Every April, we dedicate pages of our journal to recognize the significant contributions by our members for our members, staff, and hobby. Thank you to those members who generously give to the APS and APRL until it hurts. Whether making cash contributions to one of our worthy causes, volunteering time with the APS, or donating stamps to support education and other purposes, you are making a difference.
The Mighty Buck Club continues to be one of the most innovative and meaningful programs, serving the APS and APRL in many ways. In the past year, we’ve replaced aging computers used by staff and added new equipment in the library for patrons. The Mighty Buck Club also allowed us to invest in cameras to increase access to live events, including APS and APRL Board meetings. For those unfamiliar, the Mighty Buck Club is a $12 annual contribution that, combined with donations from other members, creates a big impact on one-time technology purchases. You recently received a mailing about the Mighty Buck Club, and we ask you to participate in this great program. For more information, go to https://stamps.org/donate/mighty-buck-club.
For collectors looking to find a home for duplicate stamps or helping a friend get stamps into the hands of collectors, we accept in-kind donations of philatelic material. For stamp donations, there are three ways they help us further our mission. First, we use stamps to support our education programs, including them in Stamps Teach packages and for the Young Stamp Collectors of America. Second, stamps, including counterfeits, make it to the reference collection to use as reference material for our expertizing program. Finally, we sell stamps through the Stamp and Cover Shop or auctions, generating income for the Education Department and Reference Collection. In 2022, we generated more than $181,000 in sales of donated material. We also use donated mint postage for mailings, saving $61,600 in 2022.
Another important contribution is time. As you can see from the list, APS members contribute their time and talents in many ways. From volunteering at our annual Great American Stamp Show to giving time to the APRL, members help us make every event successful for you. One great way to contribute time is our annual Volunteer Work Week. APS members travel to Bellefonte each year to help with critical projects, spend time in the library or the sales department, and meet fellow collectors. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the APS and meet our great team at the same time. Stay up-to-date on registration and other details at https://stamps.org/learn/volunteer-work-week.
Another critical opportunity to give time to the APS and the hobby is to serve as a mentor or instructor. Mentors provide their time and knowledge to our Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship candidates. We also offer opportunities to knowledgeable instructors to teach courses online or at our annual Summer Seminar. In June, we will hold our first in-person Summer Seminar since 2019, and we have several incredible instructors who will give their time. If you’re interested in teaching a course, a good first step would be to join us for Summer Seminar in June. There is still time to register, so please visit our website at https://stamps.org/summer-seminar.
For those who have given your time, talent, and treasures to the APS and APRL, thank you for your service and all you do. If you’re interested in contributing to the APS or APRL, please contact me at [email protected] or send me a letter. Hearing from you and growing our giving community every year is always rewarding.