The 6th Annual Volunteer Network Center Volunteer Fair will bring together more than 50 non-profit organizations to a single location for potential volunteers to find a cause that fits them. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the new Las Cruces Civic Plaza in conjunction with the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market. The event is free to the public and is free to participating non-profit organizations.
“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own,” said Abraham Lincoln. The Las Cruces Community has a long history of giving back and supporting all of the wonderful non-profit work in the community. This fair is a wonderful opportunity for both a new resident to Las Cruces who has been thinking about getting involved, or a long-time resident who may not realize some of the newer organizations that are doing great work.
This year, The Network is also sponsoring a volunteer service initiative called “Inspire to Serve.” Area organizations involved with the Volunteer Fair are encouraged to submit a service project idea to the Network for the chance of receiving $250 in seed money supporting the project, sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Each project is to take place during National Volunteer Week, April 23-29. Project submissions are due to the Network Volunteer Center office by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 16.
In addition to more than 50 organizations present to talk about their activities and volunteer needs, there will be new attractions for families such as vehicles from the Las Cruces Fire and Police Departments, and a bike rodeo organized by Las Cruces Codes Enforcement. Last year, more than 500 people came out to connect with community organizations. All attendees get a punch card and as they visit with booths about potential volunteer opportunities, they earn a free custard cone from Caliche’s.
The Volunteer Fair is an event of the City of Las Cruces’ Network Volunteer Center in conjunction with a steering committee which includes: Big Brother/Big Sister Mountain Region, Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces, City of Las Cruces Codes Enforcement, El Caldito, JustServe, La Casa, Inc., Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity, and Roadrunner Food Bank.
For more information about the event or to participate as a non-profit, contact Ryan Steinmetz at rsteinmetz@las-cruces.org or 575-528-3035