National Volunteer Week is later this month. It was established in 1974 to recognize volunteers’ contributions.

The National Park Service encourages you to Join the celebration by volunteering, thanking a volunteer, and sharing your experience with others to enable them to volunteer.

The City of West Columbia is gearing up for the award-winning 5th Annual Kinetic Derby Day featuring iMAGINE. Kinetic Derby Day is free and will be held on April 20th from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on State and Meeting Streets in West Columbia. To register to participate, CLICK HERE. 

Organizing Kinetic Derby Day requires many volunteers, who are vital to its success.

“Whetzel’s Automotive has a significant number of employees who have signed up to volunteer for Kinetic Derby Day,” said Kelli Ricard, Director of Events and Publications for the City of West Columbia. We appreciate their support and the support of all volunteers for all city events.”

Kathy Whetzel volunteers and chairs the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. She and her husband, Rob, own Whetzel’s Automotive. 

“Kinetic Derby Day is a time when the West Columbia community comes together, and we want our business to be a part of that,” Kathy said. Our staff volunteers because they enjoy Kinetic Derby Day. It’s so much fun.” 

Whetzel’s Automotive sponsors the Soap Box Derby Ramp, and the Whetzel’s are entering two Soap Box Derby cars in the race. The two vehicles will be steered in the race by elementary school students from Saluda River Academy for the Arts and Riverbank Elementary School. West Columbia Police Department School Resource Officers will help choose a student who may have yet to have the opportunity to participate. 

“We are glad to help get young people involved in Kinetic Derby Day,” said Rob Whetzel. “It’s a way to give something to the community that means so much to our business.” 

Steve Cohen is another Kinetic Derby Day volunteer and a West Columbia Beautification Foundation member. 

“I volunteer because I get such a good feeling from seeing people having a good time at a City of West Columbia-sponsored event,” Cohen said. “I love being a part of something that brings so much joy to so many people. I get a lot out of volunteering and encourage everyone to sign up to volunteer.”

Madden Dickerson is a high school student at West Columbia’s Gray Collegiate Academy. She has already contributed volunteer time to help with preparations for this year’s Kinetic Derby Day. 

“Madden is a member of the Senior BETA Club,” said Michelle Dickerson, Madden’s mother, who also volunteers for Kinetic Derby Day. 

“Public service is a requirement for Senior BETA Club members and Gray Collegiate Academy,” 

MK Dickerson, also a daughter of Michelle Dickerson, has volunteered in the past as a part of her National Honor Society requirements. Michelle said, “Volunteering for Kinetic Derby Day helps instill a sense of community and pride. It’s a benefit to students to participate in such a successful and community-oriented event.” 

For many years, Brad Giles of Giles Brothers Insurance has been a Kinetic Derby Day Volunteer. His insurance company’s staff will also volunteer to help out with this year’s Kinetic Derby Day.

“It’s fun, and it’s an honor to be a part of a great event like Kinetic Derby Day,” Giles said. “I’m very glad that the City of West Columbia gives us a chance to participate in it. It’s a unique opportunity to get out and have a good time with all the people of our community.” 

Also, Volunteer now for West Columbia’s Citywide Litter Pick-Up Day, April 27th.

Volunteers for West Columbia’s Citywide Litter Pick-Up Day will meet at 9 a.m. on April 27, at City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia. Volunteers will then disperse to different areas of the city for litter pick-up. Bring a team! Ask friends, co-workers, church, school, clubs, and athletic teams; every litter bit counts!

 Sign up now at http://bit.ly/LitterPickup.

There is still time to sign up to volunteer in the City of West Columbia. With National Volunteer Week upcoming, it is a good time to participate. Don’t put it off; register now.