20 Ways to Thank Your Volunteers For Serving

Volunteers. Without them, there would not be a children's ministry.  I believe they are the most essential part of what we do.

It's important to let volunteers know how much you appreciate them.  

One study revealed that over 60 percent of volunteers have never heard the words "thank you for serving."

Showing appreciation keeps volunteers engaged. When people feel valued, they’re more likely to stay involved. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas is a great time to thank your volunteers.  Here are 20 ways you can do this.

Idea #1 - Handwritten note.

Every week sit down and take some time to write some of your volunteers a thank you note. In a day of electronic communication, a hand written note is golden. 

Idea #2 - Give volunteers a note with a $100,000 Grand candy bar attached. Have the note say "you are priceless."

Idea #3 - Honor their years of service.

Honor their commitment. Express your appreciation for their years of service and faithfulness. 

Idea #4 - Find out what their favorite dessert or snack is and bring it to them.

Keep a list of your volunteers' favorite snacks and desserts. 

Idea #5 - Award volunteers with a "volunteer of the month" award.   Pick one volunteer per month for this and spotlight them.

Idea #6 - Host a volunteer appreciation dinner.  Serve them a meal and tell them how much you appreciate them.

Idea #7 - Give them a gift card to a coffee shop.  Better yet...meet them at the coffee shop and spend some time hanging out with them.

Idea #8 - Make a volunteer appreciation video. Grab your phone and shoot a 1-2 minute video where you brag on them and tell them how much you appreciate their heart for the next generation.

Idea #9 - Personally thank each volunteer each week when you see them.  I say this to every volunteer each week - "Thank you for serving and making a difference."

Idea #10 - Give them a Christmas ornament for their tree. Write the year and your ministry name on the ornament. You will find they will keep these and put them on their tree each year. 

Idea #11 - Almond Joy with a note that reads, “It’s a JOY having you on the team!

Idea #12 - A s’mores kit with a note that reads, “We'd like to have s’more volunteers like you! You are amazing!"

Idea #13 - A small plant with a note that reads, “Thanks for planting God’s Word in thekids’ hearts!”

Idea #14 - Have the kids write thank you notes to them.

Idea #15 - Life Savers Candy - On a card write, "Thank you for being a kidmin Life Saver."

Idea #16 - Flashlight with a note that says "Thanks for shining Jesus' light to the kids each week."

Idea #17 - A journal and pen set.

Idea #18 - Candle that says "You are a light to the next generation."

Idea #19 - Microwave popcorn that says "You are a POPular volunteer with the kids."

Idea #20 - Give your volunteers a t-shirt with your ministry name / logo on it.

Your turn. What are some other ways you have thanked your volunteers? Share in the comment section below.