The History Museum on the Square will bring together more than two dozen nonprofit and community organizations for its Third Annual Service Fair on the Square from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 5 in downtown Springfield, offering residents opportunities to volunteer, donate and learn about local causes.
The free event is open to all ages and is designed to connect community members with organizations serving southwest Missouri, according to a community announcement. Museum leaders said in the announcement that the fair supports the institution's broader effort to strengthen community engagement and encourage civic involvement.
Attendees can explore volunteer opportunities and learn about organizations focused on areas ranging from youth mentoring and education
to environmental advocacy, arts and social services. Organizers said that the event is intended for students seeking service hours, families interested in community involvement and adults looking for volunteer opportunities.
“Volunteering is an essential part of nonprofit work,” Alyssa Cartier, Visitor Experience & Engagement manager, said in the announcement. “The Service Fair on the Square is a great way to support the cycle of pairing the skills and interests of community members to organizations that support our community in turn.”
Local organizations to participate
Participating organizations include Big Brothers Big Sisters, CASA of Southwest MO, Celebrate Springfield, Champion Athletes, the Discovery Center of Springfield, the Drew Lewis Foundation, Eden Village, the GLO Center, Grace United Methodist Church, HOPE Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the Historic Gillioz Theater, the Humane Society of Southwest MO, Integrity Home Care & Hospice, the International Institute of Southwest MO, Isabel’s House, Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation, Ozarks Food Harvest, Paws to the Polls, Springfield Sculpture Walk, Senior Age, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 5-2, the Victim Center, Visit Springfield, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, the Youth Volunteer Corps and the History Museum on the Square.
Organizers said that the event provides a place for participants to learn about local needs while connecting directly with agencies and charitable groups.
“The Service Fair is one of our favorite ways to bring our community together here on the Square," Al Thompson, interim education manager, said in the announcement. “Not only do we want to help attendees find meaningful volunteering opportunities, but we also love the chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by all of the organizations in our community.”
How to learn more
No registration is required to attend the event.
Additional information is available through the History Museum on the Square website at historymuseumonthesquare.org.
Questions may be directed to the museum's education team at edu@historymuseumonthesquare.org.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield service fair aims to connect residents with nonprofits
