South Dakota now ranks 4th in the nation for volunteer work.
A federal study estimates more than 35 percent of South Dakotans are involved in formal volunteering or charity work.
The Corporation for National and Community Service conducts an annual study about volunteerism across the county. Last year South Dakota ranked 10th in the nation for volunteerism, this year the state made the top five.
Governor Dennis Daugaard says the study affirms what he and many South Dakotans already know.
“I’m very pleased about the report; I’m not completely surprised I have to admit. South Dakota is once again ranked very high for its volunteer rate. I saw it as governor when we had floods on the Missouri river or tornadoes in Western Springs. Or in Delmont where we had winter storms like winter storm Atlas. Volunteers were there in force every time their neighbors needed them and they’re a strong tradition in South Dakota,” says Daugaard.
The ranking comes from a federal agency, the Corporation for National and Community Service. Wendy Spencer is the CEO. She says South Dakota stands out in numerous ways.
“Where South Dakota really shines is a couple of groups. Number one your number two in the nation for millennial volunteer rate so those who are in between the age of 16 and 34. College students, you are number two in the country for the rates of college students volunteering. Number three for baby boomers volunteering those 52 to 70 year olds really care about South Dakota and getting out there and volunteering,” says Spencer.
Utah, Minnesota and Wisconsin took the top spots for the study’s state rankings. Spencer says South Dakota volunteers put in over 23 million hours last year. She says that creates a $630 million impact on the state.