At Girl Scouts, every single day is one filled with immense gratitude for our incredible volunteers. They truly bring our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place to life in so many meaningful ways, and we have no idea where we would be without them! We know it’s such an important job, such a rewarding job, such a fun job. But what we also know is that it’s not an easy job. That’s why last week, we took to Facebook and asked our awesome volunteers to complete this sentence: Today, to kick of National Volunteer Appreciation week (yes!), we wanted to share some of our favorite answers to that very important question. Why do our amazing volunteers give so much of their time and hearts to this powerful Girl Scout mission? What keeps them coming back? What inspires them to be there for girls? Here are 11 great reasons why Girl Scout volunteers step up to the plate. WARNING: You might want to get out your tissues! “I loved being a Girl Scout when I was younger and my mom was my troop leader. I want my daughter to have the same great experience that I did (and she has so far as a first year Daisy).” – Erin S. “When my sister passed away from breast cancer and I took her girls in I vowed to make sure from then on they would have a good childhood. I would make a difference in their lives. The girls saved me. My sister passed away at 32 and my Momma passed just 6 months later. I was drowning in depression before they came to me.” – Paula W. “Because I want to be a part of making the next generation of strong women. My shy, non-talkative kindergartener is now a confident third grader. The skills we teach the girls and they teach each other will make them better leaders, adults, and community members.” – Heather A. “I am a Girl Scout volunteer because Girl Scout volunteers made a difference to me.” – Tamara W. “Because I want to make a difference in the lives of girls. I want to teach them to be good and kind to one another. Show them it's not productive to put others down, but to bring them up, no matter the differences we may have. I want to watch them grow into awesome, mature, young ladies who will be leaders themselves one day. I want to set a good example for them to follow, to learn from, and to pass on to the next generation.” – Gwen B. “I want to give girls, and my daughter, the opportunity to build their confidence. I want them to know that they are truly supported and are capable of great things. They are my future, so I want them to have self-worth to know they can do anything. I believe in them.” – Amy V. “I want to invest in a better future for girls, where they develop confidence through their talents and skills, instead of only external appearances.” – Samana S. "I want my daughter, and other girls, to know they can do absolutely anything they set their minds to. I want them to be confident, kind, encouraging to others, and to lift others up instead of tearing them down."-Christina J. “I'm a Girl Scout because I'm licensed to commit kindness.” – Cacs C. “Because the world will try to beat them down, so it's our job to lift them up!” – Jennifer T. “My blood runs green! Where else can a 61-year-old woman sing-dance-be silly-laugh!” – Robin H. Wow. What incredible reasons to step up to the plate and be a Girl Scout volunteer! Please continue to share your reasons with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And don't forget to use the hashtag #NVW2016. We love, love, love to hear ‘em! If you’re not already a Girl Scout volunteer, and are feeling inspired to join us in changing girls’ lives, sign up now at girlscouts.org/volunteer. Happy National Volunteer Week!