Charles City community groups seek new members at Volunteer Fair

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

People looking for opportunities to give back to the community had plenty of options to choose from at the Charles City Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 12.

Organized by the Charles City Tourism Committee, 18 organizations set up at the public library to provide information to potential volunteers about who they are and what they need.

“I think it’s turning out pretty well,” said Kayona Flowers, a volunteer for Charles City Whitewater.

The group responsible for organizing Charles City’s competitive river events is in need for volunteers for a score of duties, from people to help set up the courses to safety divers to race watchers.

“There’s something for everybody,” said Flowers.

There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities in the area. Tour guides are in demand at the Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home, PAWS Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers to take care of dogs and cats, Girl Scouts seeks troop leaders, Foster Grandparents are wanted and many more options are available as area organizations seek out new helping hands.

“COVID kind of did us in for volunteers,” said Katie Ketelsen, activity director at 11th St. Chautauqua, which is seeking new people to help bring activities and entertainment to the residents.

The two-hour event saw a steady stream of people coming through to learn about volunteer opportunities and when things slowed down the presenting volunteers spent some of their time browsing other tables for more community options.

“I’m pleased with the turnout,” said Tourism Coordinator Ginger Williams. “We look forward to doing another one in the future.”