Viva Volunteers! is a volunteer fair presented by Kirkland Senior Council from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Peter Kirk Community Center. We invite people of all ages to join us to learn about volunteer opportunities in Kirkland and throughout the region. It is a great way to give back to your community, find a family bonding project, meet new friends or discover opportunities to complete service projects.

Many people think about volunteering. They understand that real, meaningful connection can be made when they give back to their community. But it is not always easy to find opportunities that fit specific interests and time schedules. That’s why this volunteer fair is the perfect opportunity to match skills and interest and connect with groups that need your help. More than 20 organizations will be on hand to talk about their programs and help you find that perfect connection to enrich your life. Choose from pet care, health care, home building, emergency preparedness, food banks, parks and community events. There are ways for adults, teens and children to interact and become a valuable resource for others.

They say you get more from volunteering than you give. It’s an opportunity to feel good about helping, make a difference in the day-to- day life of others, participate in an experience that will help develop skills and even learn about careers.

The event is sponsored by the Kirkland Senior Council, an advisory council to the Kirkland City Council, working on and advocating for issues that are important for the well-being of seniors in our community. Our members were hearing from many retirees who were looking to find meaningful ways to use their skills and feel valued. Four years ago we created Viva Volunteers! as a way to make the connections they were longing for. The reception was amazing so we expanded to include opportunities for young adults, families and school service projects.

Please join us at Viva Volunteers! on Oct. 15 at the Peter Kirk Community Center (PKCC) at 352 Kirkland Ave. Free parking will be available both to the east and west of PKCC. Enjoy snacks, coffee and door prizes in addition to valuable information about volunteering. As Mahatma Gandhi reminds us: The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

The Kirkland Senior Council