Topeka Fair Connects 50+ Groups With Eager Volunteers

Finding the right place to volunteer just got a whole lot easier in Topeka, Kansas.

United Way of Kaw Valley brought together more than 50 nonprofits and organizations Thursday at Fairlawn Plaza for a volunteer fair designed to match helping hands with opportunities. Anyone interested in giving back could drop in, browse tables, and chat with agencies actively looking for support.

"Volunteers are the power of our nonprofits," said Jessica Lehnherr, CEO of United Way of Kaw Valley. Most nonprofits operate with small staff, making volunteers essential to expanding their reach and impact.

The best part? The fair emphasized that volunteering is for everyone. Age doesn't matter, and neither do specific skills or abilities.

The Ripple Effect

The event tackled a common challenge for both sides of the volunteering equation. Many people want to help their community but don't know where to start. Meanwhile, nonprofits struggle to connect with potential volunteers who could transform their programs.

By bringing dozens of organizations under one roof, the fair eliminated the guesswork. Attendees could explore options ranging from food banks to youth mentoring, animal shelters to environmental groups, all in one visit.

The impact extends beyond the fair itself. Organizations at the event also post ongoing opportunities at KawValleyVolunteers.org, creating a year-round resource for people ready to contribute their time and talents.

Small nonprofits especially depend on volunteers to serve their communities effectively. Every person who signs up multiplies what these organizations can accomplish, whether that means feeding more families, tutoring more students, or caring for more animals.

The Topeka event represents a growing recognition that connecting volunteers with opportunities requires intentional effort, and the payoff benefits everyone involved.