The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, proclaimed April 6-12, 2014 as National Volunteer Week. In the proclamation, the President stated: "Across our country, volunteers open doors of opportunity, pave avenues of success, fortify their communities, and lay the foundation for tomorrow's growth and prosperity. They are often equipped with few resources and gain little recognition, yet because of their service, our country is a better and a stronger force for good."

How will your family celebrate National Volunteer Week? Here are a few ideas!

Heart of Arkansas United Way -- This program provides opportunities for both youth and adults, whether your interest is tutoring students, assisting seniors, caring for animals, and more. Click here for more information.

Arkansas Foodbank -- Help the Arkansas Foodbank celebrate 30 years of feeding our neighbors. In 2013, the organization distributed 20.9 million pounds of food. Contact Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Polly Deems for family volunteer opportunities at PDeems@ArkansasFoodbank.org. Contact Food Drive Coordinator Erica Mcfadden, at EMcfadden@ArkansasFoodbank.org for food drive information or collect food as a family. Key items include canned meats, peanut butter, cereals, canned veggies and fruits, pasta and sauces. Click here for more information.

AR Kids Read -- Join this literacy initiative and help central Arkansas children learn to read at grade level. Volunteers are asked to commit one hour a week for 12 weeks. Can't make a time committment? Donate to help with costs associated with volunteer recruitment, training and more. Or, contact AR Kids Read to ask how your family can help host a book drive to benefit the children in their programs. Click here for more information.

Youth Home -- This organization helps emotionally troubled adolescents become healthy members of the community. Families can help by volunteering at numerous fundraising events throughout the year, including the International Greek Food Festival this May. Click here for more information.

I Can! Dance and Community Connections -- Assist children with special needs in dance classes at I Can! Dance, and recreational activities with Community Connections, including football, cheerleading, soccer and more. Both youth and adults can volunteer. Click here for more information about I Can! Dance. Click here for more information about Community Connections.

Happy volunteering!