SCRANTON -- Job fairs are common at colleges and universities, but on Tuesday the University of Scranton hosted a different kind of fair: a volunteer fair.
It's rare that non-profits and service organizations have the volunteers come to them.
"This is my first time attending the event at the University, normally I'm doing outreach and kind of just snagging people from the community," said Angel Atell of United Neighborhood Centers.
Reps from more than 60 other organizations also came to the University of Scranton's annual "Volunteer Fair."
It's like a job fair, but students came looking for volunteer opportunities. More and more programs at the University of Scranton require volunteer hours.
"I wanted to start my volunteer hours early as a freshman, so I just wanted to look around to see what could fit," said Sarah Mensah of Clarks Summit.
Other students weren't required to be there for a class but wanted to get to know the community they will call home for the next few years.
"Throughout high school, service was always important to me, so I wanted to try and get involved in the new Scranton community and see what different service opportunities there are," said Danielle Saranchak, a freshman from New Jersey.
Many of the volunteer organizations that participated will take their displays on the road to similar fairs like this one at several colleges across our area.
The volunteer recruiters say they are happy to draw from the pool of young people who populate our area colleges and universities. The benefits go both ways.
"They get to see beyond the university. They get to see the community that they are actually, kind of, becoming a part of and may want to consider being a part of on a regular basis," Atell added.
"Hopefully a percentage of these students will make this place their home in the future, so why not make it as appealing and engaging as humanly possible?" said Conor O'Brien of Scranton Fringe Festival.
Whether or not these students choose to stay in northeastern Pennsylvania, fairs such as these can help give their next four years a little more purpose.
