Saluda hosts first volunteer fair on Sept. 22

Press release from Saluda Lifestyles:

Are you interested in volunteering but not sure what’s the right organization for your skills?

The first ever Saluda Volunteer Fair is the perfect opportunity to talk with representatives from several community organizations about their volunteer needs. The Volunteer Fair will be held 3-5 pm, Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street. The purpose of the fair is to allow potential volunteers the opportunity to learn about different community organizations in a casual environment to find the best fit for their interests and skills.

At least 15 organizations and groups will be seeking volunteers for a variety of positions with a wide range of time requirements. Some volunteers are needed once a year for an event and other volunteers are needed for weekly or monthly tasks. The jobs range from being an event greeter to maintaining trails to publicity and marketing.

“We are ALWAYS accepting new volunteers,” said Olivia Dannemiller, community engagement manager for Conserving Carolina. “Our work is never ending. We will always have new trails, new lands and new projects,”

Conserving Carolina is looking for volunteers for trail crews, habitat restoration and office work. Other organizations seeking volunteers for outside jobs are the Saluda Community Land Trust and MountainTrue.

Do you enjoy working with children? Saluda Elementary School and the Saluda Sister City program need volunteers working with children.

Judy Thompson, who oversees the Saluda Sister City program, said, “We need folks to run errands, design media, work with the elementary children on projects … and more!”

Or if your focus is on community events, both the Saluda Arts Festival, Saluda Tailgate Market, and Top of the Grade Concert Series need volunteers to help with greeting and set up.

If you want to help people, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, Blue Ridge Literacy Council, Saluda Living in Place, and The Medical Loan Closet of Henderson County offer a range of opportunities.

Lynn Cass, board member for Saluda Living in Place, said, “Our goal is to help our friends and neighbors stay in their own homes as they age. Saluda has an aging population, and we are always looking for kind and caring volunteers who can drive our neighbors to appointments and social activities, to make friendly visits to our neighbors in their homes, and to help with safety improvements to homes that need them.”

“Interested in learning about the history of Saluda and meeting people from all over the world? Then volunteering 2-4 hours a month as a docent at the Saluda Historic Depot and Museum might be the perfect chance for you,” says Cathy Jackson.

Each organization at the fair will have a representative staffing a table with information about their mission and accomplishments and volunteer positions that need filling.

Some or the organizations participating are Saluda Historic Depot and Museum, Saluda Arts Festival, Sister City, Saluda Elementary School, MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina, Saluda Community Land Trust, Blue Ridge Literacy Council, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, Saluda Tailgate Market, Top of the Grade Concert Series, Saluda Community Table, Saluda Living in Place, The Medical Loan Closet of Henderson County and Saluda Popup Pantry.

Saluda businesses are providing more than 20 different door prizes to be given away during the Volunteer Fair. The Wildflour Bakery and the Purple Onion will provide refreshments.

The Volunteer Fair is sponsored by the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization that engages in activities supportive of Saluda’s downtown area that serve the function of education, cultural development and exchange, historic preservation, development and support of the arts, conservation, beautification on behalf of Saluda residents.

For more information please contact Lynn Casey at 828-772-1504 or caseysaluda@gmail.com.