KNOX, Pa. (EYT) — This week Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps joined thousands of Americans across the country to celebrate the valuable contributions of the AmeriCorps members who pledge to “get things done” for America as part of the annual AmeriCorps Week, March 10 to March 16.

(PICTURED: Keystone SMILES Americorps and Bridge Builders Community Foundations joined forces for renovations of an Oil City residence in the fall.)

Each year during AmeriCorps Week, Keystone SMILES recognizes the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alumni by highlighting the extraordinary impact AmeriCorps makes across our nation every day.

“AmeriCorps members have made a significant impact on our area’s ability to meet so many local needs, and AmeriCorps Week is a perfect opportunity to recognize their great work,” said Joyce Fosdick, Executive Director of Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps.

The weeklong AmeriCorps Week celebration also honors the contributions and support of thousands of local organizations that make AmeriCorps programs possible.

Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through 21,600 schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. These citizens have played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, Michael, and Florence. They also tutor and mentor young people, connect veterans to jobs, care for seniors, reduce crime and revive cities, fight the opioid epidemic, and meet other critical needs.

This fall, AmeriCorps will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September, saluting the more than 1 million men and women who have served in AmeriCorps since the program’s inception in 1994. Together, they have provided more than 1.4 billion hours of service and earned more than $3.6 billion in education scholarships to pay for college or pay back student loans.

A growing body of research shows that service has an effect on more than just the communities served, but also on the members themselves. AmeriCorps alumni credit their year of service for developing leadership skills that bridges, divides, solves problems, and opens doors to opportunities that advance their careers and education.

In addition, research shows that alumni gain skills and are exposed to experiences that communities and employers find valuable. Public, private, and nonprofit sector employers have also demonstrated their commitment to hiring AmeriCorps alumni, signing on to be an Employer of National Service.

For more information on Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps, click here.