Teens can learn about volunteering at fair

From building houses to grooming horses, area organizations are looking for teenagers to lend a helping hand.

KidsMatter's fifth annual Youth Volunteer Fair will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle, to display the range of available volunteer opportunities.

"I think it's critical that our young people realize even at a young age they can impact other people's lives and can make a difference," said IdaLynn Wenhold, KidsMatter executive director. "And by serving they are actually benefiting themselves because they share ideas, knowledge and creativity and can experience firsthand the service of others. It's a win-win."

The fair is for students in grades six to 12 and their parents. Thirty-one organizations will be on hand to provide information about the service opportunities they have available.

Last year, more than 700 students attended.

Wenhold said the students who volunteer are often able to enjoy their own interests at the same time.

For example, one of the popular groups to volunteer with is Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities in Winfield, a group that offers children and adults with special needs the opportunity to ride horses.

Volunteers with the group groom horses, help with their equipment and walk alongside people riding.

Having teenage volunteers gives the younger riders someone to relate to, said program director Nancy Winkelman.

"Our program covers a pretty broad population of individuals that use our services and many times they find they're working with individuals in their own age group, their own peers," Winkelman said. "And it's great that these kids are able to interact with the rider, just one-on-one as just another kid."

Other groups at the fair include Naper Settlement, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity, Naperville Public Library, St. Patrick's Residence, Loaves and Fishes, CoACH Care Center, Senior Home Sharing and the DuPage Children's Museum.

This year's volunteer fair is partially funded by a grant from the Naperville Rotary Club.

Students who attend will receive a resource booklet detailing all of the organizations, the opportunities they have for volunteers and the person to contact at each group.

"The bottom line of service is fun," Wenhold said. "Helping other people is really a blast. When they recognize they are making a positive difference in other people's lives, it encourages them to continue the pattern in their younger years but also as adults."

If you go

What: KidsMatter Youth Volunteer Fair

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Info: (630) 527-6562