Clackamas County is rolling out the red carpet for its unsung heroes during National Volunteer Week, spotlighting the people who clock in countless hours for the greater good—without expecting a dime. Official events from April 21-27 are the county's way of acknowledging the muscle and heart behind the community's most essential services.

Local volunteers keep this community's wheels turning, offering their skills and passions from the shadows. This week, Clackamas County ain't letting that slide by uncelebrated, "As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer in Clackamas County for their unwavering dedication to serving others and the positive difference they make in our community," Human Services Supervisor Kristina Babcock voiced her appreciation for these local do-gooders, according to Clackamas County News. Social services, vital for the lifelines they throw to those dangling on the edge, stand out as one of the many sectors buoyed by these volunteering champs.

Take, for instance, the county's Social Services Transportation Programs, which literally drives change by handing out lifelines to those with nowhere else to turn for a ride. These volunteers dedicate their time to making sure grocery bags aren't left stranded on shelves and doctors aren't left waiting. A powerful 51 volunteers provided 8,251 rides over the last year, assuring that 463 residents weren't left in the lurch regarding basic needs and crucial medical appointments.

Then there's the squad of 22 volunteers in the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program, who comb through the labyrinth that is Medicare to guide 977 county residents to clarity and confident decisions about their health coverage, these unsung heroes devoted 1,042 hours to ensure that not one senior was left scratching their head over insurance booklets. Additionally, they pounded the pavement at 34 outreach events, enlightening another 837 individuals about their Medicare options and digging into the details so others wouldn't have to. For more on how to get involved with senior services and grab a slice of the volunteering action in Clackamas County, swing by the county's Senior Services website.