If you reward volunteers who are not performing, it may serve to diminish the value of volunteers who are performing well. Understand your volunteers. What satisfies and motivates one person, may not motivate another. Determine what type of recognition would be most meaningful to each volunteer. Some may appreciate a public ceremony, while others will better appreciate a small private one.
Rewards are one way of recognizing volunteers.
They are long-term motivators and include thanks and praise, giving more responsibility and reference letters. Awards are another way of showing appreciation for a job well done. Consider Certificates of Appreciation, plaques, personalized t-shirts, mugs, etc., gifts and gift certificates. Committees can be designed to fit individual talents like gardening, accounting and entertaining. It is also a great entree to a board position once comfort level increases.