Next week, the city of Bainbridge Island and the Bainbridge Island Community Foundation will co-host the second annual Bainbridge Island Volunteer Celebration.

The event, which will be held on Thursday, April 16 in the commons at Bainbridge High School, will give proper thanks and acknowledgment to the hundreds and hundreds of islanders who give their time throughout the year to make our community a better place. From our volunteer caregivers to those who volunteer in Bainbridge schools, to those serving our fire department and city hall, to those who spend their weekends pulling up invasive weeds from our island’s parks and open spaces, as well as those who help out in so many ways great and small, often without recognition or reward, Bainbridge is blessed by those who work to make our island a better place.

Bainbridge Island is beyond compare when it comes to the size and the strength of its volunteer corps.

The city has the highest per capita rate of volunteerism of any comparable city in the country, according to Bainbridge officials.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating a Lifetime of Service,” and it’s a fitting message given the wide diversity of residents who volunteer their time, from young to old. The celebration is from 5 to 7 p.m. April 16, and coincides with National Volunteer Week.

Earlier this week, Mayor Anne Blair signed a proclamation passed by the city council to proclaim April 12-18 as National Volunteer Week on Bainbridge Island.

As noted in the proclamation: “Our Island’s volunteer force is a great treasure … and volunteers are vital to our future as a caring and productive community and nation.”

Next week’s celebration will kick off with a volunteer fair at 5 p.m. and just a bit after 6 p.m., Mayor Blair will read the proclamation honoring the island’s volunteers. Speakers from various agencies and nonprofits will then talk about their own experiences volunteering, and community members will also share how volunteering has impacted their own lives for the better.

But the event is much more than a chance for Bainbridge to celebrate those who so fittingly deserve our praise. It’s a chance for all islanders to come and learn about opportunities to give back.

For those who have already stepped up to serve, thank you. For those who have not, come be inspired and consider the gift of your time and talents for the greater good.