How could we continue to reach kids for Christ without the ongoing help of volunteers? They are the ones who are on the front lines of our ministry. They invest time, talents, gifts, and their hearts into the lives of children. That's why it's important to value and treasure the people who have been chosen to share their lives with children. The purposeful support and encouragement of your volunteers builds solid teams and genuine trust. Be generous with the care you give them. Here are some suggestions for ways to support and encourage your volunteers:

• Provide an avenue of feedback, so volunteers have a way of communicating with decision-makers. You can do that by gathering volunteers together before or after the program to give feedback, share highlights and challenges, and pray for the kids and each other.
  
  
• Thank, praise, and celebrate! Everyone needs to feel appreciated, loved, cherished, and needed. Verbal "thank you's," thank you notes, small gifts or candy, photos of remembrance, banners of recognition, and bulletin or newsletter appreciation messages are all ways of making these very important volunteers feel special.