Naperville fair promotes volunteer roles for teens

Naperville teens who need service hours for an honor society, religious development program or high school graduation requirement can find plenty of opportunities to get started at an annual volunteer fair targeted at youths and their families.

Of course, those who are just plain driven to give back — without working to hit a number of required hours — are welcome to attend too, say organizers of the 11th annual KidsMatter Youth Volunteer Fair, scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

The event allows teens and their families to browse booths, chat with charity representatives and gather materials from more than 25 nonprofit organizations in the Naperville area that work on causes such as hunger, cancer research, historical preservation and providing services for people with autism or developmental disabilities, said Bridget Hatch, marketing and event manager for KidsMatter.

“They get a much more robust feel for the organization and they’ll have a better idea if it’s a fit for them,” after attending the volunteer fair as opposed to simply browsing online, Hatch said.

Most participating organizations are based in Naperville, but nonprofits from Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn and Westmont also will be represented.

“I’m astonished at how many kids want to be community contributors in the Naperville area,” Hatch said.

Despite rigorous academic schedules, sports and other extracurricular activities,“they still find time to serve in our community, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, work with animals,” she said.

The volunteer fair is free and parents are encouraged to attend with their children, as Hatch said families who volunteer together often produce kids who continue giving back as they progress through college and beyond.

For details, visit kidsmatter2us.org or call (630) 995-0275.