Hope everyone is having a happy and safe Easter Sunday! April is widely recognized for several notable observances: April Fool’s Day, Tax Day, Earth Day, Autism Awareness, Stress Awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness/Prevention and National Volunteer Month. Over the course of the next few weeks, I hope to cover several of these topics. In honor of National Volunteer Month, I would like to highlight the importance of volunteers. Volunteers can assist charities in so many ways. They can help at special events with setting up, registration, selling tickets, providing information, greeting people at the door, guiding people with questions, reassurance, cleaning up, passing out waters. The ways to make a difference are endless. The fact is volunteers help our community thrive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Most charities exist because of volunteers. For some reason a person feels called to action for a cause that has touched their life. Many times, it is because of a difficult situation in their life that a person dedicates their time and energy to help others in need. In 1977, a young girl was involved in a tragic accident. Due to the extent of her injuries, she was flown to San Antonio, Texas. After succumbing to her injuries, the family decided to give the gift of life and hope to others by donating her organs. Touched by the profound significance, it ignited a spark in the hearts of two determined women, Angela Borders and Patsy Sanditen. They saw a need, a gaping void in the community’s support system for transplant patients, and they resolved to make a difference. Blanca Villarreal, volunteer board member and grant writer for the organization shared, “The Kidney Foundation of Laredo was born from the spark of hope by Mrs. Borchers and Ms. Sanditen. In those early days of the