Need a little reassurance this Christmas season that we're holding our own on staving off the self-before-others syndrome?

Idaho ranked No. 2 nationally for volunteering and civic engagement, according to the recently-released "Volunteering and Civic Life in America" report by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Idaho's volunteerism rate among residents was 38.8 percent in 2011, second only to Mormon-dominated Utah at 40.9 percent.

More than 455,000 Idaho volunteers provided 68.7 million total hours of service valued at $1.4 billion, according to the report.

North Idaho residents do more than their share of giving of their time and talents, according to local leaders.

Richard Reardon, associate dean for the University of Idaho's College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, estimates that nonprofits make up about 11 percent of Idaho's economy and there's roughly 400 nonprofits in this area.

Those affiliated with the nonprofits say they're not surprised that Idaho is No. 2 in volunteerism, but it's heartwarming nonetheless.

"I have repeatedly been amazed at the level of support and help from our community," said Jeff Conroy, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho. "There are always events, fundraisers and capital campaigns happening and always people step up to make them happen. I have worked in Portland, Spokane and Coeur d'Alene and this community is the most giving of time and resources I've ever seen. I love where I live."

Bob Over, who recently relocated to North Idaho and is working with the UI on developing a nonprofit leadership certificate program, said he has seen volunteers come out in force to support a plethora of needs and organizations.

"I have found northern Idaho to be a place of caring for community needs and am proud to call Idaho my new home," said Over, who formerly lived in Colorado. "These are people who are totally committed to supporting a quality of life that we all enjoy.

"Because the (certificate program) is built upon volunteer partnerships, I have been able to launch the program in record time."

Suzanna Spencer, branch manager for Inland Northwest Bank in Post Falls, has volunteered for a variety of efforts, including at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, school and Relay for Life for cancer research. She has been volunteering since she was young, keeping it a family tradition.

"When I moved to Idaho it seems that is was much easier to find out about ways to volunteer in my community," Spencer said. "There seems to be a very strong network to get the word out about volunteering in Idaho. I find that those that volunteer have a hard time stopping. Giving is contagious."

Spencer said more businesses look for employees who are connected to the community through volunteer efforts. Some even pay their employees to volunteer.

This year's Holidays and Heroes program organized by area police and fire agencies for families in need drew more than 200 volunteers and more than $40,000 - both records.

Post Falls police Chief Scot Haug said his department's 30 volunteers have given more than 7,500 hours this year, saving the city $122,000. Since the inception of the program in 2003, more than 72,000 hours and a savings of $1.1 million have been provided. Volunteer Jack Jordan has given more than 10,000 hours.

"Our volunteers allow us to provide an increased level of service at a reduced cost," Haug said.

An average of 3,000 people have volunteered for Ironman Coeur d'Alene for the past decade.

"No matter what their participation is, the race would not happen without them," said Mac Cavasar, race director. "Each and every one is making our community better by their actions, their involvement. They are what make our community the best it can be."

The report found the national volunteer rate reaching its highest level since 2006.

More than 64 million Americans - or roughly one in four adults - volunteered approximately 8 billion hours, valued at $171 billion. In addition, two of every three citizens nationally - 65 percent or almost 144 million citizens - engaged in informal volunteering by doing favors for and helping out their neighbors, an increase of 9.5 percent from the year before.

Idaho's volunteer efforts have caught the attention of Gov. Butch Otter.

"Everyone who gives of their time, energy and resources to help others deserves our heartfelt thanks for contributing immeasurably to our quality of life, and for setting a great example for us all," Otter said.

The complete report can be accessed at VolunteeringInAmerica.gov.

Idaho volunteerism - by the numbers

• 38.8 - percentage of residents who volunteer

• 58.4 - volunteer hours per resident per year

• 455,920 - estimated number of volunteers

• 72.9 - percentage of residents who do favors for neighbors

• 68.7 million - hours of service

• $1.4 billion - value of service contributed

• 92.8 - percentage who eats dinner with their family a few times a week or more

• 58 - percentage of residents who discuss politics a few times a month or more

SOURCE: Volunteering and Civic Life in America report