5 Ways to Celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025 

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a vibrant celebration, a time to throw a joyful "thank you" event for the dedicated individuals in your community—your volunteers! From April 19 to April 25, 2025, nonprofits across the country will have a chance to give a big, heartfelt shout-out to the wonderful people who generously share their time and energy. 

Let's be honest—where would we be without our volunteers? They're the ones building projects in the rain, organizing events on weekends, stuffing envelopes until midnight, and showing up with a smile when you need them most. They're not just helpers; they're the beating heart of your organization! 

So how do you show these everyday heroes just how much they mean to you? We've rounded up 5 ways for nonprofits to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025 and ideas for printed materials to make the event extra special.  

1. Host a Cheerful Celebration Party With Flyers, Banners, and a Step-and-Repeat 

 Have you ever seen someone's face light up when they walk into a room and realize the party is all for them? That pure joy is exactly what your volunteers deserve! An appreciation party is the perfect way to make your volunteers feel valued. Enhance the experience with some custom-printed materials to add extra cheer to your party: 

• Printed Event Flyers: To spread the word about your gathering, print out cheerful flyers with all the details. Think bright typography and colorful designs that capture the positive energy of the event. Encourage volunteers to RSVP and let them know there’ll be a special celebration! 

• Event Banners: Transform the event space into a welcoming area with vibrant banners and posters that announce, “This Week, We Celebrate YOU!” Add uplifting quotes or interesting facts about the volunteers’ valuable work throughout the year. 

• Strike a pose with a backdrop banner (aka step-and-repeat): At your party, set up your banners with THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS and your logo to maximize brand awareness and add a fun element to all your photos. 

2. Send Out Thoughtfully-Designed Thank You Postcards  

When was the last time you received something wonderful in the mail that wasn't a bill? In our digital world, there's something magical about holding a tangible thank you in your hands—something your volunteers can pin to their bulletin board or display on their fridge as a reminder that their contribution matters.  

• Postcards: Keep it bright and appealing with an eye-catching design that stands out, clearly expressing that your nonprofit is THANKING your volunteers. Who doesn’t appreciate receiving something in the mail that celebrates them and highlights their community service? 

• For a personal touch, add a short, handwritten note to each card. Nothing says “you’re amazing” like a personalized message of appreciation on the back of your postcard—combining the quality of printed cards with the personal touch that honors each individual. 

3. Create Fun Volunteer-Themed Swag 

Everyone enjoys receiving a little gift—especially when it’s a token of appreciation for their volunteer efforts! Consider providing your volunteers with some fun, custom gear that shows their pride in giving back. 

• Volunteer Swag Bags: Prepare custom-designed tote bags filled with items like branded pens, thank-you notes, and thoughtful gifts. Include printed materials like small puzzles, coffee mugs, or magnets to add to the enjoyment. 

• Custom Buttons: Many people enjoy a good pin, particularly when it represents the value of volunteering! Create fun badges or enamel pins that feature volunteer-specific designs—perhaps a small heart or a symbol of their contribution. 

• Trendy T-Shirts: Volunteers often have standard shirts they wear while working; consider providing them with a more stylish shirt that allows them to show their commitment to service with pride. 

4. Highlight the Impact of Volunteering With Impact Reports 

Showing volunteers the concrete difference they've made is one of the most powerful ways to express gratitude! Impact reports don't have to be dry documents—they can be vibrant celebrations of collective achievement that make everyone feel proud to be part of your story! Share their stories, talents, and contributions through a well-designed online campaign and impact report. 

• Volunteer Impact Report Brochure: Develop an engaging, infographic-style “impact report” filled with clear charts, relevant statistics, and highlights of the valuable work your volunteers have done. You could detail: 

• Total number of volunteers 

• Number of projects completed 

• Number of people served 

• Positive outcomes achieved by your team 

• Economic impact by the numbers 

• Positive quotes from your community and/or volunteers 

This will not only make your volunteers feel appreciated but also demonstrate the impact of your organization on the broader community. Consider a practical bifold design or a more detailed trifold to include more information. 

5. Host a Volunteer Awards Ceremony With a Special Touch 

Host a special awards ceremony where volunteers receive recognition for their contributions. Everyone appreciates being acknowledged, and you can make the awards ceremony meaningful and enjoyable. 

• Volunteer Recognition Certificates: Create personalized certificates that make your volunteers feel valued. Use appealing colors, clear fonts, and messages such as, “Outstanding Volunteer” or “Dedicated Contributor.” You could also introduce fun categories like “Most Reliable” or “Always Ready to Help” to make the event more engaging. 

• Printed Nomination Forms & Program Booklets: Allow volunteers to nominate each other in categories like “Most Inspiring” or “Best Team Player.” Print the nomination forms and program booklets with attractive graphics to enhance the ceremony. 
  

Use National Volunteer Week to Find More Volunteers, Too 

National Volunteer Week 2025 is also an opportunity to attract new volunteers! Combine a social media campaign with distributing flyers, placing lawn signs, or even using door hangers in your area to reach potential volunteers. Highlight how rewarding and fulfilling it is to give back—and how much volunteers are appreciated every National Volunteer Week! 

National Volunteer Week 2025 is your chance to celebrate the dedicated individuals who support your nonprofit. From thoughtful thank-you cards to quality merchandise and engaging activities, there are many ways to express your gratitude.  

At Mission Print, we’re here to help you say ‘cheers’ to your volunteers. Use our Inspiration Hub to design everything from banners to mugs and everything in between. After all, they are making a significant difference in the world, one volunteer hour at a time!