Every one of us can help our state respond to the current economic crisis. You don’t have to build a highway or weatherize a house; you can lend a hand in other ways to a fellow citizen.

Across the state, people are generously volunteering to help their neighbors. I was inspired this year by meeting 90-year-old Elise Krueger of Edmonds, who has spent 12,000 hours helping others over the last eight years.

And I know our future looks bright because I’ve seen the amazing generosity of our younger generation.

Even in difficult times, community spirit is a Washington value. In its most recent report, the Corporation for National and Community Service ranked Washington No. 3 of the 50 states for the number of volunteers who stick with it year after year, and No. 5 for the number of hours volunteered.

Now we need to take our service to a higher level. I’m asking you to help in any way you can. Our goal is to find a place for everyone.

Service can be as simple as asking a neighbor if they need help. And when you do that, you link your own life to this historic time. Washington’s resurgence will be the work of each and every volunteer who set aside their own needs for the public interest, for relatives, or friends, or the stranger down the street.

There’s just one thing more I’d like to say: Thank you.

As many veteran volunteers can tell you, the front lines of need can be demanding. Often, there’s only time to get the job done, and gratitude is left unsaid.

So please know: Your service, your courage, and your generosity are what make Washington great.