The Kidsmatter Youth and Family Volunteer Fair brought out hundreds of potential volunteers to the Naperville Municipal Center.
Youths from elementary school through college came out to have a look at the different volunteer opportunities available in the area.
“We really wanted to check it out and see what was happening because it’s a really good opportunity for us to sign up for new and different things,” said Ella King, an 11-year old volunteer who was there with her mother Keri. “And it’s also a great way for us to meet new people and join other communities as well.”
Thirty-three different nonprofits set up booths to talk about the opportunities their organizations provide. Places like the Morton Arboretum and Naper Settlement were joined by new groups like Powerminds – a free tutoring service created by Neuqua Valley High School students.
“Tonight [we’re] just getting the word out, but also getting a lot of volunteers because right now we’re a bit short on volunteers – we could use more of those,” said Arnav Bedi, Powerminds founder and a junior at Neuqua. “And also students, if they need help with tutoring, they can sign up.”
The fair even got a visit from Mayor Steve Chirico, who stopped by to say how happy he was to see the spirit of volunteerism in Naperville’s youth.
Kidsmatter CEO Kamala Martinez estimated 350-400 volunteers came through the fair.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
