
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, May 10, 1993                   TAG: 9305100300
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

VOLUNTEERS DESERVE MORE RECOGNITION

RECENTLY I had the honor of serving as a local judge for the Governor's Award for Volunteering Excellence. It was a very humbling experience.

I serve and have served on several boards as a volunteer. I also belong to the Salem Kiwanis Club, which does a great deal of volunteer work. But in no way was I prepared to see what a tremendous effort dedicated people in this valley do for their fellow man. The number of volunteers is staggering. The thousands of hours devoted to positive programs can never be measured in results or good will. These volunteers put in their time and ask nothing more than to serve to the best of their abilities.

News releases were sent to this newspaper and other news media, so it was very disappointing that there was no coverage. From the number and quality of submissions for these awards, this paper could do a weekly report on volunteer programs for individuals and organizations and create an even greater interest in these programs.

Please review your efforts on this type of coverage. Let's put a positive spin on the good in the valley, rather than publicizing mayhem. Both your paper and the people win this way. TED J. GRIESENBROCK ROANOKE

by CNB