Kosciusko Community YMCA will recognize National Volunteer Week April 15-21. The week is a time to honor individuals who dedicate themselves to helping strengthen their communities. As the YMCA joins the nation in recognizing and celebrating volunteers, it also encourages everyone to find ways to give back and make a difference.[[In-content Ad]]"Volunteering and giving back are critical to helping more individuals and communities be healthy, connected and secure," said Chad Zaucha, CEO, Kosciusko Community YMCA. "At the Y, volunteers help drive our cause of strengthening community by nurturing the potential of youth, improving the nation's health and well-being and supporting our neighbors," Zaucha continued. He said the programs and services offered to men, women and children of all ages are made possible in large part by volunteers who donate their time and talents. Many more opportunities exist for others to help make a difference. There are five ways individuals can take an active role at the YMCA and in their community: join a committee that matches your skills or interests, coach a sports team, teach a class or ask about other ways to get involved with a program of your interest, help with fundraising efforts to ensure that essential programs and services are accessible to everyone in need. Other ideas are to get involved with a mentoring or tutoring program to help motivate and encourage youth to reach their potential and inspire others to find ways they too can give back to the community. Each year, more than half a million people volunteer their time to the YMCA. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Kosciusko Community YMCA, contact Heidi Moseley at 574-269-9622.