Community members attend a Volunteer Fair at the Saratoga Springs Public Library to get connected with local organizations. (Emma Ralls – Medianews Group)full article posted by Saratogian: By Emma Ralls | [email protected] | [email protected]
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — More than 20 organizations gathered at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Monday to take part in a volunteer fair, hoping to get the word out about the needs and interact with community members who may be a good fit.
“We do see a need for volunteering in our community — people want to come out and make connections, and volunteering is sometimes the best way to do it. You’re also giving back to the community, while also hopefully making some friendships,” Adult Service Librarian Katie Ranno noted. “We’re a community space, a community hub first, and this is just stretching out to community partners.
“Some of these groups we do programming with as well, so it’s just capitalizing on those connections that we have and showing the community that there are other organizations they can go and to give back to.”
“We like to be a community convener and try to bring the community together. I think inviting all these organizations seemed like a great way to do that,” Adult Services Librarian Rebecca Robinson added. “A lot of people seem to like to get out in the nice weather and do some volunteering, so hopefully we’ll have people who are interested in finding new opportunities, and then that can carry throughout the whole year.”
One of the organizations in attendance was the Franklin Community Center, which shared that it was looking for a wide variety of volunteers who assist in many different aspects, such as regular volunteers at the food pantry and the free store, as well as other programs like Student Services and Franklin Community Manor.
The nonprofit is also looking for high schoolers for their after-school program Project Lift.
Julianna Luciano, the Volunteer and Events Coordinator of the Community Center, shared that in the short time she has been a part of the organization it has really shown her how big of an impact it has and how the efforts of volunteers really go a long way.
“I’ve lived in Saratoga my whole life, so I’ve always known what Franklin was, but it’s exciting to be able to dive in and be on the other side of it now and see all the great work that they do. To take it even further,” Luciano said. “No matter your level of commitment or your time, whatever you can fit into your schedule, we can fit into your schedule.
Other organizations at the fair looking for volunteers included: The American Red Cross Eastern NY Region; Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties; Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library; Healing Springs Outreach and Recovery Center; Hop on Home Rabbit Sanctuary; League of Women Voters of Saratoga County; National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame; Pitney Meadow Community Farm; Saratoga Automobile Museum; Saratoga County Children’s Committee; Saratoga Pride; Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs; Saratoga Springs Lions Club; Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center; Saratoga Children’s Literacy League; Soroptimists of Saratoga; Veterans and Community Housing Coalition and Wilton Wildlife Preserve.
A list of these organizations and other volunteer opportunities can be accessed through the Saratoga Springs Public Library website.
“I hope people find an organization that they’re excited to get involved with. The more folks are involved, the better, and hopefully, with the variety here, they can find something that works for them,” Robinson stated.
“I think we have a big, vibrant community that loves to give back, and the outreach that we saw with this event and the participation from local organizations shows that hopefully, people can see that there’s a lot of ways to give back,” Ranno added.
