April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Durham County Center, we couldn’t let it pass without showering our incredible volunteers with some extra love and gratitude. These dedicated individuals give their time, energy, and talents to support and enhance so many of our programs, making a lasting impact on our community every single day.
This month, we had the pleasure of showing our appreciation in a few special ways. Volunteers were greeted with a giant, heartfelt “Thank You” card, freshly baked treats and snacks throughout the month, and personal notes of thanks. While these tokens of appreciation are just a small gesture compared to all that they give, we hope they conveyed how much they mean to us and to the communities we serve.
Just in April alone, our volunteers have been busy in so many areas:Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers
The Master Gardener Volunteers have truly outdone themselves! They successfully hosted their annual plant sale, a much-anticipated community event that helps raise funds and awareness for the gardening programs. In addition, they continued to beautify the demonstration garden in front of the Extension building, a space that brings joy to visitors and passersby. They also completed the stunning painting of the cisterns, adding a vibrant and creative touch to the grounds. And carried out a long list of daily gardening and educational activities.
Extension Master Food Volunteers (EMFV)
Our Master Food Volunteers brought their skills and heart to the table—literally! This month, they prepared and served a delicious lunch for the graduating class of Master Gardeners, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere. They also pitched in at the Briggs Avenue Plant Sale. Their work continues to be an essential ingredient in our efforts to promote healthy eating and food literacy.
Briggs Garden Volunteers
These green-thumbed champions helped prepare and host the Spring Plant Sale, one of the garden’s most important seasonal events. Throughout the month, they stayed busy planting, weeding, watering, and nurturing the garden beds—ensuring that the space continues to flourish as both a productive growing area and a peaceful retreat for the community.
Welcome Baby Volunteers
Behind the scenes at Welcome Baby, volunteers worked tirelessly sorting incoming donations, tagging and sizing a wide variety of items including shoes, socks, linens, maternity wear, and accessories. They also bundled clothing for organized storage and smooth distribution. With thoughtful attention to detail, they even sorted and hung Halloween and holiday-themed clothes for the Annual Pop Up Shop in the fall.
From digging in the dirt to sorting tiny socks, our volunteers show up with heart and hands ready to help. We are so grateful for their service, spirit, and support.
To every volunteer—THANK YOU! You make what we do not just possible, but meaningful. We celebrate you not just this month, but all year long.
