Groups in need of volunteers, or those looking for ways to help out around town, will have an opportunity to learn more about both in the coming days.
Thrive Allen County, in collaboration with K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Sampler Foundation, is hosting a series of meetings this spring to help you “find your fit.”
The next get-together runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Moran Senior Center, 407 N. Cedar St. Subsequent meetings will be April 25 at the Humboldt Public Library and May 17 at the Savonburg Community Building.
On top of a free meal and child care, organizers will hand out eight $25 gift cards to Pump N’ Pete’s at each event.
“People can come to any any of them,” explained Marcia Davis, Thrive’s director of community engagement. “You don’t have to live in Humboldt to attend that meeting. If you can’t make it to one, you can go to another.”
The meetings will serve two purposes. 
First, attendees will learn of opportunities to lend their time and talent. Likewise, organizations in need of assistance can use the meetings as a networking opportunity, added Daniel Carroll, Thrive’s communications director.
“Many hands make light work,” Carroll said, “even if it’s only an hour a month. It just takes a little bit of planning ahead.”
A Link Tree database, used both by volunteers and organizations, is being set up to help learn of volunteer opportunities in the future.
Organizations interested in being a part of the discussion are urged to contact Davis at (620) 365-8128.
The 90-minute meetings will include short exercises to help pinpoint skills and interests volunteers may be unaware they possess, Davis said.
Additionally, attendees are welcome to advocate for causes or projects they’re passionate about, Carroll said.
Folks can pre-register by calling Davis at Thrive, which has hosted similar events.
A grant from NetWork Kansas Community Solutions is allowing organizers to sweeten the pot with the free meals, babysitting and gift cards, Davis noted.
