January 2025 – Deeper KidMin

12 Months of Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Use this list and the links below to create a plan for appreciating your volunteers all year long! Download a printable version here! January: A can of soda or some fuzzy socks with the generic version of this tag printable! February: “Thanks for Being the Heart of Our Ministry” + some Dove heart chocolates! (Not free, but here’s a printable to help!) March: Have a surprise basket of baked goods/treats (or extra coffee) on time-change Sunday! April: For anyone who serves with your special Easter Event or on Easter Sunday, grab some Peeps and thank them for being “one of your peeps!” (Not free, but here’s a printable to help!) May: The Big Thank You, a church-wide volunteer appreciation event with food trucks or popsicles available for free for all volunteers after service(s). June:...

Non-Gift Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Volunteer appreciation is a key part of retaining your team and creating a healthy culture. But remember to think beyond just gifts for appreciation! Think about your volunteers' love languages and how you can show appreciation without physical items. Here are some ideas: Host a special event. Invite them out to dinner or host a special event at your church just for your volunteers. Maybe you bring in a Christian comedian? Maybe you host a game night for their families? Maybe you provide lunch after services one Sunday in the form of a fleet of food trucks? Maybe you host a Parents' Night Out that’s just for volunteer families. Bonus points if you can include their families in the event too! Ask them questions, get their input, and gather feedback. One of the best ways to show volunteers you care and respect them is to reflect on the...