When it comes to volunteering, South Dakota ranks #4 in the country. That according to the annual Volunteering and Civic Life in America study. Last year the state ranked #9.

According to the most recent statistics, 35.3% of South Dakota residents volunteered last year, giving 23.26 million hours of service, at an estimated value of $630 million.

Susie Ryks is the Volunteer Services Director with the Helpline Center.

“This is the fourth year in a row that South Dakota’s volunteer numbers have risen. It's both a testament to the spirit of volunteerism that we know exists in our state and a guide to help us connect with those who want to serve.”

South Dakota's highest ranking came in the area of fighting food insecurity, with 27% of respondents involved in collecting, preparing, distributing or serving food.

Fundraising and general labor were the next most reported categories, with tutoring and mentoring youth rounding out the top five.

Nationwide, 62.6 million adults, or approximately one in four Americans, volunteered through an organization last year, giving nearly 7.8 billion hours, valued at $184 billion.

To see the entire report visit volunteeringinamerica.gov, or contact the Helpline Center.

Source: Helpline Center

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