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In just two weeks, Heart of Maine United Way will host its first-ever Greater Bangor Volunteer Fair.

If you've been looking for meaningful ways to spend extra time or give back to the community, you may want to check this out.

On Friday, October 9th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Heart of Maine United Way hub located at 700 Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor (right across the street from the Bangor Humane Society), representatives from dozens of Maine non-profits will be on hand to tell you a little about what they do and see how your skills might benefit their organization.

There will be pizza for those who want to grab a bite while they gather some information. There will also be door prizes, and for those who register in advance, a chance to win some cool things, too.

Brittany Gleixner-Hayat, from Volunteer Maine, will be giving a special presentation all about volunteer engagement and supporting nonprofit volunteer managers and coordinators.

It's totally free to attend, says Renee Doble of The Heart of Maine United Way.

"This free event will feature representatives from nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Bangor area who will be available to discuss volunteer opportunities, answer questions, and help attendees find volunteer roles that match their interests, skills, and availability."

"Volunteers are the heart of every thriving community. Our region is fortunate to have so many nonprofit organizations doing incredible work every day. This Volunteer Fair is an opportunity to help people discover causes they care about, connect with organizations that need support, and learn how even a small amount of time can make a
big difference."

Doble says they are hoping for volunteers of all ages, and that the event is also open to businesses and civic groups as well. So whether you're an empty-nester with a little extra time on your hands, a retiree with a wealth of knowledge to pass along, or even a local high school key club member or scouting organization, this Volunteer Fair is a great place to find a way to make a positive difference in your community.

"Volunteering benefits everyone involved," said Doble. "Organizations gain valuable support, communities become stronger, and volunteers often discover new friendships, new skills, and a deeper connection to the place they call home."