Two Local Initiatives, One Community Goal

CONNECTING VOLUNTEERS WITH MITCHELL COUNTY NONPROFITS

Two local organizations are coming together around a shared goal: helping Mitchell County nonprofits connect with the volunteers they need to thrive.

The Leadership Mitchell County Class XXV is hosting a Volunteer Fair on Thursday, March 26, from 4-6 pm at Fort Hays Tech North Central, bringing together nonprofit organizations and community members for an evening focused on service and connection.

At the same time, the Solomon Valley Community Foundation has launched MC Volunteers, a new online database designed to make it easier for residents to discover volunteer opportunities across Mitchell County.

Together, the initiatives address one of the most common challenges nonprofits face.

"Through years of nonprofit roundtables and conversations with local organizations, we consistently hear that finding volunteers is one of the biggest needs across our community," said Julia Rabe, Executive Director of SVCF. "MC Volunteers was created as a simple way to connect people who want to help with organizations that need the support."

The Leadership Mitchell County Volunteer Fair complements that effort by creating opportunities for those connections to happen face-to-face.

The event will bring together nonprofits from across the county to share information about their missions, programs, and volunteer opportunities. Community members are encouraged to attend, meet local organizations, and learn how they can get involved.

The idea for the Volunteer Fair grew out of a brainstorming session among the LMC class as they discussed challenges facing local organizations. During that conversation, class member Zach Meier raised the issue of volunteer shortages affecting many nonprofits across Mitchell County. From there, the concept began to take shape.

"The goal is to help connect the dots," LMC Class member Faron Nelson explained. "Many organizations are doing important work across our region, and many people want to help. This event simply brings those groups together."

The Volunteer Fair will also provide an opportunity for high school students needing community service hours. Students who attend will receive one hour of service credit and can explore opportunities to complete additional hours through local organizations.

While the Volunteer Fair provides a one-day opportunity to meet organizations face-to-face, the MC Volunteers database ensures those opportunities remain accessible year-round.

"This is really about making it easier for people to get involved," Rabe said. "Mitchell County has an incredible network of nonprofits and community organizations. When people connect with those opportunities, everyone benefits."

Plan to attend the Volunteer Fair, grab dinner from Fort Hays NC Tech Cafeteria from 5-6 pm, and get your first snowcone of the season with Ice Bros Shaved Ice!

For more information about the in-person event, contact LMC Class member Abi Hager at abihager@fitforeverything.org or by phone at (785) 410-8536.

For more information about the MC Volunteers program or to browse opportunities, visit https://www.solomonvalleycf.org/mc-volunteers