KidsMatter’s 23rd annual Volunteer Fair connects community

Longstanding event showcases ways to give back, helps groups fill needed roles

Community members interested in volunteer positions — and community organizations in search of volunteers to fill needed roles — can make connections and share opportunities during KidsMatter’s 23rd annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The event — scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. at Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville — is an easy way for youth, families, adults and seniors to find volunteer positions that fit with their passions, responsibilities and schedules.

During the fair, attendees can visit booths from more than 25 local organizations in need of volunteers, including groups that work in the areas of education, environmental sustainability, disability services, food and nutrition needs, health, history, housing, literacy, senior services, youth support and more.

The annual Volunteer Fair is one of KidsMatter’s signature events, always offered free to the community. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, KidsMatter is Naperville’s proactive youth services organization and always has functioned as a community connector, bridging gaps between youth and families — and the community resources that serve them.

The Volunteer Fair focuses on service and benefits both volunteers eager to help and community groups or nonprofits in need.

The Forest Preserve of Will County has attended the Volunteer Fair at least a dozen times. Emily Kenny, volunteer services supervisor, says it’s always resulted in interest from youth and families — people who often choose to visit the district’s preserves, trails, facilities and events after connecting at the fair.

“It’s great to see a diverse population wanting to help their community and spread kindness,” Kenny said. “If people are excited to be outdoors, we usually have a match for them.”

The Morton Arboretum is another longtime exhibitor, participating in the Volunteer Fair for more than a decade. Laura Kamedulski, youth & family programs specialist, said the Arboretum sent two young volunteers to last year’s event to share details of the nonprofit’s Youth Volunteer Program and how participants make a difference.

“The Volunteer Fair has connected The Morton Arboretum with many young people who value service to their communities and have joined our Youth Volunteer Program,” Kamedulski said. “We have a multi-year program and appreciate getting to know the young people as they develop their skills over the years. Many times, this connection started at the Volunteer Fair. We find our youth volunteers and their families form a deeper affinity with the Arboretum as they move forward in their lives.”

KidsMatter is grateful for the support of the Naperville Park District and for funding from the city’s social services grant, among other key partners.

Naperville-area nonprofits interested in exhibiting at the Volunteer Fair can contact Sherilyn Hebel at sherilyn@kidsmatter2us.org for details.

For details about the Volunteer Fair, visit kidsmatter2us.org/volunteerfair/. To learn more about KidsMatter, visit kidsmatter2us.org.

About KidsMatter:

Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth-oriented human services organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities.

Established in 2001, and now celebrating its 25th year, KidsMatter empowers kids to realize their purpose, know their value, and discover their pathway through programs addressing youth mental health, leadership development and career exploration. A leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnerships to help young people build developmental assets, including positive values, healthy relationships and self-esteem.

KidsMatter has been highlighted by NBC 5 Chicago’s Making a Difference in 2024 for providing Youth Mental Health First Aid courses and by CBS News Chicago in 2023 for the Kindness Counts Campaign. With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start — and an extensive network of parents, educators and resources — KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stresses of everyday life.