by Nate Dougherty, Rochester Business Journal
Rochester is among the most service-minded communities in America, a report released this week from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the National Conference on Citizenship shows. The ÒVolunteering and Civic Life in AmericaÓ report listed Rochester as the No. 3 community in America for volunteering among the 51 largest metro areas. Rochester had a total of 39.8 volunteer hours per resident. The report found that service is a priority for millions of Americans, with one in four Americans volunteering through an organization and two of three helping neighbors in some way. In 2012, a total of 62.6 million Americans volunteered for a total of 7.7 billion hours. The estimated value of this service is nearly $173 billion, the report said. ÒWe are calling on Americans to volunteer in their communities, and to invite their friends and families to join them,Ó said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. ÒVolunteers enrich our communities and keep our nation strong. Service also connects us with our neighbors and provides a chance to use our skills for the common good. There are so many ways we can make a difference for those in need, during the holiday season and throughout the entire year.Ó ~1@BODYURL[id=114jbcurl1218]@