RSVP to host 1st volunteer fair

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Huron, Seneca and Wyandot Counties (RSVP) will be conducting its very first Volunteer Fair on Tuesday at the Allen Eiry Senior Center, 28 Hopewell Ave. From 10 a.m.-noon, members of the community are encouraged to attend the event and see some of the different volunteer opportunities within the area, said Ariel Nearhood, local RSVP Coordinator. The fair will have a dozen booths, from non-profit to government and education agencies, providing information on how adults 55 and older can volunteer throughout Huron, Seneca and Wyandot counties. The heart of RSVP is to make giving back simple, Nearhood said, emphasizing the volunteer booths will "be armed with information." When community members arrive at the Volunteer Fair, Nearhood said they can expect to be greeted by an RSVP member who will provide them with a folder of information regarding the booths in attendance. The folder will contain a "passport" that will have details about RSVP, door prizes, and an application to get started on volunteering if a person chooses to sign up—as participation in the fair is non-committal. There will be a large variety of booths — all partner agencies with RSVP — and community members may pick one or several that align with their passions, skills and availability, Nearhood said. "I'm excited to see who comes out to find out more about how to give back," she added. Vendors in attendance have the opportunity to come with a door prize. Individuals can enter to compete for door prizes by stopping at every booth to receive an initial on their "passport," Nearhood said. Then, the "passports" will be entered into a drawing and winners will be selected at the end of the fair. Individuals do not have to be present at the end of the fair to win. "Other than the free donuts," Nearhood explained that individuals can explore the Volunteer Fair "to get to know agencies on a personal level," and help individuals who rely on the services the volunteer booths are presenting. The fair is an event where people can ask questions and find out more information on volunteering, even if they don't want to join at that time, Nearhood added. You must be 55 or older to sign up for volunteer opportunities with RSVP, however, doors for the Volunteer Fair are open to all members of the public. Finding the best people for volunteer roles is important for RSVP to obtain committed, loyal individuals, Nearhood added. For more information regarding the upcoming Volunteer Fair or RSVP, contact Nearhood at anearhood@fcsohio.org or by calling 419-448-1530, or visit the RSVP Facebook page at RSVPSenecaHuronWyandot.