Have you given back to your community?

Have you helped lend a helping hand when it was needed?

Chances are, you have.

At the Bainbridge Island City Council’s meeting this week, the council passed a proclamation declaring April 6 through April 12 as National Volunteer Week on Bainbridge Island.

According to the city’s proclamation, Bainbridge Island has the highest rate of volunteerism of any comparable city in the country.

The city estimates that three out of four residents of Bainbridge Island have volunteered their time to serve the community. All told, city officials figure that approximately 17,770 Bainbridge residents have volunteered their time for the community.

The number is impressive, and surprisingly, not a surprise. What else would be expected from a community that boasts some of the best schools in Washington, public parks and open spaces that are under continuous improvement and expansion, a vibrant setting for artists and entrepreneurs, all on an island that has a world-class natural setting and quality of life?

Bainbridge volunteers will get a chance to take a well-deserved bow in a special appreciation event hosted by the city on April 7 at Waterfront Park Community Center.

The gathering begins at 4:30 p.m., and participants will share the stories of the many people in our community who have offered a shoulder to lean on and have been there to help when help was needed.

Have a volunteer story to share? Post it on the Bainbridge Island Volunteer Celebration Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/citybainbridgeisland, and we’ll see you at the celebration.