On the worrisome side were mounting concerns that economic woes — including high gasoline prices and job insecurity — would be deterrents for some would-be volunteers.

"With more people in need — losing houses, losing jobs — there are more people to serve," said CNCS board Chairman Stephen Goldsmith. "You have fewer people helping and more people needing help."

But even in Miami, things are improving. Multiple agencies reported more volunteers this year, although they said keeping them is hard.

Lynn Heyman, who heads the volunteer program at Miami Children's Hospital, said she has 600 active volunteers at any given time, more than ever. But the hospital must hold orientations twice monthly to keep volunteers streaming in to replace departing ones.

"I don't think the days of people volunteering with an organization for years and years are still with us," Heyman said.

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On the Net:

www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov/