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Gain experience, give back by volunteering Date published: 4/3/2009
BY EDIE GROSS
Volunteers in the Fredericksburg area donated nearly $1.2 million in time to worthy causes associated with the Rappahannock United Way last year. But the agencies that rely on those folks aren't the only beneficiaries. The volunteers benefit, too. That's the message organizers of the 2009 Volunteer Job Fair are touting as they gear up for Monday evening's event at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. Volunteering is a great way to help your community and gain valuable job skills, said Jason Pope, volunteer and education coordinator at the museum. "We're making the case that in a tough labor market, people really need the best resumes and experience, and volunteering is a way to get that," said Pope, who hopes to make the fair an annual event. At least 20 agencies that can put volunteers to work in the fields of education, environment, health and human services, and the arts will be on hand. Admission to the museum is free during the event, which is co-sponsored by the United Way, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Jonah's Run Alternative School and Central Rappahannock Heritage Center. Not sure volunteering's for you? Meet some of the folks in our community who thrive on it. CHARLIE COLUMBIA, Charlie Columbia's hands are rarely at rest. When the morning rush dies down at the Micah Ecumenical Ministries hospitality center on Princess Anne Street, he restocks the kitchen, scrubs the bathrooms and mops the floors. When he's not volunteering at the nonprofit center that serves Fredericksburg's homeless population, he's passing out his resume, seeking jobs in construction or cooking. Columbia, 39, used to build docks on Lake Anna, but he lost his job in 2007 as the economy soured. Then he lost his home. He spent some time at the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter before moving on to hotels. Sometimes, he camps out. In January, he heard about the Giving Back program, which encourages the homeless to volunteer at Micah's hospitality center in exchange for rewards like bus passes or laundry privileges. Volunteers like Columbia have donated an average of 300 hours a month to Micah, said Sarah Bush, its church and community liaison. They also perform community service, like picking up trash. Columbia contributes 12 to 15 hours each week at the church-supported center, where clients can use computers, grab breakfast, shower or pick out clean clothes.
Read more stories about Fredericksburg Date published: 4/3/2009
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