Thanks Volunteers – You Make VBS Happen

Everyone appreciates being noticed, recognized, and appreciated for the contribution they make – no matter how big or small the contribution might seem. VBS workers are no exception. They work hard. They give up a lot of family time and set aside other opportunities to make VBS a reality. They often abandon their personal comfort zones to perform tasks and take on responsibilities they feel ill-equipped to perform.
Expressing thanks doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Actually, the most inexpensive expressions of thanks are often the most meaningful. During this Thanksgiving and Christmas season consider how you can express appreciation to those who served with you during VBS 2016 and those you have already enlisted for VBS 2017.
Here are a few of the most memorable expressions of thanks I have received over the years. Maybe you can find an idea or two that works for you.

• A craft from The Wild and Wonderful Good News Stampede that is still used as a pencil holder today (20 years later).
• Three pieces of my favorite hand-crafted chocolates (caramels covered in milk chocolate and sea salt) in a hand-crafted and decorated cloth bag.
• A coffee mug from my favorite coffee shop brought from another state.
• A dozen warm, freshly baked cookies delivered to the office. Pints of cold chocolate milk added an extra special touch.
• A freshly baked apple pie with a note stating the unique pie pan was part of the gift.
• An antique silver teaspoon from the giver’s personal collection (she knows I like antiques) with a note saying that each time I use it to stir my morning coffee I should remember I am loved and appreciated.
• Several sample-size bags of coffee in a simple wood box. Again, the giver knows I like both coffee and small boxes.
• A pint-size mason jar with a mixture of peanuts and candy corn.
• A framed picture of one of my favorite moments during a VBS Family Celebration.
• A hand-crafted thank you note that arrived at a moment I needed the words of appreciation and encouragement the most.
• Bonus: notes from a co-worker expressing appreciation for even the smallest action. His notes are always immediate, hand written, and from the heart.

Each item or gift listed above is special, but not because of the gift itself. It was the thought behind the expression of appreciation that made the gift memorable.
The very best way to say thank you is by simply saying thank you. Make a phone call or a special point to see each worker next Sunday and tell them how much you appreciate the contribution they made to VBS.
This blog was originally posted November 2015.