Fair connects nonprofits with volunteers

More than 50 local nonprofit organizations are looking for volunteers and will attend this year's regional volunteer fair set for Thursday, Sept. 26 in Springdale, according to event co-sponsors the Northwest Arkansas Council and United Way of NWA.

The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tyson Foods corporate office located at 2200 Don Tyson Pkwy. in Springdale. The event targets skills-based individuals interested in becoming volunteers to support nonprofit organizations, and is open to the public.

“We know many of our region’s companies place a high value on their employees becoming active volunteers,” said Jill Darling, president of the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. “We know and companies know the experience of volunteering to help a nonprofit organization engages employees in a new way, and we believe those employees’ positive experiences as volunteers ultimately benefit the companies as well.”

The volunteer fair creates a face-to-face experience, allowing individuals who may not know the type of help each nonprofit organization needs. The fair allows attendees to ask questions of each nonprofit and to determine which one is the best fit.

“Volunteers are more likely to keep volunteering if they have good experiences from the beginning,” Darling said. “By allowing potential volunteers to talk directly with nonprofit organizations, we increase the possibility that volunteers can find that perfect fit right from the start.”