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Today, April 30, marks not just the last day of the month but also a month in which we honored volunteerism as part of National Volunteer Month.

In the Albert Lea community, there are volunteers everywhere you look — whether it be helping nonprofits function from day-to-day, assisting at events, leading youth sports or raising funds for various efforts.

The fact of the matter is that while we honor those that give of their time, it’s even more central that we recognize how much we need volunteers. We need souls that feel a need to contribute to their community and step up to do something about making it a better place to live and visit.

Even though we celebrate volunteering in the month of April, it’s actually a 12-month celebration that’s required. Think about all of the events you go to and think about the effort required just for staffing.

Attend Wind Down Wednesday and look around at the people who offer to volunteer to make that festival the celebration that it is.

Think about the Freeborn County Fair, the Third of July Parade, the Relay for Life or any of the other events we are blessed to have.

Think of all the clean-up efforts and social events, and truly soak up the efforts being made so that our community is the best possible version of itself that it can be. You will realize that volunteers actually make the world go around.

If you get the chance to give of yourself and your time we hope you take it. Sure, it can be hard work, but it can also be fulfilling work that makes you feel better just as it makes those you affect better by taking part.

Volunteer opportunities abound within the city, county, your local church or your local organization such as The United Way of Freeborn County or the Salvation Army.

There’s always someone that could use an extra hand.