Every day, Girl Scout volunteers make fun, friendship, and awesome new experiences possible for girls across western Ohio. And every single one of them deserves a sincere “thank you” for how they’re changing girl’s lives (and our communities!).

That’s why we’re spending the month of April (which is National Volunteer Month!) appreciating all of our volunteers here at Girl Scouts of Western Ohio.

If you want to join in on the love this month, here are a few informal ways to show your volunteers you appreciate them!

1. Write up a thank-you card.

While this one may be the easiest, that doesn’t mean it’s not heartfelt!

The next time you’re at the grocery store, swing by the rack of cards and pick out one to give to a volunteer. Include a personal message inside (like something they did that really stood out to you or your Girl Scout), and either slip it in the mail or give it to them the next time you see them! It will only take a few minutes, but it’s an unexpected display of recognition that is sure to mean a lot!

2. Teach them a new skill.

Do you have a skill that a volunteer could benefit from? Offer to teach them one-on-one as a thank you for their hard work.

Just make sure you include why this could be helpful to them. Maybe you’ve heard they’re looking for a new job, and you can show them how to network on social media. Or maybe they’re trying to come up with a troop budget but don’t really understand how to use Excel. Offer to set help them set it up while teaching them some of the basics!

This shows them that you care about their future, even if it doesn’t directly impact your Girl Scout. How thoughtful is that?!

3. Send an email to their work supervisor.

It’s easy to let a volunteer know that you appreciate them. But what make a bigger impact is letting someone else know how much of an impact they’ve made on you or your girl.

If you can, try to find the contact information for the volunteer’s supervisor, or even the CEO of the company they work for. Write up an email explaining what role this volunteer has played in your girl’s life (or yours!) and what impact their contributions have made.

When you do this, you’re showcasing the volunteer’s character to someone who has a direct impact on their future. You never know how big of an impact a simple email could make!

4. Show interest in their personal life.

People love talking about themselves — and that’s not always a bad thing!

To show that you really care about a volunteer, show an interest in their personal life! Ask them about their grandchild or what plans they have for that weekend. Did you see them walking their dog in the neighborhood one day? Ask them how he or she is doing! They’ll be so excited that you cared enough to ask. Just make sure you’re actually listening to their response, so you’re not asking the same exact question every time you see them!

5. Give them a shout-out on social media.

Did a volunteer do something awesome for your girl or her troop? Let the world know! Write up a story about it and share it on social media. Bonus points if you have photos and tag the volunteer in it!

Bonus: Sharing a story with GSWO!

Once you’re done sharing that story on social media, pass it along to GSWO! Visit gswo.org/shareyourstory to submit a story about something awesome a volunteer did. We’d love to highlight them on social media!

Showing you appreciate a volunteer doesn’t have to be a big, intimidating, expensive ordeal. Just a simple thank-you goes a long way.

How will you be celebrating National Volunteer Month? Is there a particular volunteer you appreciate?