Stuffing envelopes, stewarding at a charity walk, selling raffle tickets – there are many roles taken on by willing volunteers to help out their local charities.

And as the final day of Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) is upon us there is still time to reflect on the amazing people who give up their time to support their communities.

Children’s educational charity the KM Charity Team, based in Whitstable, is no different in expressing gratitude towards its stalwart supporters.

“They are such an important part of the team,” said the charity’s senior administrator and volunteers liaison Joanne Homes. “Our staff is made up of part-time workers so our volunteers play a key role in our success. But it’s not just their willingness to do necessary tasks, it’s also about their enthusiasm and positive approach - they are a joy to work with.”

In particular, the charity would like to thank Julia, Ursula, Sheena and Sue for their tireless efforts in the office organising press cuttings, mail-outs and assisting event preparation – as well as getting out and about helping staff at events.

And big thanks also go to Sandra, who for many years has helped prepare prizes for the KM Big Charity Quiz, as well as give support on the night at each of the four heats. Composer of classic questions Julie is another familiar face both at the quiz and in the office, and she is a great member of the team.

The KM Charity Team was founded in 2000 to support green travel to school and health and wellbeing initiatives for children. Since then its remit has extended to include home-reading initiative Buster’s Book Club, cooking competitions Young Cooks and Buster’s Bake Off, and a range of awards such as Kent Teacher of the Year, Kent Literacy Awards, and Green School Awards.

The charity also supports PTA groups and charities through collaborative fundraising events - taking in the KM Charity Walk, Abseil Challenge, Dragon Boat Race, and Firewalk - along with activities such as the Thanet Community Awards, KM Charity of the Year initiative, and a variety of training courses.

Volunteers’ Week also saw the official launch of the brand-new Kent Volunteering Awards. Anyone can say a big thank you to an individual or team of volunteers by putting them forward for recognition. The awards will champion educational and health sector volunteering; volunteer carers; employer-assisted volunteering schemes; and community volunteering through clubs, youth groups and charities.

Visit www.KentVolunteeringAwards.co.uk before the October 27 deadline.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the KM Charity Team is invited to browse the website www.KmCharityTeam.co.uk or contact Joanne Homes at jhomes@thekmgroup.co.uk