November 25, 2005

Governor Emphasizes Gift of Service this Holiday Season

LANSING – In her weekly radio address Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today marked the beginning of the holiday season to thank Michigan citizens for their outstanding commitment to service, and encouraged families across the state to give the gift of their time to those in need across the state.
 
“I’m grateful for the generosity and compassion that the citizens of our great state show every single day,” Granholm said.  “This year, I hope that Michigan families will not only give great gifts to loved ones, but the great gift of their time to those in need across our state.”
 
Granholm cited studies showing that in recent years 29 percent of Americans donated their time to community volunteering.  But in Michigan 49 percent are volunteering.  Additionally, Michigan’s foundations are currently ranked eighth in the country in total grants to community groups, nonprofits and other gifts.
 
The commitment of people across the state to support those in need was highlighted when Michigan citizens were among the first to open their wallets, their homes and their hearts to the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 
 
As people start to prepare for the holiday season, Granholm encouraged them to visit www.1800volunteer.org or call 1-800-VOLUNTEER to learn about a variety of volunteer opportunities with organizations in communities across the state, from food banks to shelters to mentoring programs.
 
“One hour a week of your time will brighten the day of a senior citizen, or feed someone in need of a meal, or, through mentoring, forever change the life of a child,” Granholm said.  “These are all lasting gifts of service and I encourage you to get involved.”
 
The Governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday at 10:00 a.m. and may be heard on broadcast stations across that state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor’s Website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm’s radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website. 

Publishers Note: The text of today’s address is attached.