While most news during tough times tends to focus on the bad, a new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' reveals that despite hardship, volunteer rates stayed strong in 2009.

In a press release "Volunteering Up Amid Tough Economic Times," Stephen Goldsmith, board chair of the Corporation for National and Community Service, says "We're seeing a compassion boom across this country, where communities are banding together and neighbors are reaching out in service to others. It is truly the generosity of the American spirit at its best. The need is great, the momentum is strong, and potential is unlimited for ushering in a new era of service in America."

So what does a compassion boom look like? Here are some highlights:

• 1.5 million more Americans say they volunteered between September 2008 and September 2009 than during the previous year.

• The total number who reported volunteering was 63.4 million people (26.8% of the population), compared to 61.8 million in 2008.

• Volunteer rates for women increased from 29.4% to 30.1%.

• People with full-time jobs showed a .9% increased volunteer rate.

• Volunteer rates among unemployed men increased 1.2%.

• Those between ages of 35 and 54 were the most likely to volunteer.

At VolunteerMatch.org, 2009 also saw great success including a 20% rise in volunteer referrals, 10.4% more visitors, and nearly 20% more participating organizations.

The report comes just in time. We're weeks away from National Volunteer Week, a week for celebrating volunteerism and highlighting the important role it plays in communities across the nation. What better way to kick it off than to take a look back at 2009 – a year when, despite economic hardship, Americans were motivated to go out and do something great for themselves, their neighbors, and the world.

How did you give back in 2009? How are you giving back today?

Share your story with VolunteerMatch.