A popular event aimed at connecting community members with local organizations that need their help is going virtual.
The Longmont Public Library’s fourth annual Volunteer Fair kicks off today in a new online format. The event, which has grown in popularity each year and annually helps connect about 100 volunteers with local causes, will run through Aug. 31.
And while it will be lacking the chance to mix and mingle, the mission of helping local nonprofits remains unchanged.
Adult Services Librarian Devon Smith said the switch to virtual wasn’t difficult, but she still laments the loss of interaction the fair typically provides.
“In person is so great, people get to put a face to an organization. They bring out gadgets and doodads that show what they do,” Smith said. Such doodads in the past have included a stuffed owl and plastic beehive (courtesy of the Longmont Pollinator Group).
Andy Schwartz, outreach and volunteer coordinator at Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement, or HOPE, said the fair is more important than ever to his organization.
HOPE recently launched a new SafeLot program, which allows people to sleep in their cars overnight in a local church parking lot and provides a sense of safety and community for those working toward getting back on their feet.
With the addition of SafeLot, the need for people to prepare and feed meals has grown, Schwartz said. Volunteers are needed to prepare meals for 12 to 15 people each night, he said.
Meals, which are buffet style, are served at the SafeLot as well as HOPE’s overnight and day shelters.
Meal prep can be done on a flexible basis on those days when volunteers have time to give, but Schwartz also is hoping to connect with people who can make a monthly commitment to the effort. Community members also can purchase meals from local restaurants to have them delivered, which provides support on two fronts, he said.
HOPE has about 300 volunteers right now and Schwartz said “we would not be able to survive without them.”
The Volunteer Fair will be held on the library’s website and no registration is required. All those looking for a chance to get involved need to do is log in and take a look. To get involved and see all the organizations in need of volunteers, click here.
