Volunteers are the best kind of people, says Troy Waltz.

He started his 22-year Army career at Fort Carson as a supply guy and worked for a few decades as an Army intelligence specialist, primarily in Germany.

Now, he’s a volunteer in Colorado Springs.

Unpaid helpers are recognizable, he says, because they’re the natural givers in society. They freely give of the three Ts — time, talent and treasure — and most of all share pieces of their hearts with others to make the world beat brighter.

“It’s one of the greatest things a human can do, regardless of nationality, religion or sport team — it’s one of those things anyone can do,” Waltz said Monday, while teaching seniors to play the guitar at Silver Key Senior Services. “And it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. I’ve met the nicest people.”

National Volunteer Week kicked off Sunday and runs through Saturday. President Richard Nixon started the 51-year-old observance by proclamation in 1974.

Nonprofit organizations couldn’t do the work they do without the valuable contributions of volunteers, said Jayme Holligan, director of volunteer, events and community engagement for Silver Key, which offers meals and other food, housing, activities, transportation and companionship for seniors.

The organization’s 500 volunteers are being recognized this week by its 80 staff members with a “Love ’Em Up” campaign that includes special in-person events such as a reception, swag like T-shirts and hats, as well as mentions on social media and through emails.

“Service matters — it helps your health and psyche and encourages people to give back to whatever the case and cause might be,” Holligan said.

In contrast to some organizations that had trouble retaining and recruiting volunteers during the pandemic, Silver Key has grown by 100 volunteers since COVID-19 began in 2020, she said.

“We’ve been able to keep upward momentum with a steady and noticeable increase because people realize seniors are vulnerable and need support and essential services, as they encounter isolation, extreme depression and suicidality,” Holligan said.

Volunteering creates joy among the givers, which spreads to the receivers, she said.

“Voluntarism has been a hallmark of the generosity of the people of the Pikes Peak Region — the giving of one’s time, talent and treasure is in our community’s DNA,” said Margaret Dolan, CEO of Pikes Peak Community Foundation, which in its more than 97-year history has provided $125 million in philanthropic funding.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, reported that nearly 76 million Americans volunteered in 2023.

Volunteers help nonprofits maximize their effectiveness in pursuit of their missions, according to the Colorado Springs-based Leighty Foundation, which studies the power of volunteers.

Volunteers of all ages play a unique role in the nonprofit sector in Colorado, said Kyle H. Hybl, president and CEO of El Pomar Foundation. Founded in 1937 in Colorado Springs by Julie and Spencer Penrose, creators of The Broadmoor hotel, the foundation supports various charities and today distributes about $25 million statewide each year.

“Our community and country are stronger as a result of the dedicated efforts of these volunteers and the many organizations they support,” Hybl said. “As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, El Pomar would like to honor and express gratitude for the many community volunteers that uplift our nonprofit community.”

Contact the writer: 719-476-1656.