Time to give back
COEUR d'ALENE - People who want to lend a hand and give back to the community will have the chance to find their niche at the sixth annual Kootenai County Young Professionals (KCYP) Volunteer Fair, taking place Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Coeur d'Alene Best Western Inn.
Those who attend will have an opportunity to visit representatives of nonprofit organizations and learn what each does for the community as well what duties are expected of volunteers.
"This is a great way for KCYP to provide a public service to our community.
The volunteer fair connects individuals that are looking for ways to make an impact in organizations that they connect with on a personal level through their interests, talents and time," said Ashley Piaskowski, KCYP president. She said the fair averages 150-175 attendees.
About 30 organizations were set to participate as of April 16. Piaskowski said they are hoping for even more exhibitors and will be accepting applications until the day of the fair. All an organization needs to sign up is a nonprofit status and $25 for the booth.
"It's a really great experience if you have been thinking about volunteering," she said. "It's about finding the right fit for your extra time."
Sherry Wallis is the executive director of the Post Falls Food Bank. This will be her third consecutive year participating in the volunteer fair.
"When people volunteer at a charity of their choice, they give of themselves and they give of their hearts," Wallis said.
"Choose from your heart the one that appeals most to you," she said. "I think that's what makes great volunteers and great organizations."
Wallis said the food bank is not just looking for people to help with manual labor but it is open to all volunteer work.
"We always have need at the food bank," she said. "The work here is not difficult, it's just very task-oriented." Wallis said volunteers make a huge impact on those the food bank serves.
The volunteer fair includes volunteer recruitment as well as education on volunteering and enriching the community through service. Exhibitors will have contact sheets and applications ready for new volunteers who want to get involved.
The event occurs in the midst of National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week "focuses national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as well as an integral aspect of our civic leadership," says a description on www.pointsoflight.org. It "is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service."
"Volunteering helps organizations fulfill essential community services while also giving meaningful experiences to volunteers," Piaskowski said. "Nonprofit organizations are a rich part of Kootenai County, and KCYP is honored to provide this community connection for the past six years."
The fair is mainly sponsored by United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center.
Info: www.kcyp.org