Learn about volunteer opportunities at a resource fair

Empty nesters, retirees, and young people often say they want to volunteer, but don’t know how to get started.

The Venture into Volunteering Fair, this Sunday, Oct. 5, 12-4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center, will feature representatives from 41 agencies and nonprofits eager to talk about volunteer opportunities.

There are openings for people of all abilities and interests, says Emily Swenson, the supervisor of the Volunteer Solutions program at the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.

Visitors to Venture into Volunteering will learn about ways to assist organizations focused on food security, people with disabilities, older adults, children’s literacy, the formerly incarcerated, the homeless, emergency management, and more. There are even opportunities to teach people how to knit.

One of the organizations at the fair is Volunteer Fairfax’s RSVP program, which connects seniors interested in volunteering to nonprofits that need assistance.

Staff from Food for Others, the Culmore Clinic, NV Rides, the Shepherd’s Center of Annandale Springfield, and Shelter House will be there, along with many other organizations.

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There are a lot of needs in the county that can’t be filled by public agencies, Swenson says. For example, there’s a big need for volunteers to take older adults to grocery stores and medical appointments – and brighten up their lives with social visits.

The fair is being held in conjunction with the Beacon 50+ Expo at the Springfield Town Center, which offers resources and health screenings to older adults.

Unlike the Beacon event, the Venture into Volunteering Fair is for people of all ages.  

It’s not only the people who need help that benefit from volunteers, Swenson says. Volunteers benefit, too. “Volunteering is a way to connect with the community, meet new people, and provide purpose to your life.”

For young people, volunteering can build soft skills, such as teamwork and adapting to a schedule, that can help them develop professionalism as they move into a career.

“You don’t have to make a huge commitment; even volunteering for an hour at a time can be a big help,” Swenson says.

“Civic engagement is everybody’s responsibility to make our community function,” she says. “It’s a great way to give back while enriching your own life.”