Rise in Volunteers Nationwide Reflected in Wilton

In spite of the recession, Americans are volunteering in higher numbers than at any time since 2005, according to a recently released federal report.

According to the government-run Corporation for National and Community Service 63.4 million people volunteered in 2009, an increase of 1.6 million. That's the biggest single-year increase since 2003 and the highest total since 2005.

Indeed, Wilton and surrounding towns reflect that number. Local residents are giving time to a variety of organizations, from Ambler Farm and Female Soldier/Forgotten Hero, to the Food Bank of Fairfield County and organizations determined to help Haiti rise from the rubble.

"If people feel they are needed, and wanted, and loved, then they're hooked," said Dan Riley who coordinates and recruits volunteers at Ambler Farm.

Connecticut ranked 17th of the 50 states with its number of volunteers. According to the report 31.7 percent of adult residents gave a total of 103.3 million hours of service in the state.

"Americans have responded to tough economic times by volunteering in big numbers," said Patrick Corvington, the Corporation's CEO in a press release. "What we're seeing is the depth of the American spirit and generosity at its best. People are turning toward problems, working with their neighbors to find solutions to real problems, from homelessness to the dropout crisis."

 The increase is interesting because the country is still regaining its economic footing amid high unemployment rates, according to the report.

Ambler Farm's Riley agrees the recession and higher rates of unemployment have sent volunteers his way. But he said he suspects that even when his volunteers get re-hired, they'll be back.

"I am sure that those who are with me, if they get a job Monday through Friday, would be here on the weekends," Riley said. "They love what they're doing and they are committed."

In Danbury, Habitat for Humanity has a steady supply of high school and college-aged volunteers, said Riley, who also recruits for that organization. Last weekend Habitat held a tag sale.

 "I had tons of young kids, in part because they have no summer jobs," Riley said.

In addition to the economy, Connecticut's higher educational attainment and home ownership helps explain the state's ranking.

Eighty-five percent of Americans have a high school diploma or GED compared with 88.6 percent of Connecticut residents, according to the report. And 27.7 percent of Americans have a college degree compared with 35.6 of Connecticut residents. In addition, higher rates of homeownership mean people are more invested in their communities.

Aside from raising money, some people volunteer transportation, labor, tutoring or teaching services. Many people serve through religious organizations or social and community groups.

That's the case with Female Soldier/Forgotten Hero. In May the Wilton organization netted nearly $82,000 to help fund transitional housing for homeless female veterans.

In states with high rates of unemployment and in cities with high rates of foreclosures there are fewer volunteers, according to the corporation, which prepared the report in partnership with the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau.

Still, people are helping when and where they can. Raising money or selling items was the top volunteer activity, followed by collecting and distributing food.

Groups such as Ridgefield Responds and Share Joy International raised a total of $3,000 to provide food, shelter, and monetary and medical assistance to Jacmel, Haiti after the 8.8 magnitude January earthquake. In May the group organized a road race and raised nearly $4,000 to help fund a medical clinic.

Wilton schools have done their part. Middlebrook students raised $3,250 through a "Change for Children" coin drive and a chess tournament for Save the Children's Haiti relief and recovery efforts.

For more information, visit http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/CT