This Saturday, JC will be hosting the First Annual Youth Volunteer Expo.

The free expo is being held in the upper gym this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is “designed to inform the community about volunteer opportunities available throughout Harford County,” according to Harford County Department of Community Services employee Jennifer Davis.

Outreach Director Tony Martin, who arranged the event at JC, said, “Last year I found out about a service expo from Jen Davis in Harford County.  We had always done smaller versions set up in the hallway, but I figured this would be a little bit more of a grandiose set up presented to the student body.”

Over 30 local organizations including Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County, Harford Habitat for Humanity, and March of Dimes will participate in the expo to offer both one time and recurring volunteer opportunities to people of all ages in Harford County.

Senior Dan Ruck, who isn’t planning on attending the expo because his service requirement is complete “thinks it’s a good idea.  Freshman year, when I found out I had to do 60 service hours, I didn’t know what to do.  You have to find something you’re interested in.”

Freshman Madison Meyer is considering attending. Meyer said, “Kids need to find something they can connect with.”

In addition, Martin is also trying to make the requirement of high school service easier for the student body.

“We revamped the website with service links making it user-friendly, updates in the daily bulletin and in the parent e-update on a weekly basis. Outside the outreach office, there are things on our bulletin boards plus books and pamphlets,” Martin said.  “There are literally hundreds of opportunities—it’s just a matter if the student is seeking the sources to get that information.”

As for now, the annual part remains a question.  “It’s the first time adventure, so it remains to be seen, but I’m hoping that if we get enough of a turnout, they’ll be willing to come back in the future,” Martin said.

For any questions, call the Department of Community Services’ Volunteer Harford at 410-638-4444 or email [email protected].  For more information, visit www.volunteerharford.org.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at [email protected].