Here in Memphis, 238 volunteers contributed their time and gifts to help build a welcoming community for our newest neighbors.

“In a city where immigrant families face fear, targeting and daily uncertainty, volunteers are the friendly faces who greet them with dignity, the kind neighbors who show up without hesitation, and the steady, present help that reminds them they are not alone in Memphis,” said Abigail Stephenson, World Relief Memphis’ volunteer coordinator.

When Community Changes Everyone

Volunteering with World Relief is not just about serving others — it’s about relationships that transform both the families we walk alongside and the volunteers who welcome them.

For many volunteers, this transformation unfolds through simple, everyday moments of friendship and support.

Chuck Marquis, from Germantown, who began volunteering with World Relief Memphis three years ago experienced this kind of transformation firsthand. From driving our refugee families to English classes to helping them with their resumes, Chuck describes volunteering at World Relief Memphis as one of the joys in his life. He enjoys meeting people from other cultures and helping them acclimate to Memphis.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, World Relief Memphis will host our Because of You event on April 10 to celebrate and thank the volunteers who make this work possible.

“You remind us that a community is built by people who care enough to act. Thank you for being a representation of love,” said Ewea Pettis, World Relief Memphis’ volunteer services manager.

Communities of belonging are built by people like you. If you’re interested in volunteering with World Relief Memphis, we invite you to learn more and take the next step here.